The Mid-norfolk Times November 2009

Transcript

Help Yourself FREE! Issue No. 1 A Free Paper Supporting Mid-Norfolk Communities November 2009 Welcome to the Mid-Norfolk Times Communities across Mid-Norfolk have been given a new voice thanks to the launch of a monthly newspaper dedicated to the district. The Mid-Norfolk Times has been born out of the popular Wayland News, which has served the Wayland community for more than a decade. The Mid-Norfolk Times is all about you. It aims to keep you informed of what is going on where you live, reflect your concerns and let you voice your opinion. Its proudest boast is that is written for the community by the community and everyone is invited to contribute articles and pictures. News is whatever is important to you so whether it is the latest meeting of the WI, an event in the library or a story you think has the potential to make national headlines the man at The Times wants to know. Editor, Julian Horn, said: “The Mid-Norfolk Times is there to serve the community but I am relying on the community to act as my eyes and ears. “I want this paper to serve you and be something we can all be proud of. “Stories and pictures are always welcome as are letters. If you have an event let me know. I will always try to get along and if I can't, why not have a try at being a reporter yourself and send in a report with pictures?” For a personal welcome from the editor and details of how to get in contact go to page 16. School Curry Night Makes a Mint Looking for Christmas Bargains? Then come along to the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, 28 November organised by Watton Methodist Church at Watton Christian Community Centre between 10am and 1.30pm. Various stalls including gifts, toiletries, toys, Christmas novelties/decorations, homemade cakes etc. Coffee/tea available and also light lunches. Book the date now – we look forward to welcoming you. Pictured at the presentation of the cheque to the children of Great Hockham Primary School are (in the back row left to right) Matt Dobbin (Parent Governor), Doug Hartley (School Head), Don Lear, Anna Dobbin (Chair of Friends of Great Hockham Primary School and Trevor Mason who provided the vegetables for the all the curries. Great Hockham Primary School recently held a curry night which was kindly organised by Mr Don Lear, founder of Bhajiman spice kits. He arranged for local meat producer Barnards Butchers and vegetable grower, Trevor Mason, to sponsor the evening by donating the meat and vegetables for the Curries. Mr Lear trained five Dads to be chefs on the evening who cooked up seven fantastic curry dishes. 100 tickets were sold and an amazing £1353.59 was raised for the School. If you would like to try some of Don Lear‟s delicious curry recipes have a look at www.bhajiman.co.uk this year remember to get your Christmas Trees from Manor Farm Great Hockham, Norfolk IP24 1PE Freshly Cut and Locally Grown Tel Trevor: 01953 498204 Mob: Vince 07704 897 787 We look forward to seeing you [email protected] It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 FREE! The Wayland News Page 2 News Nigel Rowling - Thanks Angela, Neil, Simon and Julia would like to thank everyone who kindly donated to the East Anglian Air Ambulance and East Anglian Childrens Hospice (EACH) in memory of Nigel Rowling who died on August 3rd. A total of £1,637.91 was received by Breckland Funeral services and they have forwarded half to each of the above charities. Thank you for all your kind words and support to the family. It is a comfort to know that some good has come from the loss of Nigel. Norfolk Mobility doubles grant funding to give Norwich family free Mobility Scooter J.C. BOOKS & Applestore Gallery Telephone/Fax 01953 883488 FINE BOOKS BOUGHT AND SOLD 55 High Street, Watton For quality out of print books, Fine Bindings and Collectable Editions. New Books including local and children’s classics. Visit the Applestore Gallery on the first floor, exhibiting the Paintings of Kevin Robinson and his complete range of East Anglian prints including Watton and Wymondham. cv James Ball SHOWROOM: 49 High Street, Watton 01953 883288 Very Competitive Prices Most Makes of carpets & Vinyl Supplied and Fitted Pictured are Charmaine Squires (Malcolm Squires‟ Daughter), Steve Key (Managing Director Norfolk Mobility), Becky from Radio Norwich Families First and Malcolm Squires Norfolk Mobility were happy to help give Norwich man Malcolm Squires a new found freedom this week when they matched the grant funding raised by Radio Norwich Families First charity and together, gave Malcolm a free, state of the art scooter. Steve Key, Managing Director of the Hingham based mobility company was approached by Radio Norwich Families First charity in September. The charity had raised £500 towards a new scooter for Mr Squires; however the charity was struggling to find a suitable model within this price range which would suit the needs of Mr Squires. Mr Key said “it is crucial that people get the most appropriate scooter for their needs and after talking to Mr Squires I could see that he was going to need a little extra help from us.” Sally Buddon, from Families First said “finding the right scooter was proving extremely difficult; thankfully my call to Sam made all the difference. Once I had informed Sam of the situation, he agreed to match the grant and provide Mr Squires with a new scooter and 12 months warranty worth £1000. Mr Squires lives in Norwich and attends the Jack Pryor Renal Unit three times a week to receive peritoneal dialysis up to six hours each session. Mr. Squires tires very quickly and experiences pain and shortness of breath when undertaking routine activities that many of us take for granted. “When I received a call to say that Norfolk Mobility had doubled the grant I was delighted. Being able to finally get out of my flat and easily get to the shops and spend more time with my daughter is fantastic. I will no longer miss my daughters parents evening and her school sports day due to my disability. I just can‟t wait to get out there!” Mr Squires said. 99.9 Radio Families First was set up in September 2007 to relieve poverty and hardship and improve the lives of families with children living in Norwich and the surrounding area. Steve Bradley, Station Manger at Radio Norwich, said “Families First is all about helping local families in need of support and thanks to the generosity of our listeners who fundraise for us throughout the year, and to Norfolk Mobility for their contribution, we were delighted to be able to award this grant to Malcolm.” Mr Squires was picked up by Norfolk Mobility and taken to their shop in Hingham. There, Mr Squires was given a choice of three scooters all designed to meet his specific requirements. “It was a great day and the staff at Norfolk Mobility really took care of me. I am simply overwhelmed by it all.” said Mr Squires. In the end the choice was easy for Mr Squires “as a supporter of Tottenham Hotspurs I just had to choose the blue one!” said Mr Squires. Mr Squires would like to thank Norfolk Mobility and Families First for his new Scooter. Bradenham & District Horticultural Society The AGM was held in the Village Hall on Thursday 15 October. The members elected the Officers and Committee as follows: President Allison Grifiths; Chairman Lavinia Rix; Secretary Nick Fortes; Treasurer Mandy Dowe. The other members of the Committee are Una Reeves, Marianne Kilmartin, Belinda Ashworth, Geoff Twelftree, Pauline Rant and Vic Cossins. The mini show results were 1st June Martin, 2nd Jackie Priestley, 3rd Alan Martin, Highly Commended Judy Atkinson. November‟s meeting will be held in the Village Hall on Thursday 19th at 7.30pm with a talk by Ian Howard from the Woad Barn. Ian will also bring along some woad products for sale and will hold a short demonstration about how woad works as a traditional dye. There will be the usual refreshments and Geoff‟s Tips. All are welcome. Marianne Kilmartin Christmas is coming to Watton Country Market We are now taking orders for Christmas gifts, produce, baked goods and poultry. Please give our crafters and cooks as much notice as possible to prepare your special items. This year you can also order poultry at the Country Market. This will come from the same farm in Ashill that provides our eggs. Please go to the egg stall for further details and to place orders. A new producer has joined us and has a fine array of wooden toys, all of which are environmentally friendly, being made from recycled wood. All carry the CE mark so you can give them with confidence to small children. Another producer who works in wood has a fine selection of bowls, pens, candleholders, clocks, small pictures and even buttons. You will find a lovely display of necklaces, earrings and bracelets at very competitive prices. We also have beautifully etched glassware and pictures, knitted and crocheted garments, including lovely warm scarves to combat those chilly winter winds. Cloth bags, hot water bottle covers and kaftans are still available, as are individually designed greetings cards for every occasion. Freshly baked cakes and savouries are available every week alongside home cooked jams and chutneys, local honey, and sweets. All our cooks have current hygiene certificates and have had their home kitchens inspected and approved by the local Environmental Health Inspectors. Please come and visit us on any Wednesday morning between 8.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. in the Watton Christian Community Centre. News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 3 Happy 10th Birthday, Wayland Partnership The Wayland Partnership is this month celebrating the completion of ten years as a Company Limited by Guarantee and will be holding a small celebration for Partners Trustees and Staff on November 4th to celebrate the passing of the first ten years and looking forward to the next ten. Over the past ten years the Partnership (the Town, the surrounding villages and key community organisations) has raised almost £3 million of public and private funds to deliver a wide range of projects in line with the community consultations held in the late 1990‟s, and to meet its remit to promote the economic, social, cultural and environmental well-being of all who live and work in Wayland. These include High Street refurbishment, Tourism projects, Heritage projects, Learning and Training for both the community and for Businesses, the Farmers Market, Health, Sport and Youth projects as well as projects in the Wayland villages. The Wayland Partnership is a charitable company and relies for its income on grant funding to pay for specific projects, on the income from activities at Wayland House and on donations from Partners and the community. The next ten years will be challenging as much of the grant funding has dried up or been diverted elsewhere (Lottery funding to the Olympics and European funding to new members of the EU), interests rates have plummeted and donations are thin on the ground. In the December Edition there will be a more detailed report of the past ten years and a look towards the next ten. New scheme is key to clearer housing allocation . . . A new scheme, set to go live in mid November, will enable home-seekers on Breckland Council‟s housing register to choose which property they wish to bid for. Under the new system, prospective tenants can view available housing properties on a dedicated website, and „bid‟ for those that are suitable. „Bidding‟ is simply registering an interest in a property – there is no exchange of money, and bidding can be carried out on the telephone, by text messaging or over the internet. Those without access to the internet will be able to use PCs in libraries and information points throughout the district. Information about the scheme can be obtained from ARPT (Anglia Revenues Partnership Trading), tel: 01842 756422, email: [email protected]. The Breckland Key Select website will go live in mid November. [email protected] Saint Andrews Quidenham It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 A Christmas Festival Designs by Breckland Flower & Garden Club and Friends of Saint Andrews church Thursday 3rd - Monday 7th December 11am - 3pm daily Sunday Festival Carols and Readings at 4pm Christmas Craft Stall Proceeds to Saint Andrews and Air Ambulance Christmas Fayre at Caston Our Annual Christmas Fayre this year will be on Saturday, 21 November in the Village Hall, starting at 2pm until around 3.30pm. There will be raffles, games and tombola as well as cakes, fancy goods/ bric-a-brac, a Christmas goods stall – all the traditional Christmas Fayre contents. In addition, the Hamper Draw will take place – a chance to win a wicker picnic basket packed with many items for Christmas. Why not come along and have a go at winning one of the super prizes and enjoy your first mince pie of the season? Saham Toney Pre-School News Lincoln's Tea & Coffee Shoppe & Bistro Of Hingham Tel: 01953 851357 Are proudly presenting Arlene Bartlett's Artwork during November & December. Treat yourself to a coffee & sausage roll for only £2.25 whilst viewing original works of art. Opening times - Tues - Sun 10-4pm. Visit www.lincolns-of-hingham.co.uk for our Christmas Festive Celebration Menus The new term at the pre-school has got off to a good start with new children starting all the time, which is very positive. The children have been busy looking at colours and the autumn. The picture shows some of the children and staff in the pre-school garden with the new shed that was funded through the Grass Roots Norfolk Community Foundation fund. Our last Race Night held in conjunction with the Wells Cole committee raised £107.75 for pre-school funds. The children have been busy on a Sponsored Scavenger Hunt over the half term and hopefully that will raise money as well as be a fun activity for the whole family. The next event is our „big‟ event of the year, our Annual Ball, which this year is a „Friday 13th Masquerade Ball‟ to be held on 13th November at the WCCC. It runs from 8pm till late. There will be live music, a buffet and a free Masquerade mask for each attendee. Tickets are £20. Please come along and support us at this great event, which all those who attended last year really enjoyed. Tickets are available from Saham Toney Post Office or by phoning Suzanne on 01953 885178. The fence pencil project is going really well. So far we have raised £38 from preschool families and £50 from local businesses. This is enough to start us off, so look out for the brightly coloured pencils soon! There is still time to sponsor a pencil however and if you want to find out more visit our website at www.sahamtoneypre-school.co.uk In response to our request for volunteers last month we are delighted that we have had a lady come forward who is keen to help out but we are still looking for more volunteers to help out at pre-school. Volunteers must be happy to be CRB checked but other than that no qualifications are needed – just a desire to work with 2 – 5 year olds! So if you are retired or want to develop your skills before starting work, or just want something fun to do, we would love to hear from you. Please ring our Chair, Clare on 01953 889186 to find out more. If you have a child who is two or over (or soon to be two) and would be interested in finding out more about our excellent Pre-School, then please speak to Lisa, our Supervisor, on 07749 756831, alternatively you can email [email protected] . The Wayland News Page 4 Tomato-Tomayto News Caston Camera Club Thinking about joining a camera club/photographic society? In the area covered by this publication you‟ll have at least three to choose from so which should be the one for you? Caston is just off the A1075 about three miles south of Watton, and Caston Camera Club is the most popular club in Norfolk outside of Norwich – quite a feat for a club in a small village, so there has to be a reason why and that reason is because we will take a real interest in you and make sure you are made to feel welcome just as soon as come along to visit us. If you have an interest in photography then you should seriously think about joining us. Of course we have our good photographers and we would like more but we also have a lot of men and women who own small pocket cameras and just want to learn how to improve their photography - we are the club for that as well. We are not some group of elitists and neither do we want to be. We find a lot of gratification in taking members who want to learn and helping them do just that. One of the reasons we have as many good photographers as we do, is because they started as beginners and they have learnt from other members. We run training courses for beginners on a regular basis and our monthly