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Page 12

The summer term has ended and we can look back on a fantastic year in school.

I am delighted to say that we managed to hold our Annual Sport’s Day on the planned day without rain stopping play! It was good to see so many parents and friends supporting this event.

In response to a parent survey I was pleased to provide demonstration lessons in the key areas of Literacy and Numeracy. These were well supported by parents all of whom asked for more! We value these opportunities to help our parents to support their child’s learning and hope to do more in the future.

The ‘Links’ pilot in school has come to an end but it was such a success we intend to continue this next term. This is another opportunity for parents to come in to school and work alongside their children.

The Year Six pupils have completed their preparations for High School and are looking forward to new

experiences in September. We wish them luck and send them with our good wishes for the future. We have also been pleased to welcome all the new children who are joining us in September.

The last week of term was a highlight for us. The children performed ‘Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ to packed houses. The cast were magnificent! Children also shared their thoughts about the school year and Years five and six sang to us in French!

During the final assembly Year six shared their experiences of school with all the children and it was an emotional time for all as they took their leave of us.

The Annual Prize Giving concluded a very busy last week. The prize winners were as follows:

Parish Project: 1st Cristina Fonken, 2nd Victoria Lavender, 3rd Holly Day

Jubilee prize for English: Karrianne Myhill

Callaby Cup for a person who takes up a Sporting Challenge: Lucy Hogan

Reading progress: Meghan Smith

Jack Askew Memorial Shield for Mathematics: Rebekah Ireland

Effort: Class 1: Georgina Shorthose, Class 2: Jack Rae, Class 3: Alys Ward, Class 4: Victoria Lavender

Progress: Class 1: Jack Anderson, Class 2: Liam Bunten, Class 3: James Randell, Class 4: Nathan Roberts

Friendliness: Class 1: Grace Tackett, Class 2: Bethany Davies, Class 3: Liam Stubbins, Class 4: Callum Peate

Prize for a Caring Attitiude: Daryl Willis Sprules

Parker Prize for Citizenship: Karrianne Myhill

Headteacher’s Award:

Class 1: Emma Ashley, Class 2: Emily Young, Class 3: Joseph Whiting, Class 4 :Sally Goodrham

I would like to express my thanks to all who donated the prizes and to all members of the community who have supported the school during the last academic year.

Marion Dawe

Issue: August 2005 Copy date for the next issue is;

23rd August 2005 copy@northwold.net Tel. 01366 728233

Spartacus Of Reeches For everyone who followed our success in our first year of showing in 2003 with our heifer Janice of Reeches, who became Supreme Champion at the Gt. Yorkshire Show, the East of England Show and the Edenbridge (Kent) show we thought you might like an up-date on the success this year of her baby brother Spartacus of Reeches. Spartacus is now 18 months old and has been a favourite this year on the Show Circuit. We started at Leicester with him becoming Male Champion. At the East of England Show he again collected the Red rosette for male champion. On our first ever visit to the Suffolk Show Spartacus not only took the Supreme Highland Championship, he went on to become Reserve Champion in the Interbreed section – losing out only to

Spartacus and Jim Picture by Adrian Jenkinson the Shadwell Park Aberdeen Angus Bull, a massive 4year old animal who is about twice the size of Spartacus. This was a real feather in the cap for all the Highland breeders. As one of the physically smaller breeds, which is

slower to mature, we usually have to be content with being a long way down the line in this event. On our home ground at the Royal Norfolk Show Spartacus again reigned Supreme and looked very proud in his Blue and Gold sash. We took his 2 older sisters Janice 4th and Janice 5th with us and we entered them into the ‘ Triple’ event. This is for a group of 3 animals bred and owned by the same exhibitor. We were again delighted to win this. Highlanders are always a crowd favourite at Shows. Their impressive heads, spectacular horns and long hairy coats making them very photographic. This, together with their ( usually ) docile nature seems to appeal to everyone. Spartacus is the son of the Big White Bull – Spartacus of Craycombe, who can usually be seen protecting the cows and heifers in his care at the

fields down Inghams Lane. Later this year we will have to sell him as we n o w h a v e several of his daughters in our breeding Fold. There is a new bull ‘waiting in the wings’ to take over next year. His name is Cymbull and it w i l l b e interesting to

see how his offspring turn out. Also down on the meadow is a small bull calf who is the son of our prize winning Janice and Spartacus and we are now watching to see if he could become our Show Champion for 2006. Jim and Brenda

Spartacus Sparkles From Chris Darlow Following the disaster in London . . . East Anglian Ambulance Service have launched a national "In case of Emergency ( ICE ) " campaign with the support of Falklands war hero Simon Weston. The idea is that you store the word " I C E " in your mobile phone address book, and against it enter the number of the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of Emergency". In an emergency situation ambulance and hospital staff will then be able to quickly find out who your next of kin are and be able to contact them. It's so simple that everyone can do it. Please do. Please will you also email this to everybody in your address book, it won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. For more than one contact name ICE1, ICE2, ICE3 etc.

