the wayland news january 2014
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The Wayland News is the community newspaper for Watton & Wayland in Breckland, Norfolk, UK.TRANSCRIPT
in digital & online at www.thebrecklandview.com Issue Number 208 - January 2014
From Blitzen Blaster to Winter
Warrior - eight of Norfolk County
Council’s gritter fleet now have
their own names chosen through a
'Name a Gritter competition' and
one of them was Caston C of E
(VA) Primary School
Caston had entered the name 'Ice
Interceptor', thought up by
Kingfisher Class and they were
delighted to be among the winners
announced on 20th December.
David Harrison, Cabinet member
for Environment Transport
Development and Waste at
Norfolk County Council said:
“We’ve had a wonderful response
from children throughout Norfolk
who have come up with some great
names for our new gritter trucks.
"We hope that their involvement has
helped them to learn more about
staying safe during the winter as well
as learning about how our hard
working team keep our roads safe.”
The competition celebrates the
£1.9m investment of 24 new gritter
trucks to the county. School children
aged between five and 11 were
asked to come up with names for
eight of their local gritters which
they will be able to spot out and
about in their area this winter.
Children also completed a short quiz
online about gritting and safety
during winter.
Caston School among the winners in NCC
‘Name A Gritter’ competition
Invitation to
WCCC Open Day
The Watton Christian Community
Centre on Watton High Street invites
all local people and those who attend
activities there to join us for free tea,
coffee and cake from 10.00am to
1.00pm on Saturday 1st February to
celebrate the help we have received in
our 2013 refurbishment programme.
The original Methodist chapel, which
provides one of our two meeting halls,
probably still had the same roof that it
had when it was built in 1874. This
roof has now been renewed for us by
local contractors, VPH Roofing Ltd.
from funds generously provided by
the Norfolk Community Foundation.
The car park has been resurfaced and
re-lined by MW Surfacing and the
roof space insulated, both with
financial help from the Geoffrey
Watling Charity, Paul Bassham Trust,
Watton Town Council, Methodist
Insurance and Breckland Council.
We are grateful to the Watton
Evening W.I. who have given us the
proceeds of a coffee morning and a
number of our hirers who have
generously given us donations.
The W.C.C.C. has been providing
facilities in the town since 1988 and is
managed by a small team from St
Mary’s church and the Methodist
church. Mrs Elsie Warby has loyally
organised the bookings etc. for most
of that time. We have a continual
programme of refurbishment but the
roof renewal and car park resurfacing
were essential for our continued
ability to provide facilities in the
town. Without the financial support
we have received, we would have
been unable to maintain our hiring
charges at affordable levels. We
would like to use the day to thank our
supporters and would welcome all
local people to share tea and coffee
with us at our Open Day as we
celebrate the help we have received.
It is hoped that a dignitary from one of
our supporters will unveil a small
memorial plaque at 11.00am. Visitors
will be invited to browse through
photos, etc. of the history of the
building in the town over the years
and some displays from users of the
W.C.C.C.
Do come and meet us over coffee.
Little
Cressingham &
Threxton in
World War 1
As 2014 is the centenary of the
outbreak of WW1, the men who
fought will be acknowledged and
remembered nationwide in various
ways. As part of the Wayland
Heritage Group, who are doing
similar research on other villages,
the Little Cressingham section is
researching the soldiers who appear
on the Roll of Honour situated in St.
Andrew’s Church and All Saints
Church, Threxton. A biography of
each of the soldiers and their family
connections, along with any service
records where available will be
compiled and the results will feature
in a display as part of a Heritage
Day to take place later in the year at
a date to be decided.
So, if anyone has a connection with
Little Cressingham or Threxton with
a family member or acquaintance
who fought in the 1914-18 war and
has memories, stories, photos,
documents or anything of interest
regarding that period that they are
willing to share, we would be very
pleased to hear from you. Any
snippets will add to the overall
interest of the lives of those brave
men. So, please call us for an
informal chat and help to bring their
stories to life.
Sue and Eddie Wakefield, The
Barns, The Arms, Little
Cressingham 01953 883478
Macmillan Coffee Morning
The coffee morning held at the home of Dave and Jenny Simons raised £294.80p
which has been sent to Macmillan Cancer Support. We would like to thank all
who attended the event and those who gave donations, making such a wonderful
total. Particular thanks to our helpers on the day - Stella Leonard, Sue Bunce,
Pam Challand, Brenda Davis and Lesley Cowling.
The Wayland News Page 2 News
Thirty members recently visited the R.A.F Radar
Defence Museum at Neatishead for a private
guided tour. Neatishead was in the forefront of
our Radar defences during World War 2 and the
Russian Cold War which were all fully
explained and demonstrated on equipment of
the day by our very knowledgeable guides.
An excellent Christmas Lunch was enjoyed by
members on the 6th December at the Richmond
Park Golf Club and followed on the12th by our
Christmas Party. This year the Committee
organised its own entertainment which was a
break from the traditional musical programme.
The Mr and Mrs Quiz revealed some interesting
but light hearted facts on the contestants with the
winners being Linda and Brian Hinkins. The
Picture Quiz winners were Barbara and Syd
Spiegler.
The next meeting of Allan’s Lunch Group is at
The Bell Saham Toney on Thursday 9th January
2014. Brian’s Lunch Group will be meeting in
February.
The Committee wish all members a Happy New
Year.
Our next monthly meeting is on Thursday 23rd
January 2014 with the return of speaker Neil
Storey presenting “A Tonic for All” how our
ancestors treated ailments.
For further information on the National U3A go
to www.u3a.org.uk
Watton & District University
of The Third Age (U3A)
Wayland Chamber of Commerce is currently
compiling its 2014/15 annual Information, Trade
and Services Directory which will be delivered to
every home and business around Easter 2014.
Wayland residents tell the Chamber how much
they like the publication and particularly how
useful the inclusion of the local Information
Section of the Directory is which is included to
benefit the local community. This information is
now also published online: http://www.wayland-
chamber.org.uk/information-directory/
For this part of the Directory, the Chamber relies
on local residents informing them of new groups or
activities, charitable organisations etc., or any
changes in order the information is correct when it
goes to print and is asking for help to ensure that
relevant information is submitted for inclusion.
Currently the only information we include is the
name of the organisation or activity and a contact
telephone number. Entries can be requested for
submission under the following headings: Animal
Welfare; Clubs, Associations and Societies;
Ecclesiastical; Halls available for hire; Medical and
Welfare; Parish Councils; Playschools, Groups and
Day Nurseries; Public Services, Agencies and
Utilities; Schools and Education; Sports Facilities
and Clubs; Utilities and other Services; Womens
Institutes; Youth Activities and Organisations.
To inform the Chamber of a new group or activity
or check your entry is correct please look online
(see above) or in the 2013/14 printed Directory or
contact the Secretary 01760 440837.
Changes or additions can be submitted at any
time during the year (but should be submitted by
31st January 2014 to be included in the printed
2014/15 Directory) via the contact form on the
website, by e-mail to the Secretary
[email protected] or by
telephone on 01760 440837
Wayland Chamber of Commerce reserves the
right to decide whether or not to include a
submission without giving reason.
Please help us make the Chamber
Directory comprehensive and accurate
Maggies is closed now - but we
are still clearing houses! Everyone at Maggies of Watton would like to say thank you to our loyal customers and friends
after the closure of the shop on Watton High Street. Mark would like to let you know they are
still offering a house clearing service and he can be contacted on 07774 639 815
The Wayland News Page 3 News
Councillor’s Chat With Cllr Michael Wassell, Leader, Breckland Council
As I write this, 2 weeks before Christmas, it is strange to think that
by the time that this edition of the Wayland News is published,
Christmas will have passed and 2014 will be nearly upon us. I hope
that you all had a Merry Christmas, that Santa brought you
everything you wanted, and that the New Year brings you peace
and contentment. Whilst on the subject of Christmas, don’t the
lights in Watton High Street look fantastic? I have lost count of the
number of people who have stopped me, knowing that I am a Town
Councillor as well as District, to comment on how much better the
lights are than in past years. Indeed we now have a much better
display than many of the surrounding towns, and much credit must
go to the contractor who supplied and put them up, but also, of
course, to my fellow town councillors for making the decision to
enter into the festive spirit so wholeheartedly and also of course to
all the residents of Watton for paying for the lights through their
council tax. Hopefully in future years we can continue to improve
the display, and never again will Watton be in the
dark, at least as far as Christmas Lights are
concerned.