meetings are always of interest. By the time you read this we will have had our latest meeting which included a talk from a CSI photographer. This is a man who uses his hobby in his work and not many of us have the opportunity to do just that. If you would like to know more then have a look at our web site www.castoncameraclub.co.uk where you can find out everything about us Our web site starts off by saying “There has to be a reason why Caston Camera Club is the most popular club outside of Norwich” so why not give me a call, Brian on 01953 488 477 and see if we are true to our word of making you feel welcome. Gardening in Navasoto, Texas By Helen Quinn We talked about Monarch butterflies last month, and I‟m pleased to say I d i d c a pt u re p h o t o s of t h e “emergence” from the chrysalis (pictured right). The Monarch, by the way, is the State Butterfly of Texas – they have a State Bird (the Mockingbird), a State Flower (the Bluebonnet), even a State Dog (the Blue Lacy)! The hummingbird, of which we are all so fond, is another tiny creature that flies thousands of miles to Mexico each winter. Now that the climate appears to be changing, some of them are actually staying in Texas now instead of undertaking the perilous journey. In the garden the irises and other perennials are divided and re-set, and it is now time to plant new ones. November is when we start planting have more success with varieties specially adapted to the climate. Peaches and other stone fruit grow well to the west of us, in the “Hill Country”, acid loving fruits such as blueberries thrive to the east where the soils are completely different, and to the south grow the citrus trees of the Rio Grande Valley where freezes are rare. We are fortunate to have the resources and expertise of Texas A&M University (Agricultural & Mechanical) just twenty miles up the road, where they research, adapt, and breed new varieties of all plants and trees for specific areas and climate zones. About the second week of November, with a bit of luck and fruit trees, and here it must be said cooperation from the weather, we that while apples will grow here, we should be harvesting new potatoes and mature green tomatoes to ripen at room temperature. The Pecan harvest will be in full swing, and the nuts will be stored in a cool place, or even the deepfreeze for longer storage. Pecans are often grown as shade trees, providing a bonus for both man and squirrel! Bedding plants We are also pleased to offer News Deliveries 7 days a week in such as pansy, calendula, candytuft, snapdragon the following areas Griston, Northacre, Caston, Stow Bedon, like will be Breccles, Great Hockham, East Wretham, Larling, Snetterton, and the out at midplanted Shropham and Mount Pleasant month, and we‟ll be gathering our protective 50 High Street, Watton. Tel: 881234 covers for the possibility of a sudden frost. Established in Watton for four generations Some daffodils grow well here and naturalize, but mostly they are the smaller-flowered ones; the paperwhite narcissus is to be found growing freely around all the old abandoned homestead sites. The lovely King Alfreds I remember as a child just don‟t do well. Other bulbs that don‟t do well are Dutch hyacinths, crocus, and “English” bluebells – they might look good for a year, but rarely come back. Rarely do you see tulips growing in gardens, except for maybe the species type and Clusianas; all others require special chilling treatment to perform for the even first year. Bulbs must be refrigerated for at least 12 weeks before planting, and a real enthusiast would have a separate fridge for the bulbs since they shouldn‟t be stored close to fruit such as apples, pears, and bananas which give off ethylene gases. Ethylene inhibits activation of the flowering mechanism within the bulb. Enjoy them for a year, then compost them – hard to do for an optimist who always believes they “might” come back! EDWARDS OF WATTON WATTON’S SPECIALIST NEWSAGENT An Hackers Tackers & Stuffers On the 21st September the first of a new series of whole day workshops took place when participants made an attractive fabric goose, the same method can be adapted to make a rabbit. At the meeting on 22nd September a member demonstrated the making of a three dimensional fabric Christmas Tree. Some completed examples have been shown subsequently and are absolutely stunning. On 5th October a group of us worked hard at the home of a member cutting, stitching and layering quilts for the Project Linus. It is hoped that these will now be completed by those who were unable to attend. There is a whole day workshop on 16th November where a fabric monkey will be made. At the meeting on 24th November making a Christmas Decoration using ribbons will be demonstrated. On 21st November we are having a table at the Macmillan Cancer Care and Support Craft Fair in the Queens Hall selling handmade items, many suitable as Christmas presents, to buy materials for the Project Linus Quilt and Breast Cancer Heart Cushion charities we support. Meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 7 9pm at the Watton Christian Community Centre. Further information and updates on our activities can be found on our blog at http://htsqgroup.blogspot.com "Pick & Mix Sweets" now available in store Entrepreneurs step up to win Dragon‟s Den style competition Fledgling firms from around the district braved the dragons‟ den on 30 September to compete in a business competition in Attleborough. The winner was Breckland Orchard from Watton, a company that makes award winning soft drinks from the Brecks; it was founded by Claire Martinsen in early 2009. First prize included the free use of a business unit for a year worth £10k, a laptop computer, ILM Management training course, half price Barclays busine ss banking, half day Accountancy Consultancy with Larking Gowen and continued support from Breckland Council. There were over 500 entries in the competition in total. SS Peter & Paul CE VC School, Carbrooke Hi again. I can‟t believe that we are in November already. It feels not that long ago that we were enjoying our summer break. We are extremely busy with getting ready for the dreaded C word which is looming all too fast. Already this term we have had 2 Tournaments which we have done extremely well at. Some of our year 4 children did a sponsored swim to raise money for the Wymondham Lions and their chosen charity, CLIC Sargent. They did very well raising over £200. We have had our Harvest Festival and Year 6 visited the Sea Life Centre at Hunstanton. We have many clubs at school now. We have a drama club, hockey, football, gymnastics, guitar, keyboard, choir, gardening and netball. We are also open to any ideas for other interests to. We are still waiting for all the things to arrive from the Tesco and Sainsbury vouchers that you all kindly collected for us. We shall let you know what arrives. We are looking for help with our „Friends of Carbrooke School‟ committee so if you would like to help us in any way there is a meeting on 5th November at 7.30 in the School. News Steve Rumsey & Mary Muskett Wayland Community Advice Day A free Community Advice Day was held at Wayland House in Watton High Street on Wednesday 14th October. It was organised and hosted by the Wayland Partnership and the Wayland Community Bank. A wide range of agencies were on hand during the day to offer advice, information and support on a variety of topics such as housing, employment, benefits and safety in the home and community amongst many. It was the first time such an event has been held in Wayland, and although the numbers attending were lower than hoped, those who did come along found it very helpful and informative. The agencies attending also took the rare opportunity to network with each other and they declared it a success. It‟s worth noting and reminding that Wayland House is widely used by the Wayland community on a weekly basis to access Breckland Council Customer Services (benefits, bus passes, council tax), Breckland Council Homelessness Services (housing and accommodation support), Norfolk County Council Registrar (for birth and death notifications), Connexions Norfolk (help and support for 13 to 19 year olds), Peddars Way and Flagship Housing (housing and advice) and the Wayland Community Bank (safe and secure access to loans and savings). For more information on the services and facilities available at Wayland House, call in to our reception, phone us on 01953 883915 or mail to [email protected]. Mid-Norfolk Times Page 5 WAYLAND CMA November 21st Arizona Flame Tel 01953 889890 for details “The Best In Country Music” LANDSCAPE GARDENING Tim Luxton Established 1973 Patios ~ Paths ~ Fencing ~ Shingle Drives Seeding ~ Turfing Etc. Low Maintenance Gardens Designed & Built Photos and References always available For a Quality Job & Free Quote Phone Tim Luxton on 01603 880184 www.timluxtonlandscaping.co.uk The wedding of Steve Rumsey and Mary Muskett took place on the 10th October at Thetford Registry Office. The Bride, who wore an ivory gown, was given away by her father Jack Rix. Chloe and Cerys Adcock were Bridesmaids and Imogen, Steve and Mary‟s daughter was the Flower Girl. Steve works in Norwich for a transport company and Mary is well known for her job behind the counter at Adcocks in Watton High Street. Picture by Chris Adcock Wayland Women in Business and the Baroness Nearly forty ladies came to our last lunch where Baroness Gillian Shephard was our host. Gillian spoke of her experiences and roles in parliament, she captivated her audience with great delivery and humour, and it was an absolute joy to listen to a professional speaker and what life was like working for Margaret Thatcher. The Wayland Women in business meetings are open to everyone. Although most attendees are running businesses, please do not let this deter you from coming. We were pleased to see a number of employed and retired ladies this month and a number of ladies who are seeking to return to the work place. Our Christmas lunch will be on 2nd December 2009 at Broom Hall, and we are pleased to announce Bev Hurley is coming back for our first anniversary celebrations. Bev is chief executive officer of the Norfolk Network, a support community for entrepreneurs and businesses. All are welcome. Ticket sales will be circulated in the next few weeks. For further details please contact: Jane Richards 01953 885554 [email protected] Clare Rowling 01953 488993 [email protected] Ann Lusher - [email protected] Clair Rylands 01953 880146 [email protected] 20 (Corner of High Street and the old Dereham Rd.) Positive approach to Saxon House over 60‟s scheme Developers, Ingram Property Trading Limited Partnership, have recently relaunched their Saxon House over 60s development in Watton. Following a successful launch in May it had taken some time to secure the first reservations. The developers quickly became aware that the level of services on offer such as on site manager and laundry, were not required by many potential customers, and these added considerably to the running costs for the residents. Following consultation with prospective buyers and the selling agents, Mullenger and Co and Warners, it was agreed to start afresh with reduced services, more in keeping with residents‟ requirements. The first phase of units released has now been reserved. The pricing has also been reassessed as a result of fewer services being offered and prices start from £99,000 for a one bedroom apartment. Joseph King who is Director of Ingram Property Trading Limited Partnership said “we were disappointed with the initial lack of sales, but by talking to prospective purchasers we were able to ascertain the reason and rethink the scheme. “Although essentially the same in terms of physical layout, we have been able to reduce the running costs to make it much more appealing. “We have given this considerable thought to ensure that, what we are offering, is what residents want and are happy to pay for. We are positive that the revised approach will be favourably received by local residents looking to move into a quality development in the centre of the town.” The apartments are built to a very high standard by local builder, Ingram Homes, who have an enviable reputation for quality. Construction is progressing well on site and it is anticipated that the first residents will be in occupation in 8 months time. As part of the ongoing works new footpaths will be constructed allowing better pedestrian access to the scheme and Watton Medical Centre, as well as surfacing works on Gregor Shanks Way. Sales particulars can be obtained from Warners 01953 604431 or Mullenger and Co 01953 883474. The show apartment is open between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and on Saturdays between 11am to 1pm. Cures for Coughs, Colds and Christmas Presents ... … you’ll find it all at Total Health Pharmacy Stuck for inspiration this Christmas? Visit Total Health Pharmacy and be amazed at the range of luxury and unusual gifts, handbags, jewellery and jigsaws. Something a little special that you won’t find on the High Street and at prices you will love! Saham Cinema Club held at the Wells Cole Community Centre Saturday November 28th The Young Victoria Friday December 18th Valkyrie Saham Cinema is open to all in the Wayland area. Doors open at 7 for 7.30pm start. Tickets £4.00 Available from Saham Post Office Or 01953 883394 Bar, Raffle, tea and coffee One lucky ticket holder wins the film. Wheel chair / buggies welcome All profit go to the WCCC Saham. Good Advice and Great Gifts Too • Cosyfeet Slippers & Shoes • Film Processing • Kodak Digital Kiosk • Gift Vouchers 14 Gregor Shanks Way, Watton, Opposite the Doctors surgery Tel : 01953 881157 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon to Fri 8am to 11pm Sat & Sun 8am to 8.30pm The Wayland NewsTimes 6 The Mid-Norfolk Page Page 6 Advertising Advertising Kick out the tubby telly! Save Up To £150 when you Trade in your “Bulky old Banger” against a New Slim Sony Bravia Digital HD Ready LCD TV GREAT DEALS ON PANASONIC LCD & PLASMA TV’S TOO 32 - 34 High Street, Watton, Norfolk IP25 6AE Tel: 01953 881248 News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 7 Conservative candidate visits The Surge during cycle around new constituency [email protected] It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 Watton Art Group Invite you to an Art Show in the Watton Christian Community Centre Preview Thursday 10th December, 7.30pm Friday 11th and Saturday 12th, 9am – 3pm Refreshments available If you are interested in Art come along and see painters at work, chat and find out more about an interesting hobby. Sponsored by The Village Florist, Watton Bales Browne Accountancy Services Limited Accounts preparation for Sole traders, Limited Companies and Partnerships Personal, Limited Company, and Partnership Tax Returns Book-keeping PAYE VAT Returns George Freeman (centre) chats to representatives of Wayland Community High School’s Eco Bugs, Wayland Youth Council and Dance Unleashed at the Surge during George’s stop-off on his cycle ride On Saturday 17th October, George Freeman (Founder of The Norfolk Way and Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the new Mid Norfolk constituency), undertook the fourth leg of his 130 mile bicycle tour around the boundary of the new constituency to promote rural community volunteering. "Norfolk has a great tradition of community self help and volunteering. But too often we lose out on the funding which goes to the big cities. Project Rainbow in Watton is a great example of people voluntarily making a huge difference to their community. They need our support." George is riding the 130m bike ride in 5 stages, each one promoting a different theme of The Norfolk Way campaign (previous stages promoted the EDP's Shop Here scheme, Post Offices and Pubs.) This Saturday the tour comprised 25miles from Litcham to Watton. En route, he heard about many of the important local issue that residents face everyday and which central government is failing to address. But he also heard about the terrific effort of local volunteer groups. "In rural areas like Mid Norfolk, the spirit of volunteering is what keeps these towns and villages vibrant. Government - local and central – needs to do much more to help support and develop such groups. So often a job done by a volunteer has huge knock-on benefits to the community that government employees or quangos can‟t match. " "Too often our villages in general, and Watton in particular, miss out on the funding that is available, these great community groups show what can be done with a fraction of the billions being wasted by the Government on its pet schemes." Karen Bales ACCA MAAT Bsc (Hons) Telephone 01953 884019 118 Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 6DU Email: [email protected] MOTs £35.00 VEHICLES FROM V 99 ONWARDS. £40 FOR OLDER VEHICLES IVAN CHUBBOCK GARAGE SERVICES SHIPDHAM When in May the Watton & District Trefoil Guild embarked on their Girlguiding Centenary project, to raise the awareness of and do some fund raising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, they set themselves the target of £500.00 as a realistic sum to be achieved within a few months through several events they were to arrange in the Breckland area. In the September Wayland News I reported that we had then raised £909.58, exceeding all our expectations. This was achieved through some friends joining us in this worthy cause, and by some members of the Trefoil Guild hosting events at Ashill and Ovington. The Watton District Rotary Club and Watton Guides also gave us £100 each, so we adjusted our target to try and reach £1,000.00. On Thursday 15th October we held an International Pudding Evening, to close this project. Setting a low entry charge Puddings Galore in Watton Natural Trefoil Guild supporting Teenage Cancer Trust Causes . . . of just £2.50 tickets were quickly snapped up. A raffle was held with many prizes and a guess the name of a Teddy Bear competition and a few quizzes made for a fun evening, supported by Trefoil Guild members from Feltwell, Wymondham, Dereham and Thetford as well as many local friends and well wishers. A range of about 40 different puddings, made by the ladies of the Trefoil Guild were laid out and attacked with gusto by the large crowd that turned up at the Watton Christian Community Centre that evening. Everyone went away feeling quite guilty that their intake of calories had been exceeded, but delighted as we all were, that they had contributed to the financial success of the project by helping us reach a grand sum of £1,200. This money is to go toward the building of a new facility for Teenagers at Addenbrookes, Cambridge. The Wayland Payers present the hilarious black comedy “Natural Causes” by Eric Chappell (“Rising Damp” & “Only When I Laugh”) from 12th-14th November at 7.45pm in The Queen‟s Hall. „Vincent has an unusual occupation: his discovery of an odourless, tasteless, all natural poison which causes a painless suicide has turned him into a professional suicide merchant. When he is invited to Walter Bryce‟s country house he mistakes the identity of the client and after several thwarted attempts to poison various characters - will anyone actually drink the poison? It remains to be seen.‟ Tickets priced at £5 are available from Adcocks in the High Street, Watton (Tel 01953 881248) Tel: 01362 820416 Wayland Show - Could you help? The Wayland Agricultural Show Committee are looking for someone to take over the role of Secretary. The position is not too onerous and involves sending out Agendas for the monthly evening meetings, taking minutes and dealing with correspondence. The committee work very much as a team and are very friendly and made up of local volunteers. The two main events organised each year are the annual dinner dance and of course the Wayland Show itself. All monies go to local charities. Anyone interested should contact the Chairman Dianne Sculfer at [email protected] Watton Ballroom Dancing Association Queen’s Hall, Watton 8 to 11.00 Admission £3.00 Saturday November 7th Mike 01953 882799 The Wayland News Page 8 News The Inner Wheel Club of Watton Our October meeting was held at the home of Margaret Smith, where President Helen welcomed our District Chairman, Judy Hardcastle, who joined us for the evening. Helen gave us a brief resume of her recent visit to Australia where she and Martin stayed with several Rotary families on a Rotary Friendship tour. They will host a visit by the Australians next year. During our business meeting, we decided to send £250 to the Rotary Shelter Box organisation, as these boxes are sent to disasters and we felt the earthquakes and tsunami in Indonesia would have put a big demand on them. After coffee Judy was asked to speak to us about herself and her role as District Chairman. She is a very enthusiastic lady, and she doesn't just talk about her plans - she puts them into action. One of her many challenges for her year in office is to run the marathon in London next year. This will be her first time and without giving away too many secrets, she is not in the first flush of youth, so we will all be rooting for her. She will be running for Leukaemia Research and Headway, a brain injury charity. Inner Wheel is in 100 countries worldwide but the UK is losing more members than it is gaining. If you would like to join us, you have to have a family member who has been a Rotarian or an Inner Wheel member father, mother, brother, sister, whatever, and you do have to be female! We're a friendly group, meeting once a month and we have speakers and go on visits and organise ways of raising money for charity. Talking of which - we have a Barn Dance on Friday, 20th November at the Queen's Hall with Shinanikins, tickets £7.50, and we have another of our popular Lunchtime Concerts on Wednesday, 9th December, also at the Queen's Hall, where June Garratt and friends will entertain you and you will have a turkey bap and salad, all for £5. Tickets available from Mullengers or ring Brenda on 881792. Pictured left are District Chairman, Judy Hardcastle and President Helen Glibbery The Ovington Crower I ha red yor bit in the Wayland Noos that say yora looking fer folk ta rite a bit about wos a‟gooin on in the villages. Well, I‟m yor man, I can tell yu a thing or two about sum o the rite funny folk wos a livin in Ovinton. Mind yu, thet ent only tha folk wos a bit „culiar sum o tha things thet goo on arter dark mek yor hare stand on end. Howsumever I betta be careful wot I say about sum o tha gooins on lest we both end up in pokey. Wot we du a lot of in Ovinton is eat, we allus hev a grate old feest nigh on evry month, sum o tha yung mawthers are sumthin gud at tunnin out whoolly masterful wittles. Cos thas corsed a bit o trubble with sum o tha gardeners among us cos wera a gettin short of grub to give to them buddin shefs. So wot we dun wos to goo along to the Parish Cownsil meetin and tell em strate that we orta hev sum allotmints. Them cownsillers wernt best pleased wi us barging in along o them (I reckon they only goo up tha hall to git away from the telly and thare mawthers wot keep a telling them wot thare fergot to du). Ole Horry came along, allus spoilin fer a bit o a scrap is Horry, an he put it strate to them cownsillers that if he diddunt get a bit o ground fer his taters next year, thare wud be repercussins in hi plearses. Which put tha Chairman in a bit of steart as he‟s bin sailin a bit cloos to tha wind of leart, so tha whool cownsil meard a resolutun to find a bit o land, as long as Horry saw tha cownsil orrite for taters an grinstuff for the next year or tu. Bit of a nod and a wink tha nows. Bin one or tu folk wos a moved owt o tha willage of leart, reckon it got a bit quiet since we lorst all our ole hins and cocks. Thet were a bit of a sensearshun for a while, but thet bloke wot wos agin tha loocal buds, well he mob about anathin thet mearke a noise. I did miss my ole cockeral, cost me a bob or tu, had to git an alarum clock meself. Mind yu thet ole cock he dint goo to wearst, altho time we‟da plucked him he wernt no bigga then a pijin, an he allus looked a picter with all his feathas on „im But my missus, she stuck him in a gret ole pot with a load o veggies and let him stew fer a day or tu, then when she rekonned he were done she med a greart ol bowl o sinkers and let them bile fer a bit. Blarst bor thet stuck tu the ribs fer nigh ona week. Hed a bloke from tha Highways Dept rownd tother month, reckoned he were gooin to sort out orl the roods, cut orl the old hidges back an put back orl them ol sticks wot warn you thars a gret ol ditch side a tha rood. Or iffen yu are on the way hoom from the pub, an they are higher up than yu, thet tell yu yor in the ditch. Horry orften come hoom alonga tha ditch, he reckon its searfer thet way. Mind yu arter a pint or three of two‟s he doont care where he walk. Well thas bed time. So du yu keep a troshin and fare ye well tergether Boy Sid [email protected] It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 To ask a question about the Norfolk’s Wildlife please call the Norfolk Wildlife Information Service. Wildline 01603 598333 9am to 5pm Mon - Fri. E-mail [email protected] Website http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections Further details and Membership enquiries 01953 498467 Tuesday, 17 November – 7.45pm to 9.30pm, a talk The RSPB Reserves of East Anglia. A talk by reserve warden Catherine Puttick followed by refreshments and raffle. Venue: Watton Christian Community Centre, High Street, Watton. Cost £1.50 members and £2.00 non-members for NWT funds. Norfolk Wildlife Trust News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 9 Last month in the air - this month on the sea! Sgt Oliver Moat from 864 (Watton) Squadron was one of the lucky few as he was one of only 24 air cadets selected nationally to spend a week at sea on the Sea Cadets Sail Training Ship Royalist. Oliver was featured in last month‟s special on 611 and has just gained his silver wings after flying solo in a Viking glider. And now, Oliver has exchanged his sailplane and thermals for the squarerigged sail training Brig and some decent wind in the English Channel. Watton Squadron‟s commanding officer Flt Lt Michael Edney said, “The Training Ship Royalist is a fantastic asset of the Sea Cadet Organization. The Air Cadets are very fortunate to have use of this ship for one week every year. The course develops leadership skills and teamwork and introduces cadets to a life on board a sailing ship. They soon learn sea awareness.” Arriving in Portsmouth, Oliver a keen and enthusiastic dinghy sailor was soon learning the ropes - all 8000 feet of them! He soon discovered that there is a massive difference between sailing a 10foot dinghy and a 97-foot steel, squarerigged brig, with 5500 square feet of sail. Oliver said, “This trip has been an immense challenge but also very rewarding, the feeling when you reach port after sailing 300 miles knowing that you have played an integral part in the sailing of this huge ship is incredible, it‟s a far cry from sailing a Topper!” TS Royalist is based in Gosport and undertakes 6-day training voyages. It has berths for 24 cadets and three adult staff, whilst six permanent staff crew her. The voyage saw the cadets sail to Jersey, Alderney, Sark and the Isle of Wight as well as sailing around the Solent. They gained a level of competence and skill in all shipboard operations including steering the ship and setting the sails, round the clock watch details, domestic duties, cleaning and help with kitchen preparation. Cadets aim to leave the ship with a Royal Yachting Association Competent Crew certificate but also an appreciation of Royal Navy traditions and team working skills. Oliver said, “Climbing the sixty foot mast was an experience I will never forget, not many people my age can say they have crewed a 30m long sailing brig to the Channel Islands and back.” Diabetes UK We knew we were well and truly into autumn at our October meeting when we had our annual visit from Diabetes Sister Marian Dolphin. She has become our regular speaker in October over the last three years and her visit is always well attended. We welcomed two new members to our group at the meeting as well. Marian did not have a specific subject to speak on, so she decided to hold a question and answer session, which was well received by the members. Hopefully some of the answers they were given will help them in the control of their diabetes. (John and Rod even asked sensible questions too!) The meeting on 9 November is our AGM and all members past and present are invited to attend. As usual we will meet at the Pentecostal Church, (to whom we are grateful for the use of their facilities) at 10.30am. For details of this or any other future meetings, please phone Helen on 884713 and leave a message. National Obesity Week – Time to “Ask Your Pharmacist” “Do you have a healthy Body Mass Imagination” is the question being asked by the National Obesity Forum and during National Obesity Week (2-8 November) Total Health Pharmacy in Watton is encouraging the public to visit the pharmacy to get their Body Mass Index (BMI) checked. As well as measuring their BMI the pharmacy will also be able to provide advice and information to customers on ways of losing weight. National Obesity Week aims to raise awareness of the growing impact of obesity and being overweight. Nearly half of all adults have an inaccurate picture of their own weight. Pharmacists are able to provide support and advice to people who need to lose weight. Geoff Ray of Total Health Pharmacy said: “If your BMI is over 30 you are considered obese. It is important that people seek advice as obesity leads to a number of health problems including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.” “BMI can be a good indicator of whether a person is overweight. However, it is not the whole picture and a pharmacist will take this and other factors such as muscle mass, sex, ethnicity, etc. into consideration. Research also suggests that many individuals estimate their height and weight which may result in inaccurate calculations of their BMI. It is important to have these measurements taken using medically approved equipment and we hope that people will take this opportunity to find out their BMI. You can visit Total Health Pharmacy at 14 Gregor Shanks Way in Watton during National Obesity Week for a free and confidential BMI measurement. In support of National Obesity Week, Nutritional Therapist Naomi Johnson will be offering a FREE 15 min consultation on Monday 2nd November from 9.30 to 1pm to help people understand how their diet can affect their BMi. All your plumbing and heating needs R.S. Plumbing & Heating Boiler Servicing, Installations and General Plumbing All work undertaken. CORGI Registered Telephone 01953 883829 07836 267 419 How Vital Are Your Statistics? F in d o ut w ith a FR EE B M i m ea s u re me n t Peo p le o f t en u n d er est ima t e t h eir w eig h t b u t b ein g o ver we ig h t i s a h ea lt h i s su e a n d n o t j u st a ma t t e r o f va n i t y . F in d o u t wh a t y o u r B M i is w it h T o t a l H ea l t h Ph a r ma c y a n d h o w y o u c a n ma k e s ma l l c h a n g e s in y o u r li f e t o h a ve a b ig i mp a c t o n y o u r h ea lt h . O r vi s it . . . ww w.n o f .u k .c o m f o r m o r e in f o rma t io n . News from Treetots Playgroup At the time of writing, the nights are drawing in and autumn is definitely here! We are now on the build up to our Halloween party for the children. With a disco and fancy dress competition, it should be a lot of fun for all. The children have been out on a teddy bear hunt and thoroughly enjoyed hunting high and low. They are about to embark on their „Growing and Planting‟ week. This includes them making pots for their plants to grow in and looking at photos of each other when they were much smaller! Our Open Evening this year is on 10th November from 4.30 pm-7.30pm and we will have a photographer in attendance to photograph your families, making a perfect Christmas gift for family and friends. Following on from this, on 11th November from 7.30pm - 11pm, we are hosting a „Ladies Night‟. This will be a one-stop shop for Christmas with various stalls including The Body Shop, Jewellery, Candles and Toy stalls. We also have the books for Chocoholics. Tickets are £1 per person and are available from Janet on 07761705472. There will also be refreshments available, so come along! Our Christmas event this year will be a tabletop sale and raffle. The date and time are to be confirmed, so watch this space. We are open from 9.15am-2.45pm and we do have spaces available. Due to the popularity of some mornings, we are currently in the process of advertising for Bank/Relief staff. For further information, please feel free to contact Gill at the playgroup on 07743097618. From The Staff and Committee of Treetots Playgroup. Na ti ona l Obe si ty W e e k NOW ! 