Forthcoming Athletic Event ? On August Bank Holiday Monday Northwold Cricket Club are staging a cricket match in memory of the late Ian McDowell played for a trophy to be known as The Ian McDowell Memorial Trophy . The match is between the Cricket Club and The Chairman’s Select XII some of whom are not so young as they were. Start at 1. pm.

Spartacus In Case of Emergency

cover

Editorial Northwold WI

2

Northwold News News from Borneo

3

Northwold Playground Project

4

Rita’s Ramblings 5 Our Past According to POG

6

River Watch 7 Neighbourhood Watch 8 Keith MacLeod Church Diary

9

Peace with France has finally come

10

Three Score and Ten 11 Norman School 12

Inside this issue:

Page 2

The Village Life Team

Editor Michael Parfitt

copy@northwold.net Tel. 728233

Deputy Editor Graeme Whiting

Copy@northwold.net Tel 727425

Advertising ads@northwold.net

Circulation Manager Mark Elwes

circulation@northwold.net Tel. 728795

Committee

Chair Carol Sharp Tel. 728227

Secretary Position vacant

Treasurer Geoff Bartram

Tel. 728673

The views expressed in submitted items are not necessarily endorsed by Northwold & Whittington Village Life. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that all information contained in the newsletter is correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. The Editor reserves the right to refuse or omit items without explanation.

Derek Johnson PROPERTY & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Interior & exterior painting, wood or UPVC facia boards Guttering repaired, cleaned, replaced

Roofing repairs, damaged tiles replaced Chimney pots & cowlings fitted

Chimney stacks and general re-pointing Blocked drains & sinks cleared General plumbing & drainage

Roof, patio & driveway pressure washing Trees & conifers trimmed or removed

Hedges, bushes and ivy trimmed Fencing & decking, landscape maintenance

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Northwold W I Northwold W I have been blessed with glorious weather for both our recent meetings. After a cold wet day the sun came out in time for our members to enjoy an evening in the garden at Clearmont House, near Watton for our June meeting and last week our July meeting was held in the garden of Pauline and Ken Cundy. We were joined by friends from Stoke Ferry for an evening of fine food, brain teasing quizzes and dingbats and good company on a balmy summer evening. We were delighted with our float for the carnival and received many positive comments on it. Our members in their “Posh Hats and Pearls” looked very impressive and Frank, our driver again entered into the spirit of things by becoming our cameraman for the day. Our next meeting in August will be back in the village hall with a talk by Mr D. Boulton on Broad land illustrated and enhanced with music and slides. This should be a very relaxing evening. Brenda

St Andrew’s Church Advance Notice A Concert by the Phoenix Singers on Saturday 17th September. 7pm for 7.30pm. Wine and Canapes

“As you know we have just had the Carnival, so we have been very busy doing lots of craft with the children to decorate the float with. As anyone knows who has ever entered a float there is always a lot of hard work, time and effort put in, but for us it paid off as we came 1st in our category, which was wonderful. So a big thanks to all the mums and dads who helped out during this busy period. Also our Thanks to Bryan Cater for the use of his lorry and all the little bits they help out with behind the scenes.” Sorry about that ,It was an omission in the typing

Editorial First an apology to Theresa at Tots and Co for their article on the front of our last issue. Apparently a very important paragraph was missed from the item which I have reproduced below in full.

On page 8 of this issue I have printed an article by Dr Ian Nisbet from the Feltwell Practice. Dr Nisbet has been practicing in this area for well over 30 years to my knowledge. And what he has to say should be read by everybody especially those with youngsters growing up. There is a terrible problem with drugs in the area, and it isn’t new it was getting bad in my time. It is a big problem as Ian points out because it could be any youngsters who are getting involved. We have witnessed recently in Northwold behaviour by youngsters which is not consistent with their family background. As one young wife said to us, “How can I be sure my daughter isn’t into it”. And she’s right. You Can’t !! So BE VIGILANT. Ed.