Breckland Council also has a wide range of grant
funding available. The funding is designed to
empower groups and individuals within the district to
deliver projects at a local level. We have simplified
the process and applications can be filled out online,
or alternatively hard copies can be completed and
posted to Breckland. Many worthwhile causes have
been supported by these grants and I would love to
see more applications from the Watton area and am
always pleased to help in any way I can. Hopefully as
a result of my previous appeals, Watton Christian
Community Centre applied for a grant and Breckland
District Council has recently given them a grant to
help pay for the costs of roof insulation. I was delighted to be able
to support this application, and I am sure that the users of the centre
will appreciate the improved comfort. Whilst on the subject of
keeping warm this winter, Breckland is supporting a countywide
campaign to help vulnerable and older residents stay warm and
well. There's help and advice – covering personal health, home
heating, energy saving & insulation, and financial grants – available
to those who need it most through this year’s Warm and Well
campaign. Find top tips for keeping warm and well, as well as links
to services and support at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/warmandwell,
where you can also download an advice leaflet. You can also call
0344 800 8020.
Breckland Older People’s forum (BOPF) is a voice for all those
over 50, their friends, families and carers, focusing on those issues
that affect us all as we grow older. The forum is district wide, and is
part of a network of other forums across the county, and indeed
nationwide. BOPF is represented at county level via a strategic
body and receives funding from Norfolk County Council. Issues
that frequently arise are transport, social isolation, dementia, care in
the community, safety in the home, and general health and well
being. To date the BOPF has run themed events in each market
town and some villages, with a wide audience who have an
opportunity to raise issues important to them. Future events will be
advertised via Breckland Council’s website, and through social
media, with posters etc. in the appropriate localities. I have attended
a number of their events and they are very informative and well
worthwhile. For more information please ring Shirley Matthews
(Chairman) on 01760 723205 or Lynda Turner (Older People’s
Champion) on 01362 822553.
Also sports coaches of all ages in Breckland have received a
welcome boost with news that the District Council has made a new
bursary available to help fund the training of sports coaches in the
area. The Council’s Communities team is offering aspiring
Breckland based coaches 75% (up to £300) of their total course
costs in priority sports, such as Nordic Walking, Tennis, Cycling,
Swimming and Badminton, and 50% (up to £150) in bursaries for
all other sports.
To qualify for the Sport Coach Bursary Scheme applicants must
meet the following criteria.
Live in the Breckland District
Be aged over 16.
Must be or intend to be an active coach within the District.
Be prepared to work with the council to deliver its Well-being
Sportivate and holiday activity programmes in a variety of sports
and if you receive a bursary, it will be on the condition that you
deliver six hours of coaching for the council free of charge during
2014/15, before receiving your bursary.
Bursaries will apply to individuals and not sports clubs.
The closing date for applications is 7 February 2014 and
further information can be found by visiting:
http://www.breckland.gov.uk/coachdev
If anyone needs any further information please get in
touch with me.
Readers will be aware that a decision on the planning
application by Hopkins Homes to build 110 homes
on land to the west of Thetford Road was deferred at
the Breckland planning committee on the 25th
November. I spoke requesting this deferment in order
that the access onto and off the site be re-evaluated
with a view to reducing the number of entrances,
which in the original proposal was 4. It was
suggested that a roundabout be provided at Barn
Ruche corner, I think that it is unlikely that this will
happen, as the highways department at Norfolk
County Council are not supportive of this, but if we
do not ask we will not get. This application will
come back before the committee in due course, and
hopefully will be more acceptable. Details of the new planning
application are available on the Breckland website.
And finally some really welcome news, faster broadband is coming
to Watton. You may have noticed green cabinets sprouting in
various locations around the town. Well Superfast Broadband will
begin rollout in Watton from January 2014, there is a lot of work to
do but implementation in the area is expected to be complete by the
end of June 2014. As with any programme of this scale, if
unforeseen technical problems arise it’s possible that delivery of
some services may be delayed. If this happens it’ll be highlighted
on the Better Broadband for Norfolk website.
Better broadband will provide new opportunities for businesses in
Watton helping them to innovate and expand into different markets.
It also has the potential to increase efficiency and drive down costs.
Better broadband will provide many benefits for Watton
householders. This might include everything from having improved
access to online shopping, banking and public services and being
able to stay in touch with family and friends, to setting up a
business and running it from home. Children will be able to do their
homework and learn independently online and adults will have
improved opportunities for life-long learning. Having worked
extensively with the Better Broadband team, I am delighted that
Watton will be one of the first towns in the district to have this
implemented.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel I can be of assistance
on any Breckland District Council matter.
My contact details:
Email: [email protected] Phone: 01953
882884 or 07778 491569.
Twitter @CllrMWassell
Regards to all, Michael Wassell
Now the festive season is over, many of
us heave a sigh of relief that the festive
frenzy is over for another year. Quite
possibly the cost of Christmas becomes
more apparent in the cold damp month of
January as the credit card bills land on the
doormat. How many of us promise
ourselves that this year we’ll plan for
Christmas?
Local Watton Pharmacy and gift shop,
Total Health Pharmacy is launching a
Christmas Savings Club. You can save
from as little as £1 and if you spend your
savings in December you will receive an
exclusive 5% discount off your purchases.
There are terms and conditions but it is
easy to join. Just pick up a form from the
pharmacy and start saving today.
Total Health Pharmacy has a huge
selection of gorgeous gifts and present
ideas right on your doorstep so buying
locally has never been easier. The
pharmacy buyers spend much of the year
visiting all the major trade fairs seeking
something a little different that you won’t
always find on the High Street and at
prices you will love.
Pharmacy owners, Geoff and Rachel Ray
say “people are always quite surprised at
the range and quality of gifts that we have
so we hope the Christmas Savings Club
will help people to plan their Christmas
present buying”
The Pharmacy is open 7 days a week from
8am until late including Saturday and
Sunday and is situated opposite the
Watton Medical Practice at 14 Gregor
Shanks Way.
New Savings Club Launched To
Spread the Cost Of Christmas
Diabetes UK
Our December meeting was quite a festive occasion as it was our
annual Christmas party. As usual our members had been busy in
their kitchens and different types of party food was in
abundance! Father Christmas had time in his busy schedule to
pop in and see us and deliver presents to all our members. He
was warmly thanked and given some of the food for him to share
with his reindeer pals as he carried on his way. Even the
members who washed up were in a party mood, especially John
who decided that his lovely wife, Barbara, should wash up and
he would wipe. I hope he gets her some hand cream for
Christmas!! We made a special presentation to Roger and the
Church as a thank you for their generosity to us throughout the
year for the use of their facilities. We are extremely grateful.
Our first meeting of 2014 will be on Monday 13th January,
10.15am, at the Pentecostal Church. Our speaker will be Sister
Marian Dolphin from the Watton Medical Practice. Whether
you are newly diagnosed as having Diabetes, have been a
Diabetic for a while, or you care for someone who has Diabetes
you are very welcome to come along. We are a friendly and
informal group and you will be made very welcome.
For more information please phone Helen, 01953 884713, leave
a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
News The Wayland News Page 4
Town Carol
Service Collection
Stop Press!
Watton Churches Together were delighted at the turnout at the Queens Hall in December for the Annual Town Carol Service. The collection for Thursday Club amounted to £214.70. Many thanks to all those who contributed to this
excellent result.
In your garden
with Lotta Potts I wonder what this month will
bring. The last two Januarys have
been as the old Flanders & Swann
said – snowbound so nothing was
happening in the garden. If this
occurs in 2014 there's no more to be
said, except keep warm and read
the catalogues (again). Failing that
get stir-crazy with daytime telly or
radio – you'll be desperate to go
outside once it becomes possible.
Enough pessimism. Let's see what
we could be doing if the weather is
bearable and the soil not frozen
solid or waterlogged. First off, can
you finish what was on the
schedule for December? One job
that may well be ongoing is leaf
removal. Despite the gale we had
during the dreadful storm in early
December that removed most of the
leaves, some may well be clinging
on for a while. They'll fall
eventually and probably on a prized
plant and no matter how often
you've swept them up more will
arrive from somewhere. Sweeping
leaves and raking the lawn are both
good ways to get rid of the
Christmas and New Year excesses.
This is a good time to look over any
maintenance that needs to be done
as it's easier to reach the awkward
areas that need attention while the
garden is a skeleton of its normal
self. It's a good time of year to
consider planting trees or shrubs
with interesting bark or textures or
shapes to give you something to
look at in January and onward
before the leaves break in spring.
One of my favourites for this is
Corylus avellana 'Contorta'.
Corkscrew Hazel to the rest of us or
even its old name of Harry Lauder's
walking stick. It looks nothing at
all when the leaves are on but once
they have fallen the dramatic shape
of the shrub is lovely. As an added
bonus it will produce pretty catkins
in winter. Eventually it will
achieve a height of 8 feet (2.5
metres) but I have seen them taller.
The 'proper' way to keep them in
bounds its to remove whole
branches over the winter.
Presumably if the shrub is way out
of order the best thing is to do this a
third at a time during three years so
as not to shock the plant too much.
The prunings can be used for all
sorts of things – supporting plants
of various sizes and look stunning
as decorations. This is a truly
versatile plant.