2nd t o 8 th Nov e m be r 14 Gregor Shanks Way, Watton, Tel : 01953 881157 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon to Fri 8am to 11pm Sat & Sun 8am to 8.30pm The Wayland News Page 10 News The Hare & Barrel Hotel Originally an old manor house dating back to 1806, we offer 16 en-suite bedrooms, 10 of which have been converted from the old Coach House Stables In the garden with Lotta Potts Ah! November. A quiet month in the garden which is just as well as the weather is normally horrid. I have long felt that November is the best time to go on holiday somewhere warm. However, that isn‟t an option for most of us so we have to be content to get on despite the weather and console ourselves with a smug grin when the lucky holidaymakers and the don‟t get cold and wet brigade are playing catch up in the Spring. For veg growers there may still be some crops in the ground like the brassicas to look after but really not a lot to do to look after them apart from defending them against pigeons. Those brassicas are what pigeons call a tasty treat and if the netting has shifted, leaving a gap, they will find it. Also, if it has sagged the pigeon will happily sit on the netting and peck through. It's well worth spending a few minutes to tighten things up. With the warmer winters we have been having, the weeds are growing when in the past they would have been dormant so we have more work to do than in the days before global warming. Talking of weeding, the difference a sharp hoe makes to the job is just incredible. There's more than one type of hoe by the way, but a push hoe works well. There's a trick to using them and once you master it it's amazing how quickly you can weed a row or even a large patch. The idea is to hold the hoe's handle at an angle so that the blade is horizontal to the soil. You then push the hoe so that it is just below the soil's surface. Not deep, just quarter or half an inch or so. Once you have a rhythm going back and forth it's not hard work and those weeds just fall over. Now this is obvious to some, but many new growers miss it. The sharper the hoe, the easier and more effective the job. A blunt hoe will just push the weed seedlings out of the ground and weeds are tough little devils if they're just lying on the surface half the time they manage to re-root and pop up again. A sharp hoe, however, decapitates them and re-growth is rare. If you've got autumn planted onions, don't forget to keep the weeds off them. If you keep on top of things at this time of year, you make life a lot easier in the spring. If you grow on raised beds, then the most you need to do is keep the weeds down and lightly fork over the surface to keep the soil light and fluffy. If you grow conventionally, then continue digging over. With a clay soil the earlier you can get the digging done the better. The action of frost will really help break it up for the spring. The water freezes, which expands and pushes the soil apart then thaws, running into the gaps and repeats. The difference between the texture of soil dug over in early winter and early spring is remarkable. Of course, you might decide to stop all this hard work and install some raised beds. One benefit of a raised bed is that you lift the plants above the water table in a wet year. This is an excellent time for fruit tree planting so you may want to peruse those catalogues and make some selections. Do take expert advice and remember that a wellchosen, good quality, properly situated tree is a real investment which will pay for itself. It is possible to grow fruit trees in containers. The best known are Minarette trees, various apples, pears and plums on dwarfing root stocks. These need next to no pruning but are best bought from specialists. When purchasing trees or canes you need to think about supports. Most young trees need staking, espaliers and fans need wires or a framework and most raspberries also benefit from some structure, usually sturdy posts with wire between the same system works for the tayberry and blackberry canes, training on one section the first year‟s growth and the next year‟s growth on the next section. This ends up with wavy lines and is pretty hard work but this way the plants can easily be cut back when fruiting has finished. Back on the subject of raspberries, the taller summer fruiting ones also need netting against birds and this can be awkward for harvesting. However, I have found that the new varieties of Autumn fruiting raspberries, planted in January, can be left to their own devices then cut down to about one inch or two and a half centimetres the following January and that‟s it. They only grow to three to four feet, crop from the end of July until the first frosts, which could be as late as November so maximum fruit, minimum effort. So far, in the first year, the ones I planted have cropped heavily and been ignored by the birds. As far as flowers are concerned, there isn‟t a great deal to do apart from look forward to Spring and clear up the plants that have finished flowering. With the overall milder Winters some people have successfully been leaving dahlias and gladiolus corms in the ground instead of lifting and storing them. This could be risky and if you try it, at least give them some protection with a layer of compost or leaves to help them through the cold and wet. Plant tulip bulbs from November. Plant out winter bedding. One of the more exciting things to do is visit garden centres and nurseries to see what‟s in flower. The winter flowering shrubs should start to become available - sarcocca, winter sweet and daphnes are all scented. The flowers are fairly insignificant but on a mild day the air should be full of perfume. There are also witch hazels and viburnums Bodnantense Dawn being the most popular. A word of caution about scented shrubs. Some people find the scents appealing, others not so. After all, one person‟s sweet is another‟s sickly, so if at all possible it‟s as well to find them in flower then buy the ones you like. Also don‟t put too many different ones close in the garden as then the combination might not be so attractive. vanilla. I think it‟s more almond. Winter flowering clematis are usually evergreen and apart from Armandii don‟t need much in the way of pruning. Many of them are happy in containers. Raise containers on to pot feet to prevent water logging Prune roses to prevent wind-rock if this hasn‟t already been done in October. Some roses continue to flower into November, even December, in a mild year. November is also a good time to plant bare root roses of all types. They seem to take better than potgrown ones and tend to be much cheaper. Ornamental grasses do well in most gardens. Planted with colourful flowering plants in the prairie style fashion they can look stunning. There are grasses for damp or dry soil, shady as well as sunny situations. Many are great to add to the cutting garden; others perform well in containers. It might seem odd to raise this subject in November, but many grasses show off their faded flowers well with a covering of frost. Evergreen grasses add structure to a border and clumps of the same variety woven through a design add continuity and bri ng t he whol e toge the r. Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens is a mouthful of a name but is usually referred to as „black grass‟. It has narrow black leaves and pale pink flowers in the summer. Teamed with Phyllostachys Nigra - „black bamboo‟ you have the extremes of little and large in monochrome. This probably not a good idea en mass but in a small bed where the ba m boo c a n be c ont a i ne d underplanted with the grass it is a striking combination. November is popular for bonfires, particularly on or about 5th. Please please remember not to light the fire where the material has been collected. The gardener‟s friends, hedgehogs and toads, are looking for somewhere cosy to hibernate and a pile of wood and leaves is ideal. The best thing to do is move the bonfire no longer than the day before it is due to be lit. If that‟s not possible please check it thoroughly for these creatures. They‟ll repay you handsomely by removing stray slugs and snails. ‘Noted for Good Food’ Extensive Bar & Restaurant Menu bookings advisable at all times A relaxing Conservatory ~ Beer Garden Patio ~ Bar ~ Restaurant Games Room ~ Car Park ~ Courtyard Try our Traditional Sunday Lunch Discounts for large bookings always negotiable Children Always Welcome 80 Brandon Road, Watton. Tel: 01953 882752 HARMONY QUILTING A Professional Machine Quilting Service !!! You do the patchwork !!! I do the quilting For Quilting Wadding & Backing Prices www.harmonyquilting.co.uk Tel: 01953 882484 Health & Wellbeing Aches and pains, stress or strains. Bad habits to kick, new habits to learn. Visit Total Health Therapy and find out how we can help you. Clematis also get in on this act with Balearica varieties and Armandii (pictured above) - this is a very vigorous climber and needs to be pruned in late Summer or it will take over. The perfume of Armandii is faint but is usually described as • Acupuncture • Chiropody • Physiotherapy • Osteopathy • Indian Head Massage • Homeopathy • Reflexology • Hypnotherapy • Nutritional Therapy Wayland Happy Circle We all had a very enjoyable afternoon at our October meeting with 36 members present. Irene French, showed us how to make items to decorate our Christmas tables, also small boxes in various shapes to suit our individual tastes. We then we all 'had a go' at making the various decorations of our choice. The next meeting will be our Christmas Lunch, which will be held at the Hare and Barrel on Tuesday 3rd November at 12.30 for 1pm. See you there. Wretham Christmas Fair Throughout the year, talented, local craftspeople have been producing work of a very high standard for sale. Many have attended craft events hoping that you would be there to buy from them! Here is another chance especially with thoughts now turning to Christmas. You will be saved the worry of finding that special gift for someone as it has been made for you. There are no frantic crowds, no chance of clamped wheels or being unable to find a parking space. Come to Wretham and have a leisurely browse, choose something unique and talk to the people who have made the gift. Our event is in the Village Hall (on the A1075 Watton to Thetford road) from 10.30 until 2.30 on Saturday November 14th. Just think, your Christmas could be all wrapped up by the 15th! Gift Vouchers Available CHRISTMAS BINGO Tuesday 1st December Eyes down 8.00pm Ashill Community Centre In aid of Ashill Youth Club - if you would like to donate a prize please contact Mark on 01760 440 577 22 Thetford Road Watton IP25 6BS Tel : 01953 886860 News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 11 Watton Brownies Adventure 100 Brownies from the 1st Watton Pack have taken on the challenge of "Adventure 100" a special badge to mark Girl Guiding's Centenary Year. The Brownies have at least 10 challenges to complete over the year to earn 100 points to qualify for the badge. This month we completed the "Water Science Challenge" and had great fun making some stunning violet tie-dye teeshirts. We also visited Wayland Community Radio Station in Ashill and recorded some songs to make a radio advert for our "Grow Guiding Challenge". Listen in to Wayland Radio over the next few weeks to hear the results! The Brownies had a fantastic evening at the radio station and 107.3FM definitely earned itself some new listeners! Coffee at the Queens Hall 9.30am to 11.30am Sat Nov. 7th Farmers Market Day Watton University of the Third Age - U3A 32 Members and friends visited Newmarket recently. The visit started with a guided tour of the world renowned Rossdales Equine Diagnostic Centre and Hospital at Exning where we were shown the modern facilities and after care of the horses. Then on to The National Horse Racing Museum in the centre of Newmarket for lunch and the chance to ride a racehorse simulator. The chairman was beaten by a short head in the afternoon stakes by U3A member Brenda Bracewell. On the return journey a splendid afternoon cream tea was enjoyed at Elveden Forest Visitors Centre. The next visit is a guided tour of the BBC Television Studios in Norwich on Sunday November 22nd. Members are reminded that a Christmas lunch has been arranged for Friday December 4th at The Richmond Park Golf Club. Please see list at the November meeting. At the December 17th meeting Mike Wabe will be the speaker with Christmas Stories and Songs followed by a Christmas tea served by the committee. The U3A will be entering a team in the Watton Society Annual Quiz on November 19th at the Queens Hall. The next meeting is on Thursday 26th November when the speaker will be Peter & Rosemary Salt “Five Market Towns” Visitors and new members are welcome, Membership Secretary contact number is 01953 881109. For more information on the National U3A go to www.u3a.org.uk sorrowful sight, reading the gravestones with the names of whole families buried in the little churchyard. On another occasion we went for a picnic to Healesville Sanctuary where we saw many of the animals indigenous to Australia; the wonderful sound of the bellbirds in the tops of the tall trees will always be in my memory. All this was in 1978 and sadly, over the years, we have lost touch with these wonderful people who were so generous and gave us such lovely memories. However, this month I am returning to that Country for a six weeks visit to my sister and her family. Recalling the memories of our visit to the farm has made me hopeful of making contact again with our dear friends. ---o0o--- Edith Pleasance © 14.10.09 KRH CARPENTRY SERVICES Keith Huish Skilled and Experienced Carpenter Need small home improvements? Doors, windows, locks . . . No job too small Free, no obligation quote Call Keith on (01953) 882484 or Mobile 07746 114285 Our Farm Visit by Edith Pleasance Several years ago, when we lived in Surrey, my husband and I were invited to the wedding of a friend‟s daughter. At this occasion we met a young married couple, over here from Australia. We introduced ourselves and learned that Kathy and John were on a twelve month teacher exchange course and that they were soon to return to Melbourne. We eagerly told them of our intention to visit my relations in Australia when we retired at the end of the following year. Their immediate response was to invite us to visit them, which we gladly accepted. Finally the day came for us to make that long journey, intending to stay with my sister and her family for four months. After settling down for a few weeks there we boarded a Greyhound coach from Adelaide to Melbourne, a journey of twelve hours, with four or five stops en route. Imagine our delight and relief to be welcomed by our new friends, who then drove us about thirty miles to their home where we met Kathy‟s parents. After an excellent meal, followed by a few glasses of „Bailey‟s”, (our introduction to this new drink) they insisted on us occupying their large comfortable bedroom while they happily slept in a caravan on site. Since our meeting in England our friends, together with her parents, had recently acquired a cattle farm of some fifty head of animals. Their prize possession was a large black bull named Oscar, which was kept in his own paddock. It was decided to move him to another field where several heifers awaited his attention. My husband was stationed atop a gate and told, “Don‟t play heroics Jim. If he cuts loose just run like Hell”! However, Oscar trundled his way across the road without too much fuss to mingle with the ladies. On another occasion the Vet was called upon to castrate the herd of calves and Jim, to his delight, was again called into service to man the crusher that held each animal‟s head in place while the operation was performed at the opposite end. We thoroughly enjoyed our week with our friends at their farm, we could not have been made more welcome if we had been royalty. We were driven to The Dandenong Mountains and, on another trip, to Walhalla. This had been a mining town when the Gold Rush was on and we were able to see the entrances to the various mines and, what I found a The Millennium Male Voice Choir In Concert At Manor Court Day Care Centre Manor Road Griston on Saturday 7th November at 7. 