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Page 11

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Three Score and Ten. By Brian Hull. I was told one day it would happen to me , Come around. I became aware of it when I applied for my pension. They do it over the phone you know. The Scottish Lass asked me if I was sitting comfortable. I think she thought I had one foot in the Grave. Question asked, answers given. Phone bill would be enormous. Pension half gone before I got my first instalment. I am talking about more than half a century gone and me going down the Doctor’s surgery. It’s Definitely the ”In Place” for the over sixties. The young ‘Uns can’t have it all happy hour was in full swing. How are you? Isn’t a retort you ought to use. Way back my friend Ron said you cannot ask them they’re going to tell you. I occasionally hear myself telling all and sundry about my body parts. He was right. I wanted two things from Doc. I waited anxiously holding my broken

glasses to my nose, wondering if I will hear well enough when my name was called. The staff must be fairly optimistic. What with all those gardening books they have around and me perusing one of them and me in this condition I faintly hear my name . In I go. The expression I get” Am I here for a loan”. I am ill I say. Astonishment? I feel like singing “My body lies over the ocean”. Anyway one fault is a trapped nerve. Undo the Trap and I’ll be well enough to see a century. The other is my ears. Those things you hang your frames on so you can see. I respond to Mary’s call even less these days. Maybe it’s the matter between my ears or it’s the matter of my ears. Out comes the torch. He says he can see wax in both ears. No wonder people see me as empty- headed. He can see right through. Appointments made full of confidence of a silver lining. Let me leave you with this thought. Judy Garland sang, “Somewhere

over the rainbow Bluebirds fly”. They must have flown a long way, for Vera Lynn sang, “There’ll be blue birds over the White cliffs of Dover.” Bye Bye. Brian

Just a quick thank you to all that had a go at Guess the Weight of the baby. I had Max on May 2110.st weighing 8lb 2oz. I had two sheets on the go, my own and one in the shop. So big thanks to Karen a n d M a r t i n ( a n d J a c k i e ) . W e l l Done to Rosa Fonken and John Mosedale for winning. We managed to raise £49.50 for the playground fund. Thanks again. Holly and Max McGuirk

Page 10

Into my possession has come a very interesting document brought to me by Cecil Gould who I believe got it from Maurice Boughen. There is quite a lot there, all of which I cannot publish because of the space available. But I have extracted some interesting pieces concerning a dinner that was held in Northwold on 10th June, 1814 to celebrate Peace between England and France.(Scotland, Wales and Ireland aren’t mentioned.) This is basically what the celebration was about: “ A subscription was proposed and entered into by Thomas Harvey Esq and Mrs Harvey for the purpose of celebrating the return of peace between England and France after a war of twenty two years, by giving a Dinner &c to the Poor of Northwold: which was immediately seconded by the Principal Inhabitants and collected by Mr Pooly as follows. There is then listed the names of those who contributed and how much they gave. Thomas Harvey Esq also gave a Fat Sheep and erected the Tables &c at his own expence. The Dinner was cooked at the Expence of the principle subscribers. With this subscription various items were purchased which are too numerous to list, but interestingly they include 3 barrels of ale, 2 barrels of double B, pipes and tobacco, Gunpowder, Fireworks, barrow and donkey races, Trumpeter, Ringers &c. All the rest were items of food except for Boys and Girls hats, Caps, Stockings, Shoes, Handkerchiefs, Shawls &c, which look as though they were prizes in the sports. The whole cost came to £51. 3 shillings “The festival was held on Monday the 20th June in an Inclosure of Thomas HARVEY Esq, ajoining the Church Yard called the Alms House Close, where upwards of 500 Poor Inhabitants were regaled with a plentiful Dinner Ale and waited on by the benevolent subscribers, while the

Bells rung a merry Peal. After Dinner the rural sports commenced, such as Boys and Girls racing for hats, caps, stockings, shoes, handkerchiefs, shawls etc – lads blindfolded racing with barrows – jumping in sacks, donkey races etc. About eight oclock the Fireworks commenced and about ten of the Company departed, the Poor well satisfied and thankful for their Entertainment; and the Subscribers as well satisfied with their good Conduct during the Day “ From the documents it seems that at this time in the history of Northwold there were 5 Grocers and Drapers, Four Shoemakers, Four Tailors, Four Wheelwrights, One Carrier, 3 Inns and taverns, (The 1 Bell, The Crown, and The George and Dragon.) Four Beer houses, Five Blacksmiths, Two Butchers, Four Corn Millers(One also a Baker) There are an additional Forty Five or so people listed as carrying on some sort of business which are various to say the least and include a “Surgeon”, a Sheriff’s Officer and a Basket maker. Strangely, A Carpenter and a Bricklayer but no actual builder or undertaker is listed although there is a plumber. The names of Harvey and Pooley appear. Are Harvey House and Pooley Farm named after them. And where did the celebration take place? Was it on the ground where Baroness Shephard and Tom now live, or was it on the meadow on the other side now owned by Mr Hood. The latter by it’s size is the more probable. And where did the 1 Bell Pub stand? Additionally the fireworks started at 8pm. In the middle of June it would still have been broad daylight. I wonder what sort of fireworks these were? I have eight sheets of printed matter relating to this event and history of the time. They are I believe the