For visual effect tree bark can be
outstanding. For example I have
seen film of the winter garden at
Anglesey Abbey of the silver birch
trees under planted with the 'black
grass'. This monochrome scene is
enhanced by the thorough wash the
trees get in autumn! Some varieties
of cherry are grown just for their
bark and this is most obvious in
winter with nothing in the way of
foliage to detract from them.
Prunus serrula is a good example
with its shiny brown bark. Grown
near a path it invites people to
stroke it. If you don't have room
for trees, how about the dogwoods
that have colourful stems? The
most popular is Cornus alba
'Siberica' which is a bit of a
contradiction in terms as 'alba'
means white and the stems are
bright red! It has cousins with
black, yellow and orange stems and
they all benefit from cutting right
down in March and this promotes
young stems that colour up the
following winter.
It's worth looking out for plants that
have scent for the benefit of early
bees. A favourite climber is clematis
'Freckles'. It has an inspired name as
the flowers are pale off-white with
red dots and spots inside, looking just
like freckles. It has a faint scent but is
a bit fussy as to aspect: against a
south-facing wall is ideal as it isn't
totally hardy. I am still waiting for
the wintersweet to flower – the buds
on the stems haven't moved (yet).
Viburnums have lovely scent, the
most popular and easily available is
'Bodnantense Dawn' that starts
flowering in November and just
keeps going. It has pretty pink
flowers that are a bit insignificant but
the scent is quite strong on a still day.
It's worth cutting a twig or two to put
in a vase. The Christmas Box also
has insignificant flowers and will
hopefully still be going strong in
January.
So basically the nicest things to do
in January on a nice day wet is to
go and wander round open gardens
and parks to see what is attractive.
It would be lovely to have lots of
room for the larger specimens but
there are smaller things that fit in
tight spaces and let's be honest you
can always prune anything that's
getting out of hand. Try and spot
what bulbs are beginning to poke
through but that can be a bit
ambitious if there's snow. In your
own garden the best way to spot the
early snowdrops and aconites is up
(or rather down) close and personal
by keeping weeding.
Happy New Year!
Ovington
Gardening Club Following the AGM in December,
we now have the following officials
and committee: Chairman – Tom
Thurston, Secretary & Treasurer –
Ed Reilly, Committee – Carol
Salmons, Gloria Canford, Jill Conie
and Joyce Woods. The programme
for 2014 starts on Wednesday 8th
January when Terry Rands will
speak on ‘Managing Pests &
Diseases Organically’. Thereafter,
meetings are on the first
Wednesday of the month and all
start at 7.45pm in Ovington village
hall.
In February we have Ian Stanton
on ‘Introduction to Pruning’; in
March, Ben Potterton will talk
about ‘Perennials’; in April, we
have Simon White on ‘Growing
for Gold’. On Saturday 17th May
there will be a plant sale and
coffee morning between 10am
and noon in the village hall. New
members and visitors are always
welcome.
Further details can be obtained
from Ed on 01953 885848.
Watton Evening
Women’s Institute Christmas festivities were in full swing for Watton
Evening WI members during December.
The Festive Fayre held in the High Street at the
beginning of the month was a great success, it was so
good to see all ages enjoying being together to celebrate
the season, the children’s faces as they pulled out their
bran tub prize or people singing and dancing to the band
and after shaky start the High Street lights, which look
good, all went to make it a special day.
The following week many friends joined members of
both Watton and Saham WIs for their annual Carol
Service in Watton Methodist Church, where a variety of
seasonal poems and readings interspersed the familiar
carols. Deacon Steve Sowerby gave a short but poignant
message before refreshments were served. The
collection of over £100 will be divide between the
Quidenham Hospice and Watton Methodist Church.
More celebrations as members met at Broome Hall for
their Christmas meeting later in the month. A delicious
meal was served, poppers popped and blowers blown
before Santa distributed gifts. President Pat thanked
everyone for their contributions throughout the year and
Pat in turn was thanked for her leadership and
enthusiasm and presented with a gift from the members.
The new programme starts on Thursday January 14th in
Watton Community Centre at 7.30pm when our guest
speaker will be local funeral director Andrew Francis
who will speak of his work and some of the lighter
moments of this essential job.
New members and visitors are always welcome, just
come along or for further details ring Hazel Gillingham
on 01953 881510.
West Norfolk
Aviation Society At our last meeting on December 3rd at Methwold we
were royally entertained by Peter Lawton, who regaled
us with tales of his early adventures in aviation training,
going on to describe in detail his career as a Naval officer
flying Sea Vixen aircraft from what was then a
formidable carrier force. His talk was animated to say the
least and was accompanied by a power point
presentation depicting dramatic scenes associated with
the hazards of operating aircraft from the heaving deck
of an aircraft carrier.
Peter has had a chequered aviation career ranging from
Naval operations to crop spraying, so we are hoping he
will return in the new year to entrance us with more tales
of daring do.
Our next meeting at Methwold Social Club is on January
7th 2014 at 7.30. (Bar facilities available) the subject of
the meeting will be Stephen Parker on An Antarctic
Aviation Odyssey. All are welcome to attend.
Christmas Lights
best for years but still the mindless tried
to spoil them . . . It would appear that there is a very small minority in
Watton who are intent on destroying the pleasure of
the town's children and adults alike, after tampering
with the Christmas Tree lights on a number of
occasions and, as a result, put the whole section of
lights out in Chaston Place.
The Council has said that after all the brickbats and
complaints of recent years about the town lights, and
having made a significant investment this year in
professionally installed lighting, they are determined
not to give in to this small minority and are asking the
townspeople for their support to protect Christmas in
Watton this an in future years.
Town Mayor Councillor Lorraine McCarthy said
“We have been inundated with praise for the fabulous
display of lights this year, but we are deeply saddened
that there is an element in the town that are intent on
spoiling what has brought a lot of pleasure and good
feeling to the town.”
“We are asking everyone in Watton if you know who
is responsible for this or saw anyone tampering with
the lights then please dial 101 and report the matter to
the police”
The lights were fist switched on at the Christmas
Market early in December. This was a joint venture
between the Town Council and the Town Team, and
saw the town packed with people of all ages.
Councillor McCarthy concluded by saying “There
was a wonderful sense of community spirit and sense
of the feel good factor. In times when peoples spirits
need a boost, it was a pleasure to see so many people
so obviously enjoying themselves.”
The Wayland News . . . Which Way Now? Page 1
The Wayland News
which way now? In March 1996, a new paper arrived in the shops,
cafes and churches of Wayland; bearing the title The
Wayland News, it has been published monthly ever
since and its 18th Birthday approaches this year!
And lots has changed in that time – not least of
which is the ubiquitous Internet - which seems to
have taken over and rules our lives today.
Regular readers will remember that from time to
time publishing The Wayland News has been a
struggle, but it has always been a pleasure to
produce the paper because I have always believed
that paper has a positive role to play in the
community
But now, with one eye on the birthdays drifting by, I
want make the right decisions to ensure that The
Wayland News, or it's successor, will continue fulfil
that role.
Are you contemplating change?
From the beginning everyone involved with the
paper worked voluntarily; after a few months the
support of a management committee was added.
Around 4 years into its life, the editor had to step
aside and the management committee struggled to
find a replacement. Problems came to a head after a
few issues, and on the verge of closure of the paper,
the founding co-editor took sole control of the
publication as a business proposition and it has
continued in this way ever since.
The editor is, as they say, not getting any younger!
Having cared for the paper for almost the whole of
its life there is, naturally, a passion that it should
continue beyond the inevitability that at some point
change will happen. But what is needed to plan this
change is an understanding of what you, the reader,
feels about the paper and what YOU think the future
should bring.
During 2013, I attended a couple of conferences
organised by the Carnegie & Co-operatives UK
programme ‘Make Your Local News Work’. As a
result of what I heard, I applied for, and was
awarded, some professional support aimed at
'making local news work'. After talking with Dave
Boyle, my support professional, we have decided the
best way forward was to print a survey aimed at
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Watton IP25 6AE before the end of January.
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News The Wayland News Page 7
The beginning of December brought a
week of almost manic activity for the
members of Watton Inner Wheel Club as a
series of events resulted in the raising of
just under £1000 for various good causes
supported by the Club.
On Sunday 1st the ladies took part in the
highly successful Festive Market, inviting
passers – by to part with a pound and ‘Pick
a Christmas Parcel’. So tempting was this
offer, the stall sold out of parcels in less
than an hour and £142 was raised in a very
enjoyable way.
By Wednesday 4th December when the
next event took place, the Queens Hall was
beautifully decorated for Christmas. A
good audience packed the cosy, warm hall
to be entertained and fed.