30 pm Light Refreshments and licensed wine/beer bar Proceeds to St Botolph's Stow Bedon, and St Margaret's Breckles, Church Funds Tickets £10 from Beryl Warren 01953 483375 or Margaret Morfoot 01953 498286 The Wayland News Page 12 Advertising News Picking up the pieces words far above where our ground floor room would have been. Buildings, or rather the rubble of homes, businesses and hotels were still to be seen. Medical friends of mine who were sent from Australia to provide aid tell me they still live with the stench of bodies as they lay rotting in the 40 degree heat and 90% humidity. In the Tsunami that struck Samoa early on that Tuesday morning in September the tropical resorts strung along Samoa's south coast were loaded with Australians when a series of tsunamis started pouring across fringing coral reefs. Tsunami warnings had been sounding That's not to say they're slouches in mobilising for a disaster. With a few backhoes, tractors, chainsaws and whatever else they could scrounge, emergency crews promptly set about the search and clean-up. The Samoa Red Cross Society said supplies were widely distributed by Thursday night. Re-housing the many thousands of Samoans left homeless and sheltering in churches, schools, businesses and with friends and relatives - will take a little longer. Karen Niumata, who was at Leba village on the west coast, says it would have been much worse if the tsunami had struck a couple of hours earlier - in darkness. The timing meant some children, at least, had left for school. ''When the waves came, they seemed to reach the sky,'' said Niumata. One driver had the good sense to leap from his car, which was pushed 100 metres and wrecked. ''Nothing could have stopped that water. Some of the buildings flattened were substantial, built of brick and mortar, and many only recently.'' Cars were washed into the sea and boats into trees. Despite all the loss and heartbreak, Samoans are going about daily life with an astonishing calm and peacefulness. Corsetta Laegala lost all her possessions including her supermarket and $6000 in stock. ''The main thing is that we are still alive,'' she says. ''I thank God for helping us.'' Many Samoans grin uneasily as strangers come to realise they do not speak English. Traditional music dominates the airwaves, and unlike Fiji wrought as it is by political and racial tension - Samoa does not even have an army. At the general hospital in the capital, Apia, more than 100 people arrived with broken legs, abrasions; all manner of injuries. Niesh Ney, a Queensland medical student, says that despite its limited resources, the hospital responded with professionalism. It was helped by doctors from the Australian Defence Force, Australian Health and others, including some who had been holidaying on the island. Western Samoa's friendly place in Australia's backyard, and its special relationship with New Zealand, from which it gained independence in 1962, has never unduly strained any of the countries involved. But the destruction brought by the tsunami underlines the fragility of these speck states. Even today young men scavenge for timber to construct new buildings. Many plan to rebuild on higher ground despite such problems as water supply. But as time passes, it's a safe bet that housing will creep back to the alluring white sands, the coconut palms and the view across the balmy reef waters. © Chris O‟Connor Mid-Norfolk Times Page 13 Letter from Australia By Chris O’Connor Imagine for one moment that you are sitting on a beach watching the sun rise; as you watch all the water suddenly disappears flowing out to sea, leaving nothing but the beach and flotsam and jetsam that accompany it; suddenly a huge wave some eight metres high and travelling at over 450 kilometres an hour aims straight for you; you have two minutes to get out of its way. An island paradise is about to be trashed and battered by a wall of water. The idea that a wave could hurt is almost an affront in Australia where most of us live close to the coast and for more than a century the beach has been where we've played, rested, courted and retired. However, those living on the Pacific Rim know better. They have all too often seen the results of earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. But the tsunami that inundated Samoa in late September did not destroy so much as utterly obliterate an already impoverished country that is powerless financially and resource wise, to mend itself. It desperately needs help. A little bit of background to help you orientate yourself. About 1000 BC Samoa was one of their more paradisiacal landfalls. The villagers built their homes from local trees along low-lying coastal plains and lived off the sea. They endured cyclones and tsunamis. Yet when European explorers wandered the Pacific, towing whalers in their wake, Samoa became shorthand for paradise found. Later came the slave ships, traders and beachcombers. Then the writers. The Scot, Robert Louis Stevenson, having made a fortune with Treasure Island, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Kidnapped, arrived in 1889, dubbed himself Tusitala (Samoan for ''teller of tales'') and wrote perceptively about Samoan culture. He died in 1894 and is buried on a hilltop on the island of Upolu; a US Navy historian, James A. Michener, drank at Aggie Grey's bar in Apia during the Second World War and used the barkeeper as model for Bloody Mary, a Tonkinese character in his 1947 collection of short stories, Tales of the South Pacific. The stories formed the basis for the Broadway musical South Pacific. Over the next six decades part of Samoa moved from a paradise of dreams to a holiday destination, first for travelling surfers, then for backpackers and now for families. Unless you have seen the results of a Tsunami then (with respect) you have no comprehension of the destruction and terror they cause. Thankfully I have been saved that drama in life but I have seen the aftermath. A few years ago my wife and I visited Thailand, surely one of the most beautiful and passive countries in the world. We stayed in a new resort that had been destroyed a year earlier. We swam in warm calm water and drank and had dinner as a bright red sun slipped from the ocean and into another time zone. We also saw the ruins, the ruins of a Tsunami that had struck the year before killing thousands of people; the watermarks six metres high – in other A new Italian Job When a nervous Hal Koroglu opened The Italian Job Watton, just under 5 years ago, he was not sure how his new restaurant and take-away would be received in Watton; as he says, catering is not an easy profession! Not knowing how his food would be received, when he set out, Hal listened to what his customers said and adjusted his menu and pricing according to their feedback. That process of listening to what people say continues today. Hal considers that, at the Italian Job, customer satisfaction not just with the food, but also the service, the restaurant surrounds and the pricing, are paramount. There is a really friendly atmosphere when you walk in and Hal now counts many of his customers as his friends. “It hasn‟t been easy” says Hal, “and I would like to thank all our customers for their support over the past five years. We have made some great friends and, although we sometimes learned the hard way, it has been a very enjoyable five years and I would like to thank everyone for sticking with us.” Hal is now delighted to announce that he is about to open a new branch of The Italian Job in Dereham by the Cherry Tree car park. “It has been a year long struggle to get here, but at last we have the improved electricity supply in place and now can get going.” “At the new branch, we have chosen to have our kitchen behind large clear glass screens so our customers can see the hygienic way we prepare our food and the quality of the ingredients we use.” Said Hal The Italian Job has also introduced a new menu at both locations which includes many new dishes like risotto, pastas, new pizza combinations, and many new starters as well. They are also introducing their own brand new, London exhibited, Frankfurter Stuffed Crust Pizza. The star dishes are Petto Antra Primavera (risotto with duck) and a King Prawn Risotto. There are many new additions to the menu but Hal says “All our food is cooked to order, so if you want something special, you only have to ask!” “We deliver 7 days a week from both branches so over most of Breckland, you can at last have restaurant quality food in your home, the way you like it.” Is he stopping there? “There are rumours that the Italian Job is going to open a new Wine Bar and Restaurant in Watton.” said Hal “They are true, but things still have a long way to go. It has always been my ambition to have a top class restaurant in Watton for couples, friend and families to come and enjoy a glass of wine and top class dining in pleasant surrounds. It will be the place to go for a pleasant evening.” You can find out all about the new menu on Hal‟s website www.italianjobs.co.uk for about 10 minutes, since authorities were alerted to the 8.1-magnitude earthquake at 6.48am local time on the seabed some 200 kilometres away to the south. The earthquake was felt across the island as Samoans rose from bed, prepared breakfast or got children ready for school. There was immediate anticipation of a tsunami because the monster that battered Thailand and Indian Ocean coastlines on Boxing Day 2004 was still fresh in minds recently exposed to a prescient education campaign. The tsunami was swift - five to 15 minutes after the earthquake - and proceeded and compounded by the sea's treacherous retreat from land. Six to eight metres high, the unstoppable force bowled over solid brick and concrete buildings. People tried to run but many were caught. When the sea calmed, government and welfare agencies headed for the wellworn track. Matt Anderson, Australia's high commissioner had already pledged to co-ordinate the Australian relief effort. Hercules air force heavylifters were being primed in Australia and New Zealand to deliver blankets, tarpaulins, water, cooking equipment and so on. Nobody in Western Samoa questioned the speed of the supplies. These island states dotting the south-west Pacific are vulnerable to nature's events in ways that citizens of rich and powerful countries - in their neighbourhood, Australia and New Zealand - find difficult to comprehend. Australia would be deeply shaken by such loss of life on home soil but self-reliance would get it over the calamity. Countries like Western Samoa population less than 200,000 and an economy little more than a thousandth of Australia's - must put out the hand for help. They have no choice because they have so little. A Samoan health official, asked how authorities would cope with the pile of decomposing bodies, pointed to the availability of a few shipping containers to take the overflow. e-mail: [email protected] BUY ONE PIZZA & GET 1 PIZZA FREE with this voucher Collection or Delivery. Valid on Mondays to Thursdays until 31st November 2009 Terms and Conditions apply 01953 884141 Full Takeaway Menu at: www.italianjobs.co.uk Voucher Terms and Conditions: You must mention the voucher when ordering and present the voucher when paying. Offers available for delivery are subject to a £1 delivery charge. LARGE CHEESE & TOMATO PIZZA £5.99 with this voucher Collection only Valid until 31st November 2009 Terms and Conditions apply The Wayland News Page 14 News Amazing Octogenarians! Phyllis and Dixon Batey, from Saham Toney, are two of the unsung heroes that very seldom receive the plaudits they deserve. At 89 and 88 respectively, they regularly go to boot fairs, leaving home at 7am and returning at 5pm, driving anything up to 50 miles across the county and sometimes into Suffolk, raising money for the Air Ambulance. So far this year they have been to 21 Sunday boot fairs and raised £1,100. In total, over the past 3 years since they started their Air Ambulance fund raising, they‟ve raised £4,000. Phyllis is quite rightly very proud of the certificates she has received each year, showing the amount raised for this very worthy cause. Unlike some, Phyllis always has proof on her stall that the proceeds actually do go where she says they do! Very often, the organiser of a boot fair will waive the charge for the stall by way of a contribution, which is very much appreciated by Phyllis and Dixon. Not all are so generous unfortunately, and as Phyllis says, we none of us know when we might need their services. A case in point is when the Air Ambulance flew over the field in which a boot fair was being held on the way to a rescue, where this particular organiser had refused to waive the fee. Another lady was heard to comment that it could just as well have been for someone on the field, which may or may not have made the organiser in question think twice about charging Phyllis another time! Conversely, people often make a donation even if they don‟t buy anything. Interestingly enough, Phyllis says they find summer visitors are more generous than the locals. A few weeks ago a lady insisted Phyllis should let her have two items for the price of Ltd. one, in spite of the fact all Unit 2, Coughtrey Industrial Estate items are reasonably priced Church Road, Griston. IP25 6QB and the proceeds ALL go to the Air Ambulance, commenting that it wasn‟t an unreasonable request since “you get everything given you for nothing”. A good example of not speaking unless you know what you‟re talking about! At the age of 89 Phyllis goes to auctions, often sitting all day in a very draughty room, bidding for items to sell on her stall. Her daughter, Gaye, also helps by making craft items for Phyllis to sell. Free Quotations & Dixon plays his part too, not Full Planning Service only by driving Phyllis to all the boot fairs, but also by making rather splendid bird Wayland Chamber of Commerce news The Head of Business Development of Advance Monitoring Solutions (AMS) addressed the September meeting of the Chamber. On 1st June the company took over the running of the control room of public space surveillance system (CCTV) for the five Breckland Market towns. By the end of February 2010 the present equipment will be upgraded to state of the art technology in all the market towns. Members heard that this will bring opportunities for local businesses and residents in areas of coverage to have CCTV at their premises at a lower cost than has been previously possible. If you are interested in knowing more about the potential for CCTV for your home or business please contact the Secretary, 07979 264047 or [email protected] for contact details. Phyllis and Dixon Batey, from Saham Toney tables, nesting boxes, plant troughs etc. All profits from his garden items go into Phyllis‟ Air Ambulance fund and they never take any petrol money from their boot fair takings. Iain Reid, who recently lost his 25 year old son Daniel when he drowned at Caister and eventually had to sadly agree to his cremation in Holland, visited Phyllis‟ stall recently, gave her all his change and told her he, too, would now be rai si ng money for t he Ai r Ambulance as well as the RNLI. Very often a table of fresh produce will be seen outside their house, including tomatoes freshly picked from their greenhouse, with everything costing about half the supermarket price. Needless to say, all the proceeds go into the Air Ambulance fund. Sadly, on occasions these items have been stolen. Phyllis had a stall for the second year running at the recent Mundford Fun Day, again in aid of the Air Ambulance, raising £55, and raised £120 one Sunday at Wells following the Boxing Day Tsunami, which she sent to the Red Cross. As if all this isn‟t enough at the age of 89, for the last 3 years Phyllis has made Christmas shoe boxes for under privileged children, knits little hats for babies in developing countries and takes anything suitable that hasn‟t sold to a gentleman at Salters Load who takes donated goods to Belarus as part of the convoy that goes before Christmas each year. This year Phyllis has also sent a load of dark wool, which she now finds difficult to knit with, along with the requisite needles, a big bag of new soft toys, table linen and games. Phyllis was born at Somerleyton, her dad working at the time for Lord Somerleyton. They then moved to Oulton Broad, where, sadly, Phyllis‟ little brother drowned at the age of seven. Dixon was born at Longtown, the last town in England before the border with Scotland. Phyllis and Dixon have lived in Saham Toney for 23 years, having previously lived in Broadstairs in Kent, where they had a guest house, as well as Cliftonville, and prior to that in Carlisle. It will be no surprise to know they were actively involved in voluntary work and charity fund raising, including the Spastics Society and Age Concern, wherever they‟ve been. With no signs or intentions of giving up! You might find it difficult to believe that Phyllis now has poor, progressively deteriorating sight and is, in fact, registered as blind. When I called to take the photograph to go with this article, Phyllis was planning on making a chilli con carne for her daughter‟s next visit. Dixon is often to be found at the top of a ladder pruning his trees when not in his garage making bird tables. No sitting around bemoaning their lot for this marvellous couple! Phyllis and Dixon are an absolute inspiration to us all, young and old alike. These are the sort of the people who should be receiving honours, unselfishly giving up their time and quietly beavering away to help others, quite often literally at their own expense. Article by Rosie Gibb COUGHTREY BDK Fitted Kitchens Bathrooms Internal Doors John Bowyer 01953 881243 Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford, Norfolk. IP25 