property of Maurice or Cecil but I am sure that if anyone wants to read the whole lot it could be arranged. Incidentally the words Expence and Inclosure are printed as they were printed at the time. And at the end of all this I had a thought. We have been wondering for some time what we could do for a village event for a change from scarecrows. Perhaps we could re- create this event. But first we would have to declare peace with France. Any comments. Editor.

*PEACE WITH FRANCE HAS FINALLY COME.* An Account Of Our Peace Celebrations

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Northwold News Jim Booty

Page 3

Reports on activities, news and events in and around Northwold

BRIAN WATERS YOUR LOCAL MILKMAN

TEL : 01366 728024

DEPOT : 01284 754720

Northwold ~ Foulden Feltwell ~ Methwold

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Telephone 01366 727344 Mobile 07887 646587

Community Car Scheme During the last quarter (April – June) the Northwold drivers have completed 65 journeys taking 65 passengers to hospital and clinics, totalling 1893 miles. The scheme is run by Northwold Care Group, and financed by the local councils. Passengers pay 20p per mile, and the Councils pay the same, the parish council and borough councils paying £184 each

Forget Me Not Club At the A G M Mrs Joyce Barrett was re-elected Secretary, and Jim Booty Treasurer. The Club has £608 in the bank but is VERY short of members. Anyone over 55 years is welcome!

Village Hall. Northwold Village Hall needs a damp course and some re plastering. To raise money for this, the village was “open to visitors” on July 10th. Scare crows were on display, lunches, teas, ices and drinks were on sale. There were many stalls and the Church tower was open. Over £1,100 was raised for the Hall. Thanks to all.

M o l l y Wa r i n g W r i t e s F r o m Borneo

I met up with my R a l e i g h I n t e r n a t i o n a l c o l l e a g u e s a t Heathrow Airport at 6. 30am on the 4th of July from where we took off and flew to Brunei

(11hours). On arrival we then had a 7 hour wait for an internal flight to Kota Kinabalu in the Saba region of Borneo. The first week was spent on jungle bush craft training and survival techniques after which we went into the jungle to complete the first phase project which was a gravity feed water system to a remote village enabling the inhabitants to have fresh clean water. I have been able to phone home and let my family know that I am happy with the way that the project is going, but I am sick of eating rice, cabbage and chicken(?) I have been “Mosquito Food “ for two weeks, and the heat in the jungle is unbearable. I have been swimming in the river that has crocodiles in it. I will be in touch again after the second phase project. Molly

Thanks Brenda would like to say a big “Thank You” to Tracey, Bev, And Kate – The Ayres girls for arranging the day at the races for her “BIG 60th Birthday. Not only did they provide tickets to the members enclosure at Newmarket on ladies Day, they also made sure I was well turned out by taking me to the hat shop at Burnham Market and presenting me with the Hat to wear on the day. It was a great day out and a lovely surprise. Thanks also to Barry, Neil and Paul who may have also been involved. Brenda

Bowls Club 100 Club Draw July 2005

1st M. English £20 2nd B. Ayres £15 3rd F. Everett £10

Sylvia

Page 4

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Northwold Playground Project We Need Your help We are looking for old pictures of the village to make a calendar ready to buy before Christmas. All proceeds will be going into the playground fund. If anyone can help please contact Holly on 727759. If you can help, I promise I will take great care of your pictures and return ASAP. Thank you.

To help raise money for the Playground, We are holding

Coffee Mornings

At the Sports & Social Club Every Wednesday during

the summer holidays. Starting 27th July

10am – 12pm. £1 per Adult 50p per Child including refreshments

All children MUST be accompanied by an adult

Mark your Calendars

Saturday 17th September 2005

FUNDAY

You are all invited to come and join the Northwold Playground Project Committee for a day of fun to raise funds for the Playground.

Kick starting the afternoon at 1:30pm with a duck race at the common, and then down to the Sports and Social Club at 2pm for many more activities including the cake walk, chicken plop lottery, golden bucket and a barbecue (weather permitting). Followed by a family quiz night.