The ladies of Inner Wheel were ready for
their performance, a medley of carols,
readings and humour. They were
accompanied by June Garratt, their musical
director, and were very fortunate to have as
their guest supporting artists the ever
popular West End Waiters. Brenda Davis,
who had organised the programme,
welcomed everyone and made particular
mention of the Inner Wheel District
Chairman, Annette Guttridge and her
husband. Annette had expressed great
interest in the event when she heard it was
taking place.
At the end of the show, which seemed to
go with the proverbial swing, President
Pam Challand thanked the performers and
audience and especially June Garratt and
Brenda Davis for their directional input.
She also thanked Brenda for organising the
lunchtime concerts over the past year, all of
which had been very successful. She then
wished everyone a Happy Christmas.
The ladies served seasonal turkey-filled
baps and tasty accompaniments, mince pies
and tea and coffee. The event raised
£372:92. All proceeds go to charities
supported by the Inner Wheel Club of
Watton.
The next Lunchtime Concert will be held
on Wednesday 26th February 2014.
On Saturday 7th December the ladies were
back at the Queens Hall again this time for
their Christmas Coffee morning with stalls,
raffle and tombola. Throughout the
morning a steady stream of customers
enjoyed hot drinks and delicious home
made goodies served in the balcony, and
patronised the well-stocked stalls in the hall
below. Traditionally the proceeds of the
Coffee Morning (£110:65) are given to the
Queens Hall Maintenance Fund while
other charities benefit from the takings of
the stalls and raffle.(£313) .
After all that hard work the members
deserved a bit of fun so on Thursday 12th
December they met at the home of Jenny
Simons for their Christmas party. Before
the festivities really got underway some
time was spent allocating the money raised
to a number of local charities. A wonderful
spread of mouth-watering food was on
offer for supper and then everyone enjoyed
a seasonal quiz followed by some ‘in
house’ entertainment.
Again thank you to all the townsfolk – and
others – who so loyally support the Inner
Wheel events: please continue to do so in
the future. Happy New Year!
Jane Brodie and Lesley Cowling
Christmas with the Inner Wheel
Caston VA Primary
School News News
Birthdays We would like to congratulate
the following children who had a birthday
in November: Oliver Drake, Caitlin Bray,
Freddie Cooper, Emily Price, Freddie
Conway and Harry Moore.
December: Callie Parsons, Callum
Reynolds, Joe Flatt, Holly Hardman,
Joshua Bichard, Bill Brazil and Olivia
Pereira.
Congratulations Beth!
Beth Childerhouse, who belongs to Easton
College Gymnastics Club. She was
awarded the bronze medal for her vault
work at a recent competition. She is now
going on to represent Norfolk at a regional
competition this coming weekend. We
wish her all the very best. Well done Beth -
we are all rooting for you!
Goodbye and Welcome We say goodbye
to our Kingfishers Class Teacher Mrs
Elliott, who is off to live in Australia. We
wish her and her husband well in their new
life together down under.
We welcome Mrs Hearn and Mrs Blake as
experienced job share teachers in the
Kingfishers Class and look forward to
working with them at Caston.
Dental Visit In Kingfishers they learnt
about oral hygiene, please see the report
below:-
“The pictures of tooth decay were so scary
but it made me want to brush my teeth
more times a day! Your teeth are more
important than anything” - Maisy Spilman
“I learnt you don’t just have to brush on
your teeth, you have to brush your gums as
well” – Sian Lount
“I learnt how much sugar is in energy
drinks” – Liam Gwillim
“Children should never drink energy
drinks” - Trinity Potton
“Children are only allowed 9 spoonfuls of
sugar a day. Some fizzy drinks have over
15 spoonfuls of sugar!” – William Davis
“You always have to brush your teeth in
case the bugs get inside your teeth to the
roots” – Brandon Woodhouse.
Book Fair We recently held a book fair,
the storytelling in class was a great success
and the children enjoyed the opportunity to
look at ‘real’ books.
It was wonderful to have Richenda from
Norfolk Children's Book Centre to share
stories with us and bring part of the book
shop to school. We shared some familiar
stories and were introduced to some
fabulous new titles too. Some of us even
learned a new poem about our dinner
coming alive! It was wonderful to see the
whole school engaged in the love of books
and reading.
Fundraising at Caston VA Primary School
Fundraiser for Typhoon Haiyan We
raised in total £141.54 from our non-
uniform day and cake sale for the Disasters
Emergency Committee fund and well done
to the Class and School Council for this
fundraising initiative.
Christmas Sugar Appeal Major Barry
Wilson came into school and talked to the
children about the BEFA Christmas sugar
appeal. Details of the appeal were sent to
each family and we asked children to
donate a bag of sugar. British Sugar
matched all donations and money raised
from this goes to buying food to support
the homeless and needy in Norfolk.
EACH Fundraiser This year, we are
encouraging children to buy a star for our
nativity display in the reception area to take
home and decorate, wishing all a Happy
Christmas. Once the stars have been
decorated we are asking for them to be
returned to our display board in the
reception area. This is instead of sending
Christmas cards and all funds raised will go
to the children’s charity, EACH - East
Anglia’s Children’s Hospice.
Save the Children Christmas Fundraiser -
Friday 13th December 2013
We asked children to wear a Christmas
Jumper or a customised jumper for a £1
donation to the charity.
Wishing everyone all the very best for
2014 from everyone at Caston VA
Primary School.
News The Wayland News Page 8
Rotary
Roundup Many thanks to the Watton Town
Team, Town Council, and the weather
(!) for the excellent and well attended
Festive Christmas Market, and many
thanks to everyone who came along
and helped us to raise £212 for our
charity funds. Following last month’s
report on our fundraising for
ShelterBoxes for the Philippines,
more cash came in from various
personal and group donations
enabling another 2 units to be funded
at £590 each.
We had 2 excellent speakers at our
meetings in the run up to Christmas.
Firstly, a Rotary Global Scholar,
Sarah McCuskee, from Saskatchewan,
Canada, who already has a BA from
Harvard University and is now on a
one year masters degree course in
public health at Cambridge. Sarah has
carried out some interesting research
into the affects of social
circumstances on children’s health
and development; she hopes to
continue her eclectic studies and get a
place at medical school in the USA or
Canada to study to become a doctor of
medicine. We also had a most
interesting dissertation on space
gazing by Bob Greer who showed
some amazing astrological pictures
taken at the Gt Ellingham observatory
and elsewhere in Norfolk & Suffolk.
This year, 2014, is an exciting one for
us: it is our diamond jubilee. The
embryo club was started in February,
inaugurated in May and officially
chartered by Rotary International in
September. We are planning a number
of activities and functions to mark and
celebrate our 60th anniversary. Watch
this space! Martin Anscombe
Market Stall: Dave Simons, Roy Challand and Peter Beech ready for the throngs
Scholar: President Roy Challand and Sarah McCuskee exchange club banners.
The Ovington
Crower
By Boy Sid
Har yew’re gitten on tergitha, hev yew
got orl yor decrashuns up yit, an I hoop
yew int bin an cut down wunna ole
Missus P’s Chrismus trees sted o gitten
wun fer Myhills.
Corse, time yew git rown ter readin this
that’ll orl probly be orl oova, an orl
yew’ll wanta dew is sleep orf yar tarky
an puddins, so I sharn’t hefta rite tew
much ter git yer orl cited up lessun yew
git a hart attack or suffin wus.
Cor wunt we lucky ter not git flooded
owt like orl tha pore peepal on tha
coost, tha ware a baddun fer shure. I
spect tha ole Govmint ‘ll hoss in a few
millun ter help em owt, thar gud at
hulling munny arownd ware thas
needed.
Cos Horry got hisself inna rite ole
pukerterry arta heed hard the wetha
forcast onna Reardjo Norfik, he hossed
orf tew Joosuns ter git a grat ole pile o
sarndbags an a barra lood o sand.
I say ter him I say “Why yew silly ole
fule yer livin on a grate ole hill, thet
warta ont cum up hare” “Arr” he say
“Wot iffen thet lot oova tew Sarhm
Toony git worrit abowt thar golf corse
an bung up thar Watton brook, tha
warta’ll sune git up alonga my bakkus,
thas down the bottom o tha gardin yew
no”
Carnt tork no sense ter him wen he git
orl fired up abowt suffin, so I gi him a
hand ter pile up tha sandbags agin his
bakkus door. Wen we wos dun ter his
satsfacshun, I had a thort, so I say ter
him I say “How’re yew gooin ter git
inta yore bakkus ifen yew need ter goo
strearn yar teartas in the nite Horry?”
“Cor Blarst” he say “I hent thort abowt
thet” “Yorl hatta git thar ole chearmba
pot outa yore shed Horry” I say “ Carnt
dew that Sid” he say “My ole hin is
sittin in thar, shis gone orl broody agin,
an I might git a brood o chicks afore
Chrismus iffen I leave har aloon. No
we shull hafta think o suffin else tew
kip tha warta owt”
“ Praps we orta git orf tew tha pub in
Sarhm an see wot thar dewin abowt
thar flud defences Horry”
“ Thas a gud idee Sid” he say “I cud
dew wi a pint or tew arta orl this hard
wuk”
I thort tha ole lanlord wud bust a gut
wen I towld him o Horry’s flud
prevenshun meshers.