6HW Tel: (01953) 881343 Fax:(01953) 882923 QUINTON HOUSE Retirement Home “HOME FROM HOME” Respite for Adults with Learning Disabilities IAN WILTON GENERAL BUILDER For all your building needs.... NEW BUILD, EXTENSIONS, GARAGES, RENOVATIONS, ALTERATIONS, ROOFING, FASCIAS, GUTTERING, PLASTERING, DECORATING, CERAMIC TILING, PATIOS, FENCING . No job too small. Local friendly service. Call Ian for a free estimate 07917 284098/01953 483192 John Bowyer was a bachelor, a quiet man who took early retirement and came to Watton from north London in the 1980s. He had a particular interest in politics and, as a Conservative councillor on the London Borough of Enfield, John had some interesting stories to tell of his acquaintances with members of parliament and other leading figures in the Conservative Party. With his interest in local government, it was the natural course for John to take when he became a Watton town Councillor, where his experience was useful in chairing a number of committees. Never pushy or seeking the limelight, when he became chairman of the council and Mayor of the town for 1995/6, John invited his predecessor, Mrs Marilyn Scrymgeour, to receive the keys at a ceremony accepting the new town „ambulance‟ for which she had worked to obtain during her year. He also served for a time on Breckland Council. John was a council-appointed trustee of the “Watton Relief In Need” charity and also a town representative for the Citizens Advice Bureau. He supported the Wayland Tourism Association, which he chaired for a number of years, and when the Wayland Partnership Development Trust needed director/trustees, as it achieved company status as a registered charity in 1999, John volunteered. Despite failing health but knowing how difficult it is to find new volunteers he remained as a Partnership trustee to the last. John died in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the night of Sunday 11th October; he would have been 76 on 12th December this year. Incorporating The Cardinal Only two minutes walk from Watton Town centre, our home has friendly, caring staff, excellent food and warm comfortable surroundings, providing full 24 hour care. Many single en-suite rooms. All enquiries welcome - short stays catered for. Ovington Christmas Bazaar Once again, the village hall at Ovington will be full of festive goods and goodies on Saturday 5 December. Between 12 and 3 there will be stalls to visit, games to play and, in the Ovington tradition, plenty to eat. Stay for lunch – there will be a selection of home-made soups as well as the usual tea and cakes. We expect to have a visit from Father Christmas (to check who has been good this year!). All proceeds from this event are split between Ovington Church and Village Hall, so please come along and join in the fun to support a worthwhile cause. Telephone Watton 01953 882101 News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 15 Historic Churches of Norfolk By Frank Wilder The little Norman church of St. Peter, standing a few yards inside one of the main entrances to the grounds of Melton Constable Hall, celebrated its 900th anniversary in 1992. The central tower retains its big plain arch to the nave, but above it, and a real surprise, is a double opening with a massive pier, about 3ft in diameter separating the two arched openings, a pier of a size more suitable for a cathedral than moved here from Warwickshire in the reign of Henry II remaining here until 1956 when the family moved to their other seat at Seaton Delavel in Northumberland. Obviously, with a family able to trace its roots back to Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, and possibly even beyond, some individuals have proved to be of more than a little interest. For instance, Thomas Lord Astley took part in the barons‟ rebellion of 1263AD was slain at the battle of Watton Medical Practice Newsletter Don‟t forget to book your seasonal explain the workings of the group and go to: influenza vaccination. If you are over to encourage you to come along. www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu 65 or have a chronic disease such as There are 14 members of our patient Do NOT come into the doctor‟s surgery heart failure or diabetes or if you are group and for information the as you will spread the disease. Just in the sole carer for someone, you Chairperson is Tom Fensom and the case you need to, try to identify a “flushould have your “flu” jab. Vice Chairperson is Helen buddy”. This is someone who can go At the time of writing, the H1N1 Hornagold. They can be contacted out to collect your medicine, do your (swine flu) vaccines are not available. through the surgery. shopping or collect the children if you They are expected in the practice As we move into winter please are unable to. during late October or early remember to look in your medicine Following many comments from you, November. We are expecting the cupboard. You should have basic we will be making some changes to NHS to instruct us as to who may medicines such a Paracetamol (liquid our appointment system from receive the vaccine and in which for children), aspirin, cold and flu January. You have told us that you order or priority they should be given. remedies and cough mixture. Please want to be able to book your GP What we do know, is that healthy consult your local pharmacist if you appointments in advance to be able to patients will not be offered one, no feel unwell or you have any questions plan your health care. We will be matter what age they are. regarding basic family medicines. making this easier by making more of EXCITING NEWS – we will be As swine flu starts to become more the appointments pre-bookable, holding 2 basic life support and prevalent again, please be sure that however it will mean that if you need resuscitation classes at the surgery in you watch out for the following a same day appointment, you will January. These will be free of charge, symptoms: tiredness, headache, runny NOT necessarily be able to have the thanks to John Daly of Breckland nose, sore throat, shortness of breath doctor of your choice no matter what Medical Services, the first one will be or cough, loss of appetite, aching the reason and no matter how early in aimed at all ages and the second one muscles, diarrhoea and vomiting, the day you call in. You will be will be focussed on child and infant temperature. assessed by your health need and an resuscitation. Mum, Dad, Granny or If you have 2 or more of these appointment will be made for you Grandad come along you never know symptoms you might have the virus. with the most appropriate clinician. you might save a life! Phone Mary Contact the National Pandemic Flu We hope that this will help us with Osborne at the medical practice to Service on: 0800 1 513 100 For more the 8.30 am rush and assist you in book your place. information on swine flu call the getting through on the phones. We would like to encourage some of information line on 0800 1513 513 or our younger patients and some non UK nationals to join the EXERCISE TO MUSIC CLASSES patient liaison group. Watton Sports Centre, Dereham Road. We meet every 4 – 6 All the sessions are designed to promote stamina, weeks and we are Saham Toney strength and flexibility whilst taking into account currently reviewing the the fitness level and ability of participants. Your Local Three Star Hotel health needs of our General Aerobics Mondays 7pm patients. Your input An hour long, as energetic as you wish!** would be very welcome. Two members of our Nifty Fifties Fridays 11am team will be visiting A challenging workout for some groups in and "recycled teenagers"** Wednesdays Steak Night around the town to Gentle Option Fridays 10am Sirloin or Rump with chips £10.00 a small parish church. A second surprise is found in the chancel – a low side window. Many churches have such a window, but the lower half of this one is unglazed and there is a stone book rest and hollowed-out seat beside it, this is the clearest indication anywhere of the true purpose of these windows – to enable the sacristan to ring the Sanctus bell at the elevation of the Host so that people outside the church could take part in this special moment. The North transept houses the organ and vestry whilst the south transept, reached by a short flight of stairs, forms the Hastings gallery. The gallery, dated 1636 on the newel post, once had four carved walnut upholstered chairs for the family but these, sadly, have been stolen as have the folio 1721 Prayer books bound in sheepskin and labelled „Melton Constable Chapel‟. Behind a low screen at the rear of the gallery was an area for servants with its own door to the outside world. The gallery was raised above the church floor level to accommodate the family vault. But the outstanding feature of this little church is the astonishing display of some 64 coats of arms emblazoned in miniature on shields with genealogical notes in gilt. Over time many of the early arms have deteriorated and are difficult to distinguish but the gilt does not decay so one may still read details of the person whose arms are painted on those shields. Additionally all around the gallery is a fine array of marble memorials, tablets and portrait medallions, and this series of coats of arms and wall memorials tracing the family line over 900 years is probably unique, making this little church truly historic. The Eastleigh‟s or Astley‟s Evesham 1265AD. He had married, as his second wife, Edith, daughter of Sir Peter Constable of Melton Constable in the county of Norfolk. His son, Andrew, was the first Baron Astley, created 1295AD. His son Nicholas was taken prisoner at Bannockburn 1324; slain at Stirling 1325. Sir Ralph de Astley in 1369 „took upon him a religious profession‟. He fought at Crecy 1346, where King Edward III awarded him a panache of 5 white ostrich feathers as his crest. Returning from the wars, after the Black Death, he found his estate desolate and derelict. He laid down his knighthood and entered a monastery. John Astley of Maidstone was „Gentleman of the Privy Chamber and of the Jewels‟ to Queen Elizabeth. His son, also John, was „Master of the Revels‟ to King James I. Jacob, Lord Astley, Baron of Reading was „Master General of all HM Forces with ye Kingdom of England‟ and also General of Wales, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire in the time of Charles I‟. He was Commander at the battle of Edgehill, the first battle of the English Civil War and built Melton Constable Hall in 1660 – 1665. It was Sir Jacob who, fighting for the King at Edgehill in 1642 famously prayed „O Lord thou knowest how busy I must be this day; if I forget Thee, do not Thou forget me‟. The Lord obviously listened to his prayer because, although wounded, he won the battle. Unfortunately he and King Charles I lost the war and England, for a time, became a Commonwealth, but the Restoration in 1660 returned a King to the throne and England was, once more, a monarchy. BROOM HALL Country Hotel DY-FIT FOR LIFE MCMILLAN COFFEE MORNING SPONSORED BY THE MAYOR AT THE SURGE A very big thank-you to everyone who attended and supported the McMillan Coffee Morning at the Surge, by either attending, buying, baking, donating a raffle prize and most of all helping and drinking coffee in support of a very worthwhile cause. Amongst our visitors we had some people who were being directly supported by McMillan nurses. Through them we learnt how valuable a support service the nurses give. We wish them well and a speedy recovery. We had a very enjoyable morning with a feast of homemade fare. Some of our visitors were able to look round the Surge and see what a valuable asset it is for the young people of Watton. Most importantly we were able to raise £350. Margaret Holmes, Mayor of Watton Fridays Pie & Mash Night Pastry Pie & Mash with Dessert £9.95 New Ivy Room for Bar Meals Monday to Saturday 6.30 – 8.30 Tuesday to Saturday 12.00 – 2.00 40 minutes duration, no floorwork. Problems such as arthritis and joint replacement are taken into account. ** Please bring a mat for floorwork For further details, please contact Diane Cuthbert 01953 882125 www.broomhallhotel.co.uk 01953 850275 RSA/YMCA Qualified Teacher Classes held during term-time Editor’s Welcome I did say in The Wayland News last month there were more changes to come and if you are wondering what has happened to The Wayland News, wonder no more, it‟s here. Yes, it has a new name and it will be reporting news and views from a wider area, but the spirit of The Wayland News is still here safe and sound, and, dare I say, flourishing in the new format. Wayland News readers may not be aware but a few years ago, besides The Wayland News, I also published both the Attleborough & District News and The Wymondham News. The difficulties of maintaining three separate papers meant that it was not possible to maintain all three news papers as separate entities and so with great regret I had to close them. But I have always hoped to be able to resurrect them. The changes made in the past few months to The Wayland News mean that it can now serve a wider community with quality local news. It also means that even more communities and small businesses can be seen in a publication, put their message across and have their voice heard. And so, here we are, the Mid-Norfolk Times; an old, new, newspaper to cover the geographic area of the new Parliamentary Constituency of Mid-Norfolk and, in particular, those communities clustered about the market towns of Watton, Attleborough and Wymondham. Just like the Wayland News, the mantra of the Mid-Norfolk Times is “Supporting the community”. The Mid-Norfolk Times is YOUR newspaper; if you have a message you would like to get out to a wider audience then this is your means to do it. I always think it is better if you write the story; after all who knows better what you want to say but you? If you are not sure how to go about it, we can do it for you and take the pictures as well. All you need to do is get in touch, by email to [email protected] or by phone to 01953 858908. Mid-Norfolk Times Page 16 Comment and Puzzles MID-NORFOLK TIMES The deadline for the December issue will be 12 Noon on the 20th November Page space is allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Deadline is the latest 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 to print then please make sure it arrives in plenty of time. 