COME ALONG, HAVE A FAB DAY WHILST SUPPORTING OUR CHILDRENS’ PLAYGROUND!

For more information or you would like to help Please call us:-

Eve 728903 or Carrie 727344.

Page 9

The Parishes of St. Andrew’s, Northwold, All Saints, Wretton with Stoke Ferry & Christ Church, Whittington Reader: Keith MacLeod, West Barn, Ryston Road, West Dereham. Tel. (01366) 500960 or 07766766137 email: keith.macleod@virgin.net

Keith MacLeod’s Monthly Report August 2005 Anglican Church Letter It’s not possible, as I write this, not to think about the London bombings last week. Initially we have to think about the victims and their friends and families and to wonder how they can ever make their lives normal again. An accident(s) killing, maiming and hurting so many people we can somehow put into the perspective of a life which is inevitably risky. But for this to happen because some ‘normal’ young people felt it was necessary and appropriate is so much more horrifying that it transcends our comprehension. And yet again we are brought face to face with the ma s s ive d i f f e r enc e b e tw een explanation and excuse. No amount of explanation of where they thought they were coming from can excuse their behaviour. No amount of explanation of what their mentors and teachers said to them can excuse them or those mentors of the inflicting of such terror. Even so, we have to look at what led these normal young men to behave like that, if we are to have any hope of putting a stop to it for the future. This is not the place (there is not room and I am not well enough informed) to look for the inexcusable explanations that we have to deal with. But there is an underlying theme that we are all conscious of, that is frightening in itself – the religious dimension. These young men are characterised mainly as Muslim. It is surprising that they are British (in one case Jamaican), it is interesting that they have in the main Pakistani family origins, but we accept without a murmur that they were Muslim. It has been pointed out that comparisons with the troubles in Northern Ireland are false – that the IRA never proclaimed that their war was to promote Catholicism – their war was political. But that does not stop us recognising that the republican movement in Northern Ireland is mainly a Catholic movement and that

the loyalists are mainly Protestant. There are very few voices in the 6 Counties proclaiming that they are atheist. There is a very heavy responsibility on organised religion (of all faiths) to s e a r c h o u t t h e s o - c a l l e d fundamentalists who have distorted the religions they proclaim and to re-teach them the true fundamentals of their religion – which in almost every case are based on Love. If necessary they have to deny these people access to and membership of their religion unless and until they can adopt those true fundamentals. Christians are as guilty as any of harbouring and covering up false fundamentalism – Northern Ireland (both sides!) and the Apartheid dogma of the South African Church are recent examples. The following story is borrowed from Emo Phillips, quoted in the Independent a few weeks ago. “I was walking across a bridge one day and I saw a man about to jump. I said, ‘Stop, don’t do it.’ ‘Why shouldn’t I?’ he asked. ‘Well, are you Christian?’ I asked. He said: ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Me too. Are you Catholic or Protestant?’ ‘Protestant.’ ‘Me too. Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?’ ‘Baptist.’ ‘Wow, me too. Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of The Lord?’ ‘Baptist Church of God.’ ‘Me too. Are you original Baptist Church of God, or are you reformed Baptist Church of God?’ ‘Reformed Baptist Church of God.’ ‘Me too. Are you Reformed Baptist Church of God, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Church of God, reformation of 1915?’ He said, ‘Reformation of 1915.’ I said ‘Die, heretic scum,’ and pushed him off.” !! Keith MacLeod Licensed Lay Minister (CofE)

Church Diary August 2005 August 7th

11am Holy Communion, St. Andrew’s, Northwold

9.30am Holy Communion, All

Saints, Wretton August 14th

11am Matins, St. Andrew’s, Northwold

9.30am Holy Communion, Christ Church, Whittington

August 21st

8am Holy Communion, St. Andrew’s, Northwold

9.30am Service of the word, All Saints, Wretton

August 28th 11am Holy Communion, St

Andrew’s, Northwold 9.30am Service of the word, Christ

Church, Whittington

Jason Cooper HND B Sc M Sc

Congratulations on your final Graduation from Mum,Dad,Sarah and all the familly. WELL DONE And also from the Editor and Pam. Well Done Partner !!

Page 8

WHAT DOES THE DOCTOR THINK THIS MONTH?