“Heese daft as a brush” he say ter me
“Evrawun no thet if thet flud that’ll
cum tha otha way from Cressinum, gi
him a drop o scotch alonga his pint, an
heel sune fergit orl obowt gitten swep
away in tha flud, or betta still git him
tew bild an ark, then we kin orl feel
safe o nites”
We jist hed ower yewshull Chrismus
Bazzare inna tha willage horl, cor that
ware a gudden tha yare, we hed peeple
cum orl tha way from Watton ter
sample ower soop anna roll, an hoss orl
thar munny inta tha raffle an otha
delites we had a gooin.
I hed a goo on moost o tha
compertishuns, but dint win a lot, my
missus she say “ Thet doont matter Sid”
she say “Thas orl abowt tearkin part
and givin a bit terwards the Horl an tha
Chuch”
I nowtised tha ole wicar took hoom a a
fare few goodies, but I spect she’ll gi
them tew tha pore peeple in the willage,
Horry wos crowdin rownd her moost o
tha arternoon, ofrin tere carry har bags.
Heese shure ter git a gud funeral if
nuthin else.
I hard tha ole red telefoon box in tha
willage is gooin owt of akshun, but thet
hent gooin away cos the Cownsil hev
bort it orfa tha telfoon cumpny fer a
quid. Carnt git much fer a quid these
daers can yer, rekkun thas a bargin, jist
wunda wot thar gooin ter dew wi it.
Praps thet Docter Hoo mite be
intrested, he cud ewse it as a spare iffen
his Tardis fail its MOT or suffin.
Waal thas orl I gotta say abowt tha
gooins on in tha willage fer now so I’ll
wish orl onya tha compliments o tha
season and hoop yar orl hev a prosprus
new yare. Dew yew memba tew rap up
well, drink plettyer hot tee an gittsum
kip whyle thass blowin an frizzen, an
dunt fergit.
Dew yew kip a troshin!
Boy Sid
The Wayland News Page 9 News
What a Busy
Term at
Westfield! Back in September we welcomed lots of eager faces,
some brand new and some just a little bigger than in
July, to Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School.
Since then, it has been a very busy autumn term and
the children and staff have all been working hard and
learning together.
The Harvest Festival and African Walk to School
week in October was an opportunity for the children
to give thanks for our food and to learn about how
people in other countries farm and feed their families.
We raised £231.22 for the charity ‘Send a Cow’
during the collection.
In November, we held a non-uniform day and cake
stall which raised £289.40 for BBC Children in Need,
and then later in the month the children were all
inspired to learn about space during a whole school
themed week which included an alien invasion!
December has been, as always, a magical time at
Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School. We are
very grateful to the Friends who worked fantastically
to create a glorious grotto for Santa to stay in when he
visited the Christmas Fayre and for the many stalls
and activities they organised. All classes have
performed their Nativity plays beautifully to their
parents (thank you for the donations of £109.88 to The
Children’s Society from the collection) and the choir
represented the school wonderfully at the Town Carol
Concert in the Queens Hall on Sunday 15th
December.
After such a busy time, all children and adults are
ready for a relaxing Christmas break and are looking
forward to a bright start to the new term in January.
Children In Need Day
StarLincs Planetarium in the hall
Reception Class Nativity
Even reindeer visited the children! Megan with Sanata in his Grotto
News The Wayland News Page 10
Norfolk Wildlife Trust
To ask a question about the Norfolk’s Wildlife please call the Norfolk Wildlife Information Service. Wildline 01603 598333 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri.
E-mail [email protected] Website http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections
Further details and Membership enquiries 01953 498467 Local group E-mail: [email protected]
A Talk “Tales of a Failed Wildlife Hunter”. Tuesday December 17th, 7.45pm-10pm. Venue; Watton Christian Community Centre, 57 High Street, Watton. A presentation by Steve de Roeck. Followed by Seasonal refreshments and raffle. Cost : Members £5. Non members £6
Information
Please By John Egerton
Frequently on Look East or other television
news programmes we are shown footage of
sad looking commuters huddling against the
rain on some station platform, waiting for the
train that never seems to arrive.
I know exactly how they must feel, because I
spent over thirty years travelling to and from
London on Eastern Region trains.
It was early in 1957 that my wife and I
managed to save up the sum of £225 for the
deposit on a bungalow in Essex, mainly
because I was earning the mighty sum of £8
per week (today the recommended Living
Wage for the London area is £8.55 PER
HOUR ! ).
The reason for choosing Essex was that there
was a great building boom at the time, adding
new housing estates to most towns that were
within about 35 miles from the Capital, at just
about affordable rates. (My two bedroom
bungalow cost £2225.)
The fares charged by the railway were very
reasonable, and the recent conversion of the
trains from steam-hauled to electric made
journey times short enough to make
commuting a reasonable proposition.
My daily journey from Rayleigh to Liverpool
Street took about 45 minutes, after which I
had to change to the District Underground
line for one station (Moorgate) and then two
more stops to the Angel on the Northern
Line.
All this could be accomplished within the
hour, and for the first couple of weeks
everything went swimmingly and I was able
to be punctual at the office without any
hassle.
But commuting is never simple, and it was
not long before the troubles started, and the
things that can go wrong are unbelievably
numerous.
First of all it transpired that the new electric
trains, though a great improvement on the
ones they replaced, began to exhibit teething
problems, so that it became fairly common
for my train to come to a halt, followed by a
long wait during which no-one had an inkling
as to the cause of the trouble, nor how long a
delay could be expected. In those days the
carriages were of the separate compartment
types, with the slam-bang doors, seating six a
side with room for another six standing,
although it was more usual to have up to
twelve standing passengers crammed against
each other, and there was no means of
communication. Eventually the train would
crawl into the next station, where the dreaded
announcement “All change, please” would
come over the tannoy, and everyone would
have to disembark, the train would eventually
limp away and we would await further
instructions, which might not reach us for
some long time, after which another train,
probably already filled to capacity, into
which we would have to fight our way, would
arrive.
Of course the majority of our journeys were
made more or less on time, and we might go
a whole fortnight with no trouble at all, but it
always seemed that when things went wrong,
they went wrong for several days at a time.
All sorts of events could interrupt the smooth
running of the service, be it faults with the
trains, signal or points failure, level crossing
gates not working, or mishaps to passengers,
but with so many lines converging on
Liverpool Street, any delay anywhere along
the route would mean that the late train would
miss its intended ‘slot’, and gradually this
would affect every other movement at the
terminus, such was the intensity of the
timetables.
But the greatest annoyance at these times,
was the lack of information given to
travellers. Time and again we would arrive in
front of the Departures Board for our return
journey only to find that our train was
‘Cancelled’ or possibly ‘Delayed’, but there
were never ever any further details as to when
the service might resume.
This lack of information has always been the
bugbear attached to travelling, and it applies
equally at airports, and throughout the
railways, even today in the era we know as
the Age of Information.
When Reggie Perrin, in his famous television
role, used to greet his secretary each day with
“Morning, Joan. Eleven minutes late – points
failure at Clapham Junction” he must have
been favoured with inside knowledge or else
Southern Region were more forthcoming than
they were in the East.
Even after about 1987, when our trains were
replaced with modern sliding -door sets and
inter-carriage communication, the embargo
on detail was still rarely relaxed. The
Conductor, as I think he is called, would be
full of chat when the train was on time, but as
soon as any trouble was on the horizon he
would pipe firmly down, although he might
venture to say “We apologise for the delay to
your service, this is caused by the late
running of the preceding train”, but no more.
I am sure that this reluctance to share news is
the greatest cause for dis-satisfaction among
commuters everywhere.
To stand for an hour or so on a cold platform,
in the pouring rain, is bad enough, but to feel
that one has been completely abandoned
makes things even worse.
It is sad to think that on this point, at least,
there has been hardly any improvement in
this area since I started to commute all those
years ago.
Meanwhile I will watch those newscasts and
send my thoughts of sympathy to those
shown waiting on those bleak platforms, and
thank my lucky stars I no longer have to
suffer in that way.
Shellrock Circle Club
For The Over 50'S Of Rocklands And Surrounding Villages.