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 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE Or you can leave copy in the bin at Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton. The e-mail address is [email protected] All views expressed in The Wayland News are those of the contributors and not the publishers. While every care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. Taxi anyone? Now that the frenzy of that national media has died down and their attention has drifted onto other subjects, it is a good time to take a calmer look at the decision to give £350 of the parish precept to the Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and consider whether that is a good use of funds in the context of overall council spending. Watton Town Council was approached, in a public meeting, by the SNT Sergeant, Lance Ogbourne, with an innovative and experimental scheme, to ensure that people, who are the worse for drink, are encouraged not to walk home along the Norwich Road to whichever estate they happen live in but would be transported to their estates by means of free taxi ride. After some debate about the merits of the scheme, in the end the members present were convinced that this was an idea worth trying. And, in the spirit of partnership working with the Police, the council decide to grant the SNT £350 from funds that have in the past helped many organisations deliver improvements for the community, from a Dance Group to the Thursday Club and from Project Rainbow to the Luncheon Club. This has enabled the SNT to get the controversial scheme underway, although, in the glare of a great deal of negative publicity, it can be argued that it was not the best of starts. So what will the benefits be if it is successful and what will happen when the money runs out? Success will mean that householders living on the drinker‟s route home from the High Street public houses will not suffer the criminal damage that has plagued some of them; and a much greater sum of money – your money - will be saved in the waste of police time that this, albeit to the householder serious, but in the bigger picture, minor crime, brings. That must surely be a good thing? The Mid-Norfolk Times would be glad to hear your opinion on this – especially if you live along Norwich Road. But the real judgement must come when the start up funding runs out in a few weeks. If it is a success and there is a real reduction in criminal damage then the scheme must continue. But who should pay for it? Common sense suggests that the costs must be borne by the drinkers, or those who profit from them, i.e. the pubs. Will that happen? Time will tell and, no doubt, we will revisit that early This issue of the Mid-Norfolk Times was published by: Julian Horn 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE and printed through www.quotemeprint.com 0845 1300 667 PUZZLE CORNER £10 PRIZE CROSSWORD Would you like to win a £10 Adcocks Voucher to spend? Simply complete the crossword on the right and drop it in to The Wayland News bin at (or post it to) Adcocks, 32 High Street, Watton, Norfolk. IP25 6AE before the paper deadline. All correct entries will be put into a draw and the winner will receive a £10 Adcocks voucher to spend. In the event of any dispute the decision of the Editor will be final. The clues are a mix of cryptic, and easy with one or two anagrams thrown in just to make it more interesting! The correct solution will be published in the next issue. Lots of interest in the scheme but unfortunately these potential users were going to the wrong end of town. next year. For now then, is that £350 value for money? A look through the minutes of recent council meetings and some gentle investigations has revealed some rather more surprising spending decisions. Example one: Did you know that Watton Town Council persuaded Tesco Stores to give them over £11,000 to pay the costs of establishing the allotments on Thetford Road? To their great credit, they did. Well done them. Unfortunately they then overspent that amount by some £2,600 in laying down a car park for the users. If this were a long term proposition, one might forgive them that. But, the lease on the allotment land runs out in April 2018, just 9 years from now, and, presumably, the council will have to pay a goodly sum to restore the land to its previous condition. Example two: The council has spent £719 of your precept on badges for the past Chairmen to wear, to show they were once Chair of Watton Town Council. They have also spent £225 for the die to manufacture them and just under £350 for a Chain of Office for the Chairman‟s Partner or Consort – a grand total of just under £1,300 on shiny badges. Against the above, £350 seems a small price to pay to reduce the impact of drink on our society. SUDOKO JUST FOR FUN! Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. © www.ukpuzzle.com LAST MONTH’S PUZZLES Here are the answers to both last month‟s Crossword and Sudoku puzzles. Last month‟s winner of the £10 Adcocks Voucher was Mr John Downes of Vicarage Road, Watton. Its surprisingly easy to win the £10 voucher - why not “Have a go” ? Just don't forget to get in in to us by deadline which this month is the 20th November. Across 1 No goodness in this exclamation! (7) 5 Some things just don't. (3,2.) (3,2) 8 Stormy weather! Come away! (7) 9 Funny sort of metal. (5) 10 Is your mother delicious? (5) 11 With a bad leg? I'll have a quick look. (7) 12 Was overhead, but now it's over there. (6) 14 Very dicey at the rear, chaps. (6) 17 You don't get it, do you? I do all the digging! (7) 19 Bread is not included. (5) 22 Is that Flora's sister? They're often seen together. (5) 23 As I've indicated - you must get the pit done (7) 24 Cross your legs for this position. (5) 25 I get spark, I get moan. (7) Down 1 At sea it's hard to believe (5) 2 Her majesty's genuine letter (5) 3 Any slat will find the answer (7) 4 Fine words? Start with the European Union (6) 5 I bail you – but you must prove your innocence (5) 6 If you want to get on, get some names (7) 7 Give me some! (7) 12 Maximum benefits for the unemployed (7) 13 An inviting sweet fruit (7) 15 His Holiness gets plenty (7) 16 Cheerful wave from our leaders (3-3) 18 Ruined? This was mine (5) 20 A steep-sided hill (5) 21 Wireless service, or aid (5) Clues by Lindsay Keir Wise News & Letters Mid-Norfolk Times Page 17 Letter to the Editor ‘SKATING AROUND A PROJECT’ In the Norfolk town of Watton Young people feel they are being forgotten A skateboard park is what they would like But too many people say “on your bike” The Town Council said they would help But backed away when locals began to yelp “We all know it‟s a good idea ........ But anywhere else, but not here” Then the Council found a “get out” reason Which to the youngsters must look like treason They found an unwritten rule That gave then the perfect “get out” tool “A hundred metres” from the nearest homes You must not frighten the garden gnomes” To the people concerned let it be said Should be “looking for reasons to go ahead” And not just sit there wearing a frown Searching for reasons to turn it down!! “Bill Rattlelance” Name and address supplied. Art by the young people of Wayland The young people of Wayland demonstrated their artistic talent in a weeklong art exhibition held at the Dragonfly Centre, Wayland House, Watton. The project which was initiated and overseen by The Wayland Youth Council in conjunction with the Youth Focus Group, gave the young people of Wayland the opportunity of showcasing their art which was on sale to help raise funds for Project Rainbow. Lisa Clayton aged 16 speaking on behalf of the Youth Council said “This was the first time we have arranged an event of this nature, it was a fantastic experience, and we were delighted by the quality of artwork we received which was created and donated by young people” There was a wide variety of techniques and medium used; and some outstanding photography the majority of artwork was contributed by the young people from The Surge, The Junior Youth Club, and Wayland Youth Councillors and friends. Adam Heritage a local young man and a long -term friend to the Youth Council provided his photography services free of charge for the event. It is clear to see that The Wayland Youth Council is passionate about Project Rainbow and the long-term sustainability of the Surge, and it is refreshing that local youngsters are getting involved with community projects. The project was well support by the Wayland Partnership, Watton Town Council and local businesses in total a Watton’s Mayor, Margaret Holmes, chats to a member of the Wayland Youth Council sum of £ 251.81 was raised, The Youth Council are hoping to continue raising funds for Project Rainbow by carrying on the service of Canvas Printing, which is on offer to the general public at a cost of £ 20 per photo. To make enquires please speak to the staff in Reception at Wayland House or email Cheryl on [email protected] Council to complain to Breckland Watton Town Council is to invoke Breckland Council‟s complaints procedure after Breckland‟s Planning Department has failed to respond to requests for guidance from the Town Council. The Council have previously received general advice from Breckland Council that areas less than 100 metres from housing development would be unlikely to get planning permission for the installation of a Skatepark. To save money in fruitless investigations and applications, the T own Co un c i l ha ve a ske d Breckland if a planning officer could visit the town and assist town councillors in the assessment of potential sites at Lovell Gardens, Stokes Avenue, The Sports Centre and land near Richmond Park Golf Club. After some weeks, Breckland have failed to respond to this request. Town Mayor, Margaret Holmes, described this as an “unreasonable delay” by Breckland Council. Planning services at Breckland are now provided by Capita Symonds, who signed a deal with Breckland Council earlier this year, to provide planning and building control services to the authority. The contract was valued at around £40m and is expected to generate £4m in savings to the council over the course of the partnership. The scheme involved the transfer of around 50 of Breckland Council‟s planning and building control staff to Capita, creating a new operation of services that are based at the council‟s offices at East Dereham, Norfolk. At the time, fears were expressed that this would lead to a reduction in both the quality of the service and the support offered locally by the department. ANDREW HYDE BUILDING CONTRACTOR Refurbs Extensions New Builds Maintenance Telephone: 01953 451458 Mobile: 0788 784 7588 Rethink about speeding signs After making a recommendation that flashing excess speed signs are not needed on the four main roads into Watton, the Town Council‟s Premises committee have been asked to reconsider the case. The recommendation was made after an analysis of traffic speeds showed that the average entry and exit speed of vehicles on Watton‟s roads are broadly in line with the speed limits in force. The only excess speed recorded was by traffic travelling east along Brandon Road towards the town where the average speed was 31.9mph. The other three roads, Dereham, Norwich and Thetford all recorded average speeds below the legal limit in force on those roads. At the full council meeting on 27th October, the Chairman of Premises, Councillor Michael Wassell, said that after making the recommendation to the council, he had reconsidered whether making the judgement based on average speeds was the right thing to do since peak speeds well above the limits were recorded. He had been unable to discover what criteria should be applied and suggested that perhaps the council should check with other authorities. Councillor Roy Rudling said he was “disgusted” that the scheme could be abandoned and that the recorded speeds showed the signs were needed. He felt that, having collected money from council taxpayers, the council should do something for the town. Councillor Paul McCarthy disagreed with Councillor Rudling saying that, based on the information received, there was no case for the signs and went on to say that the only reason Councillor Rudling was pushing for the scheme was because it was he, Councillor Rudling, who had first raised the idea of installing the signs. The Clerk was asked to submit the data recorded to County Highways for comment to assist the Premises Committee in their deliberations. A sum of £6,000 has been earmarked to purchase the flashing signs that warn drivers if they are exceeding the limits in force, and, if the scheme is dropped, that sum would be returned to general reserves. However, at the request of the council, the Clerk had obtained costings which showed, that if the scheme went ahead, each sign would cost £9,281 plus VAT making the total cost to ratepayers of four signs £37,124 plus VAT The Millennium Male Voice Choir In Concert At Manor Court Day Care Centre Manor Road Griston on Saturday 7th November at 7. 30 pm Light Refreshments and licensed wine/beer bar Proceeds to St Botolph's Stow Bedon, and St Margaret's Breckles, Church Funds On your PVCu Replacement Windows, Doors and Sunlounges. Plus!We have no pushy sales reps, all appointments are undertaken by Ray Harman(Proprietor) Unit B, Yaxham Rd, Dereham (behind Halfords) Tickets £10 from Beryl Warren 01953 483375 or Margaret Morfoot 01953 498286 The Wayland News Page 18 Advertising News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 19 Watton University of the Third Age Friends of East Anglian Air Ambulance Lottery Week 12 23.10.09 £1,000 Mr & Mrs Hughes Wymondham, Suffolk £250 Mr Richard Holt Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk £100 Mrs Helen Drain Saxmundham, Suffolk £100 C H White Horstead, Norwich £100 Mrs Christine Welburn Cambridge £100 Mr Ron Oliver Hickling, Norwich £100 Mrs D Boggust Dereham, Norfolk Week 11 16.10.2009 £1,000 Mr & Mrs Dennis Dereham £250 Mrs R Burrows Southwold £100 Mrs S atterham Fincham/King's Lynn £100 Frank Graves Combs/Stowmarket £100 Dr W Foreman Saxmundham £100 Mrs Christine Beaumont Stanton/Bury St Edmunds £100 Mrs D Stammers Wenhaston/Halesworth Week 10 09.10.2009 £1,000 Mr Colin Watts Wootton, Bedford £250 Mrs E Hardy Mattishall, Dereham £100 Mr Lawrence Obrien Mildenhall £100 Mrs J Wilton Ipswich, Suffolk £100 Mrs E M Haddock Lowestoft, Suffolk £100 W Barker Dereham, Norfolk £100 Mrs G E Douse Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Week 9 02.10.2009 £1,000 P Stanbridge Leiston £250 I B Whiteside Gt Ryburgh/Fakenham £100 Mrs Sarah Shepherd St John's Fen End £100 Mrs P Jones Glemsford/Sudbury £100 Michael English Heacham/King's Lynn £100 Mrs J Coleman Scole/Diss £100 Mrs V Shackcloth Stanhoe/King's Lynn Week 8 25.09.2009 £1,000 Mr Peter Williams Peterborough Cambs £250 Hazel Johnson King's Lynn Norfolk £100 Mrs F Fortune Ipswich Suffolk £100 Sheila Hayward Norwich Norfolk £100 Brenda Bugg Stowmarket Suffolk £100 A N Adlem Bury St Edmunds Suffolk £100 Mr Peter Hay Bury St Edmunds Suffolk 32 Members and friends visited Newmarket recently. The visit started with a guided tour of the world r e no w n e d Ro s s d a l e s E qu i ne Diagnostic Centre and Hospital at Exning where we were shown the modern facilities and after care of the horses. Then on to The National Horse Racing Museum in the centre of Newmarket for lunch and the chance to ride a racehorse simulator. The chairman was beaten by a short head in the afternoon stakes by U3A member Brenda Bracewell. On the return journey a splendid afternoon cream tea was enjoyed at Elveden Forest Visitors Centre. The next visit is a guided tour of the BBC Television Studios in Norwich on Sunday November 22nd. Members are reminded that a Christmas lunch has been arranged for Friday December 4th at The Richmond Park Golf Club. Please see list at the November meeting. At the December 17th meeting Mike Wabe will be the speaker with Christmas Stories and Songs followed by a Christmas tea served by the committee. The U3A will be entering a team in the Watton Society Annual Quiz on November 19th at the Queens Hall. The next meeting is on Thursday 26th November when the speaker will be Peter & Rosemary Salt “Five Market Towns” Visitors and new members are welcome. The Membership Secretary contact number is 01953 881109. For more information on the National U3A go to www.u3a.org.uk Does your business need help through the recession? Give your business the best chance of survival with our Credit Crunch Workshop Statistics show that you can greatly increase your business‟s chance of success with careful planning and focused action. Our workshop will guide you through some proven strategies including………  Managing your cash flow and monitoring profitability  How to give yourself the best chance of obtaining finance  Marketing – are you making the most of all the opportunities?  Finding new customers by developing your Business Networking  Communicating with your staff – your most important asset Looking Back - out again 14th November I am pleased to announce that the a new copy of Looking Back will be out again on Saturday 14th November and available exclusively from Edwards Newsagents for £1.50. Planned to be included in the latest issue are features on RAF Watton, some first hand memories of pre-war Watton from Deric Waters. Also and with grateful thanks to Ruth Dwornik there will be some colour pictures from the 1963 carnival as well as some other fascinating pictures. As a taster, I wonder how many people remember this man? And a request, do you have pictures from the days when go-karting took place at on the Griston side of RAF Watton? Who is he? A quite young Ted Savory  Improving efficiency and performance  Making the most of help and resources This locally run, full day course will provide you with help and support as well as giving you the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with other businesses. 