PARENTS – DO Y O U K N O W WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE DOING? MARIJUANA (Cannabis) (pot, herb, weed, grass, widow, ganja, hash, Northern Lights, skunk) Marijuana, grown in Hockwold and peddled in Feltwell and on the river bank is being smoked by groups of children, many as young as twelve years old, congregating in the bottom end of the church yard in Feltwell and

also on the recreation ground, near the alley path to Falcon Road. I expect that it is also being smoked by kids in Methwold, Northwold, Hockwold, Weeting and Brandon I became interested because I have seen an increasing number of children brought to me by parents who are concerned about their child’s personality change and are seeking psychiatric intervention. The main active chemical in Marijuana binds to certain nerve cells in the brain and starts a series of cellular reactions that lead to the “high” experienced by Marijuana smokers. The short-term effects on Marijuana include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, loss of coordination and increased heart rate. The long-term effects include lung damage, permanent reduction in intellectual function (even if you stop using the drug) and even Schizophrenia.

Workers who smoke cannabis spend time daydreaming, tend to leave work without permission, shirk tasks and are generally unreliable. The drug can be addictive and, if you stop smoking it, you suffer irritability, sleeplessness and anxiety followed, a week later, by aggression. Unfortunately, when parents are told that their child is smoking Marijuana, they rarely thank the informant. Usually, there is abuse and the comment “My child would never do that”. So, parents, if your child has suffered a personality change of any sort, or is unduly aggressive or secretive, just ask yourself whether they could be part of the group which is smoking the drug and take action accordingly before serious damage takes place to the child’s body and mind.

Neighbourhood Watch Incorporating Dr Ian Nisbet

Page 5

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01366 728 881

Rita’s Ramblings

This morning when I was pulling the odd root of bindweed in the garden I was wondering what to write about this month. Several ideas flitted through my brain but they all seemed trivial in the light of the events of the last two weeks. People living and working in the capital have certainly suffered at the hands of terrorists. When I first heard the news I, like countless others, worried about a family member. My sister in law lives and works in London and has to cross the city daily: I had never asked her what time she left for work or which route she took because it had never seemed important. That mainstay of modern life – the mobile phone – was useless as various networks were shutdown as a precaution or were simply incapable of handling the volume of calls. Her home telephone rang twice and then cut off. There was nothing to do but wait and hope for the best. Thankfully, she was able to get in touch at lunchtime and let us know she was fine. Her journey to work, which had taken her close to two of the bomb sites, had taken three times as long as normal as she had walked almost halfway across the city. As we now know, so many others were not so lucky and had their lives cut cruelly short. Their families live with the consequences always. Personally, I have never understood how such atrocities can be carried out in the supposed name of religious beliefs. How can anyone truly believe that their deity could condone such acts? No religion should be any better

than any other – they all seem to encourage each individual to strive to be a better person. Surely such ideals should result in tolerance. I realise that it takes only a small percentage of any religious following to make the headlines and that the vast majority do possess a much more tolerant attitude. Much of the media seems to want to sensationalise facts and statistics; unfortunately, many people believe that everything they read in the newspaper is absolute fact. Such reports can only make matters worse and encourage us to become biased ourselves. To be fair many published stories have been heart warming and have clearly demonstrated the goodness and kindness that does exist in our society. Much was made of the stoicism of those who travelled on the underground the following day and rightly so. It cannot have been easy; instead of the usual desire to ignore fellow passengers everyone would be suspicious of the person standing or sitting next to them. It cannot be easy for the Police either. If they believe that someone is acting suspiciously can they afford to wait and see what happens? If they are right and they wait will more people die? If they are wrong and they take action what criticisms will be levelled at them? More importantly, what will be the immediate results and the longer-term implications? Any investigation will always be carried out with the benefit of knowing the full facts but that split second decision is an unenviable responsibility. Yes, they receive training. Yes, they are given

guidance. Yes, they must abide by strict regulations. At the end of the day they must live with the consequences if they should get it wrong. I hope they get it right. Until next month, take care Rita

Northwold Spiritualist Group meetings for

August and September In Northwold Village Hall On Alternate Fridays at 7.30pm

5th Aug Carol Webster

19th Aug Carol and Arthur Freer

2nd Sept B r i a n M a y a n d Rosemary

16th Sept Jill Rogers

30th Sept Ray and Shirley Bassett

Enquiries :- Tel. Peter on 01440702791 or Eileen on 01366728289

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O u r P a s t According To POG Aka Mike Coley