Venue: The Village Hall, The Street, Rocklands.On
the 3rd of December, our members went to the Dell
Bowling Club to enjoy a very tasty and filling
Christmas dinner. Everyone enjoyed the meal and
seemed to be happy to consider this venue again for
next Christmas. A small present was placed at each
setting and a "one ticket" raffle added to the
enjoyment of the afternoon.The schoolchildren of
Rockland Primary School visited our Club on the
11th of December and treated us to a programme of
carols. Their teacher Mr. Pinnock described their
performance as "a work in progress" but the
children neverless gave an enthusiastic rendition of
several well known carols. The smaller members of
the group sang a German carol entitled "Still, still,
still" with Mr. Pinnock accompanying them on his
guitar. Ding, dong merrily on high had the children
moving to the rhythm. The Candlelight Carol by
John Rutter was followed by an encore of Ding
Dong merrily on high which brought their
preformance to a close. We showed our
appreciation with generous applause and a small
sweet treat for each child.Happy Birthday was sung
for all the members of the club who have birthdays
in December. Our raffle ladies really put on a very
festive raffle and all the lucky winners seemed very
pleased with their prizes. Members hoping to get
home before dark started to drift away, so the
remaining members sang the Shellrock Anthem and
we all made our way home.Please remember to
bring a contribution for the raffle, as it it all helps
towards keep costs down. All those doubled up
Christmas presents that you are wondering what to
do with or any non-perishable BOGOF items from
the supermarket will all come in handy for the
raffle.HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS
AND BEST WISHES FOR THE NEW YEAR.We
meet again on Wednesday the 8th of January 2014
at the usual time 2pm till 4pm., when our
entertainer will be Elaine Denning who sings songs
from the 60's and 70's. The task for the afternoon
will be for the letter "I."
Wayland Chamber Comment
By Norman Wilson, Chair Wayland Chamber of Commerce
The Christmas lights provided by Watton Town Council are really great.
We now have possibly the best Christmas lights in the county and I
applaud the Town Council for their efforts.
The Watton Town Team have a programme in place for some 5 events next
year. The County Council officials have given guidelines that they will
allow four road closures for events in a year but they must be on Sundays.
Next month’s newsletter will give more details.
We will be lobbying the NEWAngliaLEP to obtain funds to balance the
support for the recently announced City Deals which affects only Norwich,
South Norfolk and Broadland. Whilst we are delighted they have
government money we are in a Rural Community and must be due for
more!
The Eastern Daily Press continue their campaign to draw attention to
Mobile Blackspots. Please support the campaign directly and let the EDP
know where the blackspots are for each of the operators see our website for
more details.
By the end of March, better broadband is now also set to be available in
parts of: Carbrooke, Griston, Little Cressingham, Merton, Saham Hills,
Saham Toney, Threxton, Watton (including Threxton Road Industrial
Estate, Neaton Business Park, Breckland Business Park, Norwich Road
Industrial Estate, New Green Business Park and Thetford Road Business
Park).
Next month will be my last contribution as I am coming to the end of my 2
years as Chair of the Wayland Chamber. We always need to refresh the
committee and welcome new ideas. Finally two pieces of information:
The NewAngliaLEP have published a funding report. The document aims
to simplify the funding searches by providing information about funding
available to businesses in Norfolk and Suffolk, either directly through the
LEP, through partner organisations in the region or through the European
Union’s headline programmes, which can filter down to local project level.
Whilst the document will not be able to provide direct answers for all
questions relating to specific funds, what it does is provide headline
information on some of the key funding opportunities available and how to
contact the relevant funding organisations and delivery teams. See website
for more details.
The LEP is also promoting some Business Roadshows at 50 locations in
Norfolk and Suffolk. To find out more, call James Brabben at New Anglia
on 01603 510081
See our website for links to items above www.wayland-chamber.org.uk
Do not hesitate to contact me on Chamber matters - my email is:
The Wayland News Page 13 News
A Quick
Look Round
By Orbiter
Well that’s another year gone already.
Why is it that time seems to take so
long coming and then goes by so
quickly ?
For instance we book a holiday for a
date six months ahead and it seems to
take ages to take place, and then in no
time at all it is over and largely
forgotten. So, after all the bustle of
the last few weeks Christmas will
soon fade into the past.
But no doubt it was all worth it, and
some things will stick in our
memories, such as the excellent
display of lights that adorned Watton
High Street this year. I drove into
town on December 1st after darkness
had fallen and was totally surprised
by the array that stretched down the
road, although I believe that some of
the good work was later spoiled by
the wind. Nevertheless I think that
those responsible deserve an
honourable mention. So I say “Well
done, chaps”.
Of course things were not so rosy up
on the coast, due to the big storm
surge, but thanks to all the work that
has been put in to strengthen the sea
defences, things were not as bad as
they might have been.
Unfortunately some people did lose
their homes, and our hearts go out to
them in their loss. They, no doubt,
must have lived in fear for the last
few years as the danger of coastal
erosion worsened as each storm tide
came along, but would have been
unable to do anything since their
properties had become un-saleable for
so long. No doubt when they were
purchased initially they were far back
from any perceived danger.
But not everything has been
depressing. What wonderful
sunrises and breathtaking sunsets
we have been treated to, at least
early in December! But out in the
wicked world there is a distinct
panic engulfing the football
fraternity after the news that
‘fixing’ of matches has spread to
this country.
While most of us don’t shed too
many tears when bookmakers are
the sufferers, our soccer clubs, apart
from just a few at the very top, are
all operating under great pressure,
so that the sterling efforts of those
who spend their lives working to
keep them going do not deserve to
be under-mined by the actions of
crooks.
Actually it must be quite difficult to
fix team games, unless wholesale
bribery is employed, but individual
sports, such as boxing, lend
themselves to this sort of activity.
Tennis could be one, at least in the
middle ranks, but might not offer
sufficient returns, while the top
players stand to receive so much
money, win or lose, that they would
not be interested.
But it would seem that the betting
industry has themselves to blame for
much of the corruption through
allowing wagers to be made on all
sorts of silly situations, such as how
many throw-ins there will be in a
game, or, as has been alleged, which
team will have a player sent off.
Perhaps it would be better to revert to
the old system of football pools,
whereby the punter had to forecast up
to seven results to have a possible
win. But whatever means is
employed, greed can take over, with
corruption; a sorry outcome.
Other big crimes, that do not produce
too much sympathy from the working
man, have been the increased number
of frauds by bank staff against their
employers. When the ordinary person
wants even to merely speak to a bank
manager, he comes up against all
sorts of security measures, yet
loopholes seem to be easily found to
enable the fraudster to get away with
thousands of pounds.
But loopholes seem to abound in
many areas these days, for so often do
we read of offenders being found
guilty, yet have to be allowed to go
free because of some technicality that
is beyond the range of normal
common sense.
One good thing that was recently
announced was the abandonment of
the proposal to convert a section of
the A14 to a toll road, with no
alternative available. While it might
have made little difference to us in
Norfolk, the idea might have been
extended to many other routes, and
we motorists feel that our costs are
already far too high.
Hopefully the HS2 scheme will also
be cancelled, for the enormous cost
would certainly fall on every one of
us in the long run.
We already suffer from exploitation,
this time in the matter of theatre
tickets. It was recently brought in to
focus by the sale of tickets for the
forth-coming reunion of the Monty
Python team. It transpired that only a
few tickets were available for general
sale, the bulk being reserved for
agencies, who were free to charge
whatever they liked, and often
enormous sums were involved. Surely
the box office price, plus a nominal
addition of a fee for handling, say
10%, should apply to all agents.
But the fans have only themselves to
blame for agreeing to pay over the
odds, particularly for the privilege of
seeing five old men in a show that has
not even been written yet.
The same applies to ‘big’ football
matches, when touts flog tickets for
many times their real value
(sometimes four or five hundred
pounds) to fans daft enough to pay
such sums. How bad these idiots must
feel at the end of ninety minutes,
when they realise how little value
they had received, especially if their
team had lost !
As they say, it’s a funny old world.
A Happy New Year to you all.
Rocklands Village Hall News After many years of service, Mr Cyril Ruffles has now stood down as Bookings
Secretary of the Village Hall. From 1st January 2014, please contact Mrs Shena
Scholes who has taken over the hall bookings.
Email: [email protected] Tel no: 01953 741 741
The hourly bookings hire rate is £5.50 per hour.
There will be no Bingo at the Rocklands Village Hall during January.
The Rocklands Village Hall is the venue for Line Dancing, Parent & Toddler
Group, Shellrock Club, Flower Club, Karate and Youth Club. Pick up a copy of
'The Rocklander' publication in the village shop for further details.
News from Great
Hockham Gardening Club On Wednesday 11th December we had a fun Quiz & Xmas Social,
organised by our Chairman, Ed. It was the first of our afternoon ventures,
but still, disappointingly only 13 members attended.
I am glad to say that those who came along seemed to enjoy the
proceedings which was something of a relief! We had two tables: six
people on one, five on the other. The teams called themselves Brain and
Brawn.
Brains consisted of Jeremy and Diana Hough, Cees de Ruyter, Matt
Cunningham and Chris Dalton.
Brawn consisted of Mary Watkins, Claudine Garrod, Val Long, Barbara
Evans, Jill de Ruyter and Sue Cunningham.