In a bygone age, villagers such as ourselves would have relied on an authority figure within the community to represent them in official matters, to provide them with employment and for some, probably housing too. Such an individual would have most likely revelled in the title, ‘Lord of the Manor’, an appellation being bestowed on a person by common consent when that individual, or their family had amassed sufficient wealth and property to justify the elevated status that went along with such a position. These titles were not generally official ones supported by law, although in an age of deference when people happily acknowledged the fact that some are born to riches whilst others spend their lives barely scraping a living, money equalled power. Folk didn’t have to like the Lord or Lady personally of course, but it would have been prudent for them to show due respect for any position held as the indirect power held by such people was considerable. But fairs fair, any elevation in ones social standing comes at a cost, the c o s t b e i n g t h e b u r d e n o f responsibility. A burden that some bore well incidentally whilst others proved to be sadly inadequate in fulfilling this most essential part of the social bargain. Lords of the Manor were mostly Farmers and the more land they owned, the more staff they needed to work it. Mechanisation didn’t come in for the most part until the end of the 1800s, when tractors began being developed. Prior to that men worked the land with horses, a good chap being able to plough just an acre a day. You can clearly see the staff that would be needed to work a large estate, which may well comprise anything up to 2 or 3 thousand acres. Again like today, the size of house occupied by someone of high standing was seen very much as a status symbol. The more Grand the house, the more domestic staff they’d need

to service it. In fact just 100 years ago, 16 households in our village actually employed ‘live-in’ servants. 11 of those, being of relatively modest means, employed only one servant each. The local Doctor employed 3 whilst Hugh Paston-Mack who lived at The Lodge in Little London was a major player, employing 4 servants. But Hugh was ‘small beer’ compared with old Claude Thornton who lived at The Grange behind the church. Claude was the local Parson you see and the Grange was his rectory at that time. He employed a massive ‘live in’ staff of Seven to keep that rambling place up to scratch. ( the big house now called the ‘Old Rectory’ was built for the Rev David Savage when I was a boy and it stands on the grounds of the walled garden that had once served the Grange ) The Grange incidenta lly was immortalised in the novel by ‘John Cooper Powys’ called ‘A Gla stonbury Romance’.( John ‘the author’ was a relative of one of our parsons and he used the old place as the ideal setting for his book) Men on the land would be expected to earn every penny of their wages, my own Grandfather lived for a time in a tied cottage, on condition that he worked through the harvest unpaid, in lieu of the years rent. Any manual employment available would have been Labouring jobs for the most part, whilst skilled workmen p l i e d s p e c i a l i s t t r a d e s l i k e Wheelwright’s, Harness Makers, Horse Breakers and Smiths, all necessary for the efficient running of rural businesses then. The Last person in Northwold to hold a high position by common consent was Frederick Charles Fendick, who occupied the Manor House opposite the church, where my Aunt was his housekeeper for a number of years. Tragically it’s been neglected to the point that it’s degenerated into the sad eyesore that we see today, hard to imagine that, in its heyday it was a magnificent place with plush interiors and extensive, well kept grounds to the rear. Fred Fendick was by all accounts a bit eccentric, what we would call ‘a real character’ and not at all averse to

taking matters through the courts when he saw fit ( not always a wise d e c i s i o n f o r h i m financially ). Non-the-less he was generally well thought of locally, after all his family have connections with the village that go back some 400 years and so it’s fair to say “he was one of us” Originally the Fendicks were Dutch immigrants who settled in Norfolk ( Frank Fendick tells me that the name may well have evolved from the Dutch name Van-Dyke ) and as an alien Francys Fendick paid 3 shillings and 4 pence (about 17p) tax in 1581. The first marriage within the family at Northwold Church was between William Fendick and Catherine Alpe in the year 1673. Since that time there have always been Fendicks in and around Northwold, playing diverse rolls within the community. Some sending their children to school in the village at a time when attendance there had to be paid-for.

Old Fred invested wisely on his way up the ladder and made his ultimate fortune from acquiring land during the financial depression within farming around the turn of the century. The circumstances that led to ownership of land changing hands were often unhappy ones for the losers, however there have always been winners and losers in the world and we should remember that our society is largely built upon that fact. At the end of the day ‘The Lordship’ would have undoubtedly carried on in the Fendick name had the old boy and his wife ‘Ann’ been blessed with a family of their own, but that was not the case. Fred Fendick died without issue in 1947 and thus his estate was broken up and divided amongst his closest relatives, who were both numerous and widespread. So his name lives on in memory only now, but he will always be known fondly as the Last Lord of the Manor. Join me again soon as I’m already Looking forward to Looking Back at another aspect of Northwold in days gone by. Till then Best wishes Pog

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DIDLINGTON NURSERIES Why not visit our walled in garden Nursery Cut Flowers always Flowers Available. A Vast selection of trees and shrubs Find us situated between Northwold and Foulden, Tel 01842878288

GARY BOYCE QUALITY RETAIL AND CATERING BUTCHER, est. 1985

25, High Street (next to Fire Station) Methwold, Thetford, Norfolk

Tel 01366 728512 (or Fax 01366 728883 anytime)

Prime Barley Fed Beef (11/13 months old), Pork, Lamb, direct from the farm (locally). All our meat is prepared to the highest standard & cut to customer’s requirements. Norfolk pork sausages made by Mr Dennis Self, formerly of

Waters Butchers, Stoke Ferry.

We also offer a delicatessen counter of traditional cooked hams, also home cooked quiches, pork pies, Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, scotch eggs and much more. On the

sweet side of the pastries we offer a large selected of Curtis of Lincoln cakes. British bacon, unsmoked and smoked, dry

cured - no added water. A range of English and continental cheeses plus our

usual range of cooked meets, once again cut to your requirements by our team of

friendly staff.

Opening times are:

Monday 9am-1pm Tuesday 8am-1pm, 2pm-5.30pm Wednesday 8am-1pm Thursday 8am-1pm, 2pm-5.30pm Friday 8am-1pm, 2pm-5.30pm Saturday 7.30am-1pm Est. 1962

River Watch By Ivor Hook A few balls of ground bait have already been lobbed out but it is still dark. I sit alongside the reed bed completely still until the first light of morning appears and then I cast out. My float falls just short of an overhanging bush – it’s position is perfect! With straining eyes I can just see the red dot of my float. After several minutes it moves again and then disappears under the surface. Quickly I connect with an unseen force. After a brief struggle a tench is unhooked. Five more are caught before full light and then the fish stop feeding. Tench are highly powerful. They are truly beautiful fish with smooth olive green colouring, wide stubby tails and small red eyes. When handled they just seem to know that they will soon be safely returned to the water. Their temptation is the large garden worm and first light is always a favourite time. They are the doctor fish with supposedly healing and medicinal properties towards all other fish. There is no one else about at this early hour and just being on the riverbank has a very special feeling – certainly not one of isolation but almost a privilege. Fishing can easily become secondary. Whilst surveying the surroundings a blue flash skims the water. It is almost too fast to register. Was it the elusive kingfisher? A little later it returns and lands in the branches just inches above the water. Soon it disappears into the bank – presumably into it’s nesting tunnel. The kingfisher’s

home is now known and will be watched on future visits. Eventually a host of locations for different animals and birds is amassed and thus a bond with nature grows. Thick weed everywhere. The river above Northwold is narrow and still fast flowing with long ribbon weeds. At Wissington, the widest part of the Wissey, the flow is difficult to find and thick cabbage weed grows daily. The contrast is extreme in the space of just a few miles. The daybreak has now turned to sunshine. Another baking hot day is forecast. Lots of rabbits scamper about in the field opposite. They all freeze for several minutes and then suddenly re continue their games. It is not my presence that has alarmed them as I am too far away – perhaps a larger animal in the hedgerow has startled them. On the surface of the water and amidst the cabbage weeds a grass snake swims along – it looks clumsy and alien. Five moorhen chicks explore the margins. Surprisingly no parent is in sight which together with their tiny size makes them appear even more vulnerable. The chorus of bird song is never ending. Looking down I am now surrounded by numerous black slugs and debate whether to try one as bait when an enormous splash in the centre of the river sends large waves to the bank. Something big is also enjoying the moment and confirms that my dream fish is definitely out there. It crashes again as if to taunt me……..I wonder if he likes slugs! Another fisherman has now arrived and no doubt his day will be fruitful

but the best sport has already been enjoyed. Surely he will bake in the sun. The window of nature has already been opened and enjoyed and will be savoured for the rest of the day. Then hopefully it will be relived all over again in a few days time when I return for another early morning-both fishing and watching. Ivor Hook

Letter to a loved one Just a line to say I’m living That I’m not among the dead. Though I’m getting more forgetful And mixed up in the head. I’ve got used to my arthritis To my dentures I’m resigned, I can cope with my Bi- Focals But “Ye Gods” I miss my mind. Sometimes I can’t remember When I’m standing by the stair If I should be going up for something Or have just come down from there. And before the fridge so often My mind is full of doubt, Now did I put some food away Or come to take some out. So, remember I do love you And wish that you lived near And now it’s time to post this And say goodbye my dear. At last I stand before the post-box And my face- it sure is red, Instead of posting this to you I’ve opened it instead! In Norfolk this is known as squit, but in truth. . . . . . . .Ed