From a maximum possible 70 points, The Brawns scored 54½, but The
Brains scored 60½. Clearly the quiz needs to be harder in future!
As usual, the nibbles bought by the members were excellent and the small
attendance made heroic efforts to deplete the club's wine stock. There
were no competition entries this meeting.
All future meetings are now scheduled for the afternoons. Starting at
2pm. It is our Annual Gardening Club Lunch at McTaggart's, Ashill on
Sunday 26th January, 12.30pm. Sign up, pay and make your menu choice
by the meeting on January 8th - last chance!!
It is a great time to join our club to gain maximum benefits. It is only £10
per person to join for the whole year and there are lots of benefits - free
monthly meetings and refreshments, social events, speakers and visits as
well as discounts at selected garden centres and cheaper seeds. So if you
have an interest in gardening and like to mix with people who share the
same interest we are a very friendly club and we would love to welcome
you.
Don't forget to bring an entry for the flower, the fruit or vegetable and the
seasonal photo competitions...
Anyone needing a lift to meetings or raise any issues should notify me or
our Chairman, Ed Szczepanowski, tel : 01953 483589 as soon as possible
before the meeting. Thank you.
Happy New Year everyone Jane Dalton (Secretary) Tel: 01953 498694
Ashill and Holme Hale
Garden Club Richard Wright, the speaker at our November meeting, is a farmer
from the Yar valley between Norwich and Great Yarmouth. His talk,
entitled Flame and Flowers, explained how his businesses evolved
and developed through the need to diversify following the decline of
the farming industry.
The farm, originally bought by his grandfather, is a mixture of arable
and livestock and, having left school at the age of 14, Richard
eventually took full responsibility for the pigs. He built up this side of
the business by using modern and advanced farming methods.
However, from the mid 1990s the farming industry was hit by a series
of tragedies, including BSC, cheap imports, swine fever and, in 2001,
foot and mouth. There was an urgent need to diversify in order to
survive.
Richard's inspiration came from seeing a plastic flower in an oil lamp
and herbs preserved in cooking oil. He experimented with real flowers
suspended in lamp oil and soon sold his original and pretty oil lamps
from home. He progressed to stalls on Farmer's markets and Gift fairs
and then three years ago launched a web site selling worldwide.
But this was not the end of Richard's story. Two years ago he ran out
of polystyrene packaging whilst filling his last order before
Christmas. In desperation he decided to use popcorn which his
children were making. He mixed this with straw and some of the
discarded dried flowers and leaves. He was amazed at the response
from customers whose comments related to the packaging rather than
the lamp. Not only did it look attractive but it could also be re-cycled.
Also, as everything could be grown on the farm, including the maize
for the popcorn, its carbon footprint was very low. On this basis The
University of East Anglia helped Richard obtain funding from Europe
for further research and 14 months ago Leavs Sustainable Packaging
was launched with the Trade Marks Popfil and Leafil.
Unfortunately, new regulations from 1st January 2014 means that the
oil lamps can no longer be sold. Nevertheless, Richard believes there
is still more potential for the packaging materials and, in the
meantime, poultry has successfully replaced the pigs.
Chairman, David Green, thanked Richard for an amusing and
inspirational talk and invited him to judge the photographic
competition on the
theme 'Autumn Glory'.
A great many members
had been out with their
cameras. The winning
entry was from Kate
Lawrenson.
January 23 Dr Ian
Bedford 'Advances in
Plant Research'
February 27 Jim Paine
'A Late Winter Talk'
The Wayland News . . . Which Way Now? Page 3
If you do not read the online edition, why is that?
I don’t use the internet I don’t like reading things like news online I didn’t know there was a website I don’t like the website
If you do read the online edition what do you like the most about the site?
News is up to date Convenient Easy to read Quick and contemporary Extras like Video and Audio Content
What other sources of news and information do you use?
BBC Television BBC Radio Norfolk Eastern Daily Press Watton & Swaffham Times My Parish Magazine
The Future of The Wayland News
The Wayland News is produced because people put a lot of time and effort in. It’s all paid for by advertising but as we’re in a recession, we need to look at if there are other ways to generate the money needed to produce, print and distribute the magazine. Have you ever used an advertiser you’ve seen in the Wayland News?
Yes – I often use the paper a directory of local businesses I can use Yes – I don’t find businesses through the paper, but I support businesses who are local wherever I can Yes – But by accident; I find them through things like Google, Yellow Pages etc Don’t know – I don’t pay much attention to adverts
If The Wayland News became something that you had to pay for, what, if anything, do you think a fair price would be for each issue?
25p 50p 75p £1 £1.25 £1.50 £1.75 £2 Rather than buy an edition each time it came out, would you be interested in subscribing for a year and have it delivered to your door? What would be a fair price be for one each month, do you think? £10 a year £15 a year £20 a year £25 a year £30 a year
The Wayland News . . . Which Way Now? Page 4
The Wayland News is currently operated by the Editor, Julian Horn. He is in fine fettle and has many editions left in him, but one day will be unable to produce the magazine. Julian would like to put the magazine on a firmer footing, owned by people committed to giving local people news about things that matter to them. Who do you think he should choose? mark more than one if you wish
Watton Town Council Archant, the owners of Watton & Swaffham Times and EDP Another local business who buys it off Julian to run themselves The Community themselves, like residents in Rocklands are trying to achieve with their village shop
If you answered the Community above, would you be prepared to be part of the community ownership of Wayland News as a member or shareholder?
Yes No
If no, what would make you reconsider?
Getting a dividend share of any profit made myself Getting a vote over the kinds of features and stories we wrote about Getting the chance to write stories about my club, society or interests Something else Nothing
If yes, then what would you expect to be the benefits or rights that members had?
Getting a dividend share of any profit made myself Getting a vote over the kinds of features and stories we wrote about Getting the chance to write stories about my club, society or interests Nothing – just a vote at the AGM would be fine Something else? please say what
And finally… We’re really very grateful for your time in helping us out. In case we’d like to ask a few follow-up questions and you are willing to give your name, address and or phone number, please do so below. Please return this whole survey to: Julian Horn, C/O Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton, Norfolk. IP25 6AE And once again thank you for your support it is very much appreciated and will help secure the future of The Wayland News
Church Times and News The Wayland News Page 14
Watton Churches Together Service Calendar for January
St. Mary’s Church, Watton www.stmaryswatton.org
1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion
2nd Wednesday Morning Worship Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm
Tel: 01953 881252 [email protected]
Sun 5th 8.00am Holy Communion
10.45am Covenant Service at
Watton Methodist Church
Sun 12th 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion and Holy Baptism
Sun 19th 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion
Sun 26th 8.00am Holy Communion
10.00am All Age Worship
6.30pm Choral Evensong
Watton Methodist Church www.wattonmethodist.btck.co.uk
Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet
reflection and prayer between 10.15am & 11.30am
It’s your quiet place. At 10.30 there is a half-hour Midweek
Service in the Large Vestry led by the Minister or a Church
Member. Minister: Deacon S Sowerby 01953 881035
Sun 5th 10.45am Covenant Service Rev D Greenaway
and Deacon S Sowerby
6.30pm Mrs S Greenaway
Sun 12th 10.45am Deacon S Sowerby
6.30pm Mr D Harrison
Sun 19th 10.45am Mrs J Roebuck
6.30pm Rev D Lloyd Holy Communion
Sun 26th 10.45am Rev I Terry
6.30pm Mrs J Semmons
Roman Catholic Community Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church
Pentecostal Church, Dereham Road, Watton Children have their own programme during
the Sunday morning services.
This month The Purpose and the Passion of our Church . . .
Sun 5th 10.30am To give every man, woman and child the
opportunity of understanding the gospel
Sun 12th 10.30am To provide a church
Sun 19th 10.30am To encourage growth
Sun 26th 10.30am To develop a ministry
St. Nicholas’ Church, Ashill Tuesdays at 10.00am Holy Communion
Sun 5th 9.30am Lay Led Morning Worship
Sun 12th 9.30am Morning Worship
Sun 19th 9.30am All Age Worship
Sun 26th 9.30am Holy Communion
St. George’s Church, Saham Toney Sun 5th 11.00am Holy Communion
Sun 12th 11.00am Morning Worship
Sun 19th 11.00am Covenant Service
Sun 26th 11.00am Holy Communion
S.S. Peter & Paul’s Church, Carbrooke
Sun 5th 10.30am Lay Led Morning Worship
Sun 12th 10.30am Holy Communion
Sun 19th 10.30am All Age Worship
Sun 26th 10.30am Lay Led Morning Worship
St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington Sun 12th 9.30am Holy Communion
Breckles, Caston, Great Hockham, Griston, Merton,
Stow Bedon & Thompson Worship Calendar for January
Sunday 29th December - First Sunday of Christmas
10:30 am United Holy Communion Caston
Sunday 5th January - Epiphany Sunday
10:30 am United Holy Communion Gt. Hockham
Service led by Bishop Jonathan
Sunday 12th January - Baptism of Christ
10:30 am United Holy Communion Griston
Preacher: The Archdeacon of Lynn, John Ashe
Sunday 19th January - Second Sunday after Epiphany
9:00 am Matins (BCP) Gt. Hockham
10:30 am United Holy Communion Stow Bedon
Sunday 26th January - Third Sunday after Epiphany
9:00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Merton
10:30 am United Holy Communion Thompson
Services led by Revd. David Foster (Bishop's
Officer for Ordinands & Initial Training)
Sun. 2nd February - Presentation of Christ in the Temple
10:30 am United Holy Communion Breckles
Service led by Revd. Tim Dean (Continuing
Ministerial Development Officer)
Watton area Food Bank donations received at all
regular Sunday morning services
‘THE WAY’ YOUTH GROUP (ages 11+)
Sunday 12th January, 7:00 pm, Rectory
Friday 17th January, 7:00 pm, Rectory
Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols
Tel.: (01953) 483222; Email: [email protected]
WATTON BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Wed 1st Jan There will be no meeting today—Bank Holiday Mon 20th 12 for 12.30pm Lunch at Griston Wagon & Horses
Dance-Away, at the
Queens Hall, Watton The new committee, who took over the running of the popular,
monthly dances at the Queens Hall in January, are pleased to
report they have had a successful year.
When Mike and Joyce Long decided to retire after thirty years
of running dances at the Queens Hall, the committee was
formed, as no-one wanted to see the dances finish.
The Queens Hall has a lovely dance floor and is popular with
dancers from Watton and as far away as Bury St. Edmunds and
Norwich.
As a new group, the committee are grateful for support from
Watton Council in helping with a grant to pay for the first
years insurance; the group are now pleased that they are able
to cover future costs to keep the dances going for the
foreseeable future. It was agreed, by the committee, that any
profits would be donated to local groups and charities, so
were pleased that they were able to donate £100 to the
Watton Thursday Club, which was used to help fund this
year’s Christmas Party.
The committee would like to thank all those who have
supported us over the last year and look forward to their
continuing support.
A new programme of dances, which are held on the first
Saturday of each month, excluding February, is now in place
for 2014. Posters are displayed locally, to advertise the
dances, and we would be pleased to welcome any one who
wants to come along and join this very friendly group of
people, who have a love of dancing.
The next dance will be held on Saturday 4th January, with
music by Nina & Bob Matsall.. The dances are from 8 -
11pm and have a good mixture of Ballroom, Latin and
Sequence dances. Any one who wants to know more about
these dances can contact me, Val Simpson on 01953 882790.
Bradenham and District
Horticultural Society Bradenham and District Horticultural Society would like to wish
all members and friends all good wishes for 2014, we look
forward to seeing you all at meetings next year.
These are held on the third Thursday of each month in the
village hall at 7.30pm.
We have a varied and interesting programme for next year,
starting in February, and hope to see some new faces at our
Beetle Drive with fish and chips night in March (pre-booking
essential).
Contact Marianne on 01362 820744 for further information.
The Wayland News Page 15 News
Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu Family Night Fun & memories
Well November has, as usual, been a busy
month in the world of Ishin Ryu. Not only have
we crammed in an infant and junior grading we
have also hosted our first Family Charity Night
where all the children were invited to “Bring a
parent” for a nights training in Aid of Scotty’s
little Soldiers. The gradings were a fantastic
success, with more children than ever attaining
the next level – well done.
The family night was also a fantastic event with
loads of parents braving the dojo (all bowing on
the way in!) and training with their little ones for
the evening. Everyone had a go at the breakfalls
and the highlight of the week was Katy Kings
Nanny (pictured) aged 73 and learning gun
disarms with Katy’s mum Tracy - 3 generations
of ladies all laughing and learning Ju Jitsu, lots
of memories made. Well done to everyone who
helped make it such a success, let’s hope we
made lots of money.
And finally, as if that was not enough,
congratulations this month to our students of the
month Olivia Pereira (infants) and Amelia
Hodges (juniors) congratulations on your award,
a great month’s training.
For further information please contact Ishin Ryu
headquarters on 01953 483795
Mums needed as
Volunteers for
Support Service The Perinatal Support Service is currently looking for
volunteers to help support new and expectant mums
emotionally and practically. Currently the service, set
up by voluntary organisation Family Action and
funded by the Big Lottery has 14 Volunteers
supporting mums around West Norfolk and
Breckland. The project is ever growing and continues
to receive referrals from Health Visitors, Midwifes,
Children’s Centres and other health professionals.
The service offers a 6 session training programme for
potential volunteers, including information on
services available, an understanding into postnatal
depression, domestic violence, safeguarding and
mental health. It is a great opportunity if thinking
about getting back into work or as something to do as
your own children are growing up. The training
course is due to start week commencing 20th January.
The only criteria is that the volunteers are mums with
an understanding of the difficulties of parenting. If
you are interested, please contact Melanie Wiseman
on 01760 725801 or melanie.wiseman@family-
action.org.uk for more information.
Letter to the Editor Christmas Lights
I would like to congratulate all of those responsible
for the very impressive Christmas Lights in Watton
this year. Quite spectacular - well done.
Esme Tyrrell, Saham Toney
The Wayland News Page 16 News
Ashill Presentation Night was held on Saturday
16th November, everyone had a very enjoyable
time with buffet provided by the Ladies of Ashill
Bowls.
Club-person of the year was won by Maureen
Russell, 1st runner -up George Davison, and 2nd
runner-up Bob Hall
Ladies singles competition won by Pat Davison, runner-up Maureen Russell,
Male singles competition won by Alan Wilier, runner-up George Davison
Mixed singles competition won by George Davison, runner-up Alan Wilier
Ladies Pairs won by Jackie Taylor and Inga Healy
Male Pairs won by Colin Breeze and Robert Hall
Mixed Pairs won by Alan Wilier and Joyce De Bolz
Male Triples won by Brian Smith, George Davison and Tony Thompson
Mixed Triples won by Robert Hall, Tony Thompson and Pat Davison
New members are very welcome
Pictured: George Davison, Maureen Russell, Bob Hall, Peter Bunn
THE WAYLAND NEWS Page space is allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Deadline is 12Noon on 16th of the month preceding publication
and that is the last date and time that copy will be considered for inclusion. Arrival of copy before deadline does not guarantee
inclusion, if you wish to be certain your entry gets published, then please make sure it arrives in plenty of time otherwise you may still be disappointed. If you are submitting on paper you MUST sign and
include your contact details with each item. If you do not, the item will NOT be published.
You can contact Julian by ringing (01953) 858908. You can write to 8 Princess Close, Watton IP25 6XA
The e-mail address is [email protected] Views expressed in articles in The Wayland News are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or printers.
While every care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, the
publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
This issue of the The Wayland News was published by: Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE
and printed by
Sharman & Company Ltd, Newark Road Peterborough PE1 5TD. Phone: 01733 424
Richmond Park Golf Club Seniors Award Winners
Daily Mail Foursomes. 1st S & S
Parnell: 2nd S. Pettifer & A. Adams.
Richmond Pots 1st S. & L Parnell. 2nd
K. Bloomfield & R. Noble.
Peach Bowl. 1st S. Parnell. 2nd G.
Felgate.
Medal Winners:- 1. J. Bambridge. 2. G.
Felgate. 3. S. Beaumont.
4. D. Woodward. 5. G. Mann. 6. T.
Wright. 7. B. Shipley
Famous Grouse. 1st B. & M.
McCormack. 2nd B. & J. Feltner
Saham Shield. 1st K. Bloomfield. 2nd.
P. Crosthwaite.
MYT Salver. Richard Bidwell.
Nigel Davies Trophy. Richard Mc
Cormack.
Solebay Cup. 1st. L. Parnell. 2nd. M.
Mc Cormack.
Jubilee Cup. 1st S. Tuvey. 2nd J.
Fudge.
Presidents Putter 1st G. Knox. 2nd G.
Felgate.
Horsfall Trophy. 1st J. Ray. 2nd S.
Worsley.
Whitfield Trophy. 1st R. Butler. 2nd P.
Nichols.
Hensley Cup. 1st S. McCarthy. 2nd S.
Beaumont.
Commans Trophy. 1st B. & J. Feltner.
2nd P. Matless & P. Seth.
Worden Cup. 1st J. Feltner 2nd K.
Bloomfield.
Secretary’s Spoon. 1st P. Matless. 2nd
R. Jewel.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
Aspect Cup Club Champion K.
Bloomfield. Runners Up A. Hewison; H.
Webb.
Club Champion, Kevin Bloomfield, receiving his trophy from Simon Jessop, Club Captain Colin Chapman, and Mike Glenn
Ashill Bowls
Presentation Evening