4th November – Thetford; 5th November – Watton; 20th November – Dereham; 24th November Thetford The course will be run by the Enterprise Agency, NWES who have over 25 years of experience in helping local businesses. The project is funded by Breckland Council. For more details or to book a place contact NWES on 0845 60 99 99 1 RAFA WINGS APPEAL THANKS On behalf of the Association I would like to thank all the people of Watton and district for their generosity. The amount raised was £1156.60, which in the present economic climate, was an excellent result. I would like to emphasise that although the sum raised goes to Headquarters initially a percentage is then returned to our local branch for local use. I would like to remind donors that these funds are available for welfare work involving both serving and ex-serving personnel and their dependants. Should anyone have a need in the local area please do not hesitate to contact the local R.A.F.A. Branch on 01953882215. Finally I would like to thank all branch members and cadets of 864 (Watton) Sqn ATC for their time and help during Wings Week. Roy Strachan, Chairman Watton Branch, R.A.F.A. Ashill Senior Youth Club The club is open every Wednesday night until 16 December. The club is open to youngsters at any high school. We meet every Wednesday 7.30pm to 9.30pm at Ashill Community Centre. The club offers a safe environment for the young people to meet their friends to join in activities or just sit around for a chat. When we had our AGM on 2 September it was agreed to put the membership up £2 to £7 and subs up to £1.50 and visitors £2 a night. We would like to thank everyone who supported our garden fete in July and our village yard sale in August. Between them they raised £830 for club funds. Thanks also to Richard Skeggs who kindly donated a Playstation 2 and some games. I would also like to thank Dianne Allibone, Judith Blakely for helping on club nights over the past years. Your support has been a great help. Christian Meditation Prayer of the Heart is what we call our Christian Meditation, Midweek Worship, Andy and Natalie's Housegroup and Book Group, which are all part of our worship at Watton Methodist Church. Christian Meditation linked to the World Community for Christian Meditation and our Spiritual Journey Book Group, House Group and Midweek Worship are open to all. If this approach to worship appeals to you do please get in touch for more details. Meditation 1st and 3rd Mondays in the Vestry at Watton Methodist Church 7.30 for 7.45 start. Dates for the other groups are available from Joyce on 01953 880056 and also on the website of Watton Methodist Church at: www.wattonmethodist.btik.com Watton Carol Service The Watton Churches Together Christmas Carol Service will be held in the Queen‟s Hall on Sunday, 13 December at 7pm. Music will be by Watton Silver Band and the collection for this year will be donated to the Guides and Brownies. After the service, coffee and mince pies will be served. Come along and have a great evening and joyfully sing your hearts out. The Wayland News Page 20 Advertising 18 High Street, Watton Telephone: 01953 883474 eMail: [email protected] www.mullenger.co.uk www.rightmove.co.uk www.teamprop.co.uk The Breckland Estate Agent for 30 Years ES NO TA N TE CH NO AI N CH NO AI N SAHAM HILLS £115,000 D Small Non-estate Det House. Lnge. Kit. 2 Beds, Study Bath. Gge. Garden. FOR IMPROVEMENT SHIPDHAM £139,950 NE O W N Mod Det. Chalet for improvement. Lounge, Kit. Din Rm. 3 Beds, Bath, EnSuite Clk. Gge Adj. Fields. Gas CH & DG RE DU CE GRISTON OIRO £115,000 Listed Semi-Detached Period Cottage. 2 Beds, Kit/Bk. Shwr. Rm. Large Garden with space to extend. CASTON OIRO £550,000 Fine former rectory in a delightful village setting. 4 receps. 6 Beds, Shwr. Rm & Bathrm. Kit. U.Rm Study. Grounds of over 1 ACRE WATTON £179,995 M US EN Spacious family house in popular location. 4 Beds, En-Suite. Lnge/ Din. Kit. U. Rm. Gge. Gas CH & DG CH NO AI N WATTON £110,000 W A OR LO T O H K Donald Moore Gardens. S/Det Bungalow. 2 Beds, Lnge. Kit. PVCu DG Close to shops. Over 55‟s only GRISTON £250,000 Extremely well appointed Det New Bungalow. Fitt.Kit. U.Rm. Lnge/Din. 3 Double Beds. En-sute Shwr. Rm Bath. Det D/Gge BE WATTON £249,500 CH NO AI N SE T Super Det. Period Town House. 4 Beds, Bath, Shwr. Rm. 3 Receps. Gge & Car port. Secl Gardens. Lovely Features WATTON £95,000 Individual 2 bedroom house in small block of four. Kit.Sitt.Rm. Parking. Small Garden. Winter is coming! After a slightly busier summer we are heading into the normally quieter winter months. However, we feel that there are still lots of people who would like to move and property will still sell at any time if it is correctly priced. If you would like a free, no obligation, valuation give us a call and we can advise if it’s best to sell now or later. 1 A PL CR O E T WATTON £142,500 FI AD EL J. DS Spacious Mod Det.Bungalow in small cul-de-sac. 3 Beds, Lnge/Din Gas Rad CH & DG. Gge. Gardens. G VA RE LU AT E ASHILL OIRO £125,000 Mod Det Bungalow in small cul-de -sac. 3 Double Beds, Lnge/Din, Kit/ Bk. Gge. Nice garden. NO CHAIN WATTON £159,000 M VI US EW T Well appointed 3 Storey S/Det. House adj. fields. 3 Beds En-Suite Conserv. Gge. Gas CH & PVCu DG G VA OO LU D E WATTON £99,500 Semi-Det Bungalow for the Over 55’s close to town centre. 2 Beds. Lnge, Kit. Small garden CASTON £450,000 Spacious Family House in delightful 1 ACRE gardens. 3 Beds, En-suite, 2 Recs, Farmhouse style Kit/Bk.Rm. Large Garage. Popular village location GRISTON £365,500 Super New Exec. Det House. 4 Beds, EnSuite Shwr Rm. 4 Recs. Kitchen/Bk. U.Rm. D/Gge. Large Garden. Rad CH & DG News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 21 County Councillors drop in for Local Democracy Week As a part of Local Democracy Week, Daniel Cox, Leader of Norfolk County Council, and Shelagh Hutson, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, were out and about in Carbrooke, Thompson, Caston and Watton recently, speaking to young people and learning about their wants and needs. Daniel and Shelagh were accompanied by Norfolk County Council's detached youth work team, who take youth work out on the streets and to young people. The team gives advice and support to youngsters and directs them to other youth services. The aim of Local Democracy Week was to bring politicians and young people together to help young people understand how local government works and how they can have an impact in their communities. “I really want to engage with the young people and learn what their wants and needs are” said Daniel, “there is a lot that is said about Norfolk‟s young people not having aspirations but I believe they do and I particularly want to hear tonight what it is they want to achieve.” “As leader of a County Council that is responsible for a wide range of services, I want to make that, for the future, our services meet the needs and aspirations of those young people. Shelagh added “We want Norfolk's young people to understand that they have a voice and can play an important part in shaping the future of their communities. We want to find out for myself just what facilities there are available for them. Speaking about future budget pressures and the lack of facilities for young people, Daniel said that parents and even young people themselves weren‟t always aware just was available to them. “I am acutely aware that the perception is there is a lack of things for young people to do now and we don‟t want to be making that worse than it already is.” Daniel continued, “My experience, from talking to them, is that young people, who are just hanging about on the streets, do so because they want to. It does not mean they are there to cause trouble, they are just being young people.” “But we do know there are young people who don‟t engage with organised activities and that is why, over the years, the County Council has focussed on youth outreach, so instead of investing in lots of big shiny buildings and people starting those buildings, the move has been to have outreach workers on the streets speaking to young people who are seen as disengaged from, or not engaged with, other more formal activities.” Pictured are Shelagh Hutson and Daniel Cox getting some lessons from Hannah on the finer points the Wii at the Surge in Watton during their visit, looking on are Kieran, Tom and Harry. Watton Senior Citizen‟s Party Watton Senior Citizens Party takes place again on the 4th December at Wayland Community High School in Merton Road. Free tickets will soon be at Mullengers Estate Agents and as for so many years the evening will include good food, entertainment from youngsters at the school and the fellowship of old friends. With around 100 people involved in looking after 200 visitors this is a true community event with the funding and staffing provided freely from within the town and the school. Watch out for the posters. This may be the last time we organise this as out of the 200 tickets issued, so many people didn‟t bother to turn up or return tickets so we could reissue them. The first 200 will get the tickets for this early Christmas evening, enjoyed by many over the past 40 plus years. Watton & Wayland Visitor Centre With sadness but fond memories we heard of the death of John Bowyer. He was a keen supporter of the Association and was its chairman for several years until his health failed. Following our extended season, when our Visitor Centre acted as Box Office for the Watton Festival, we have now closed for the winter. Well, that is except for some forthcoming exhibitions put on by the Partnership. There is a Textiles exhibition from 7th-14th November and a Christmas exhibition from 5th-19th December; during those dates TIC volunteers will be staffing the Dragonfly Centre and the TIC desk. Outside those dates, we can open by appointment; otherwise we will be swinging into action again around next Easter. We are always looking for more people to join our small band of voluntary staff. [email protected] It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 SUNDAY AFTERNOON TEAS Hosted by St. Mary’s Church Sunday 15th November at Watton Christian Community Centre 2.30pm until 4pm All welcome—please come along and bring family and friends WATTON BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP Wed. 4th 2pm Meeting with Tea and chat at Watton Christian Community Centre Speaker: Rosie Gibb, subject ‘Lighthouses’ Mon.16th 12.30pm for 1pm Lunch at the Wagon & Horses, Griston The Wayland News Page 22 Rachel is on Cloud Nine News Cadet Warrant Officer Rachel Fincham, 19, from 864 (Watton) Squadron, is on cloud nine having just completed her prestigious 12 hour flying scholarships awarded by the Air League. Rachel was the only female air cadet nationally to be awarded a scholarship and she has just completed the two week course at Tayside Aviation in Dundee. The Air League aims to encourage young people to get involved in flying and aviation and awards six scholarships to the Air Cadet Organization annually, this year two of the awards went to cadets from 864 (Watton) Squadron. Rachel Fincham said “During the first week I only managed just less than three hours flying because the weather was so bad. The first few hours flying were spent getting used to general handling of the aircraft and revising stalls. I felt so much more confident this time around, especially because I flew solo in half the time of my Air Cadet Flying Scholarship last year. As I went solo so much quicker it meant that I had much more time to do new things and gain more solos.” During the course Rachel spent time perfecting her aircraft handling including solo touch and go's in the circuit and started to learn about steep turns and practice forced landings away from the airfield. Rachel also flew out of the circuit of and continued her work on radio procedures and cross country navigation. In addition she had many opportunities to plan her own flight plans and enjoyed many low level flights along the east coast of Scotland. Rachel added, “I'm so grateful to the Air League for giving me the Scholarship, I think I completed it to my full potential and hopefully did them proud. It's great to know that I have now had 24hrs of pilot training towards my Private Pilots Licence. I had so much fun, the best bit was the really low level flying over some beautiful parts of Scotland.” Country Cottage Stoves At D D Dodd & Son, Chapel Street, Shipdham Ovington Gardening Club The October meeting was a practical evening with Alan Barson on ‟Pruning – How, When and With What‟ and we were treated to a dryhumoured demonstration of the pruning tools required and how to use them by an expert practitioner. The different techniques required for different plants and seasons was shown by actual pruning of specimens brought for the demonstration and many useful tips were passed on for our use – a most informative evening. The November meeting on Wednesday 4th at 7.45pm in Ovington Village Hall will be the intriguing subject of “Squash it or not” by Robert Maidstone. For further information, contact Ed on 01953 885848 or Carol on 01760 440719. SSAFA FH Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen‟s Families Association Forces Help - there‟s more! 1. Over 500 family members and friends have already stayed at the two Norton Houses at Headley Court and Selly Oak to be near their injured relations. 2. Christmas Cards for the benefit of SSAFA are now on sale at the Assembly Rooms in Norwich. All proceeds will go to Norfolk Branch funds. 3. SSAFA can put you in touch with Canine Partners. They can assist people with disabilities to enjoy independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs. 4. Ben Fogle and James Cracknell recently teamed up to complete „Ride of Britain‟ a 450 mile, nonstop rickshaw ride from Edinburgh to London. Waiting for confirmation of amount of ££ raised. If you would like to Run for Fun in the London Marathon contact [email protected] asap 5. 30 representatives of SSAFA will represent us all at the Cenotaph Remembrance Parade in London on Sunday 8 November 2009. Don‟t forget to remember!! If you would like more information about SSAFA FH or if you need help and you think you are eligible ( including National Service and TA and Reservists) please ring 01 603 403322 01362 820240 We have over 40 Multi Fuel and Wood Burning Stoves on display From a small stove to heat a small room to stoves to heat a full central heating system. Also multi fuel cookers, stove pipe & liner. Solid Fuel Merchants We make regular deliveries in your area of quality house coal and smokeless fuels. Min delivery 4 x 50kg or 8 x 25kg We also deliver to your door Tablet, Granular & Block Salt Multi purpose compost, Irish Moss Peat Grow Bags and Bark. Ring for details on: What‟s happening for babies at Watton Sure Start Children‟s Centre? unique bonding experience for you and your baby. Tiny Talk is also popular session in the centre by Maria Holloway. The group is suitable for babies 0-18mths with their parents and carers. Tiny Talk uses a range of songs, books, language games, signs, musical instruments to have fun with words encouraging children to foster good speaking and listening skills. This group also follows on with Toddler Talk singing and signing once your child gets older. Music and Movement hosted in the centre offers you and your child opportunities to develop sensory skills through music and dance with chiffon scarves, balls, and instruments. If you don‟t fancy a busy activity group why not come along to our quieter, more relaxed Baby Weigh and Play session. This is a session held in our centre that focuses on allowing parents and carers to mingle and form friendships whilst the children play with the wonderful range of resources held at the centre. The group is specific to children 0-1years but we also provide the craft activity to keep you entertained too!! For more information on all these groups available to you please contact the centre on 01953 880175 or drop in and collect a timetable at West Road Watton. Tel 01362 820240 GREENLAND HOUCHEN POMEROY SOLICITORS Massage Treatments      Home Information Packs Conveyancing Commercial leases Landlord and tenant Matrimonial, Children and Family  Wills, Trusts and Probate  Employment  Civil litigation & Personal Injury If you are looking for friendly, confidential advice of a legal kind, please contact us: The centre has seen an increase in babies attending our sessions recently and we would like to take time to inform you all of the excellent services and groups we run specifically suitable for babies. Presma is a m u s i c a l session held in the centre. Swedish Massage and This session is a fun class Hot Stone Massage o f f e r i n g opportunities Appointments available at for educational de vel opme nt through music, and provides a BROOM HALL Country Hotel Saham Toney Your Local Three Star Hotel 40 High Street Watton 01953 882864 Think Legal Think Local Telephone: 01953 882125 www.broomhallhotel.co.uk News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 23 Local children are the stars in a new store opening Local school children took on star status to perform the ribbon cutting ceremony to officially launch the former Somerfield store in Watton which has been converted to a Co-operative, following The Co-operative Group‟s £1.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain. Youngsters from Westfield Infant and Nursery School were presented with a donation of £200 for school funds by store manager Jason Allan (pictured centre) to mark the occasion. “The Co-operative is very much a community retailer so it is appropriate that our local school is involved in our special event. We are delighted pupils could play a central role in the relaunch of our store,” said Allan. The store features The Cooperative Group‟s new brand identity which aims to highlight its commitment to supporting local communities and ethical trading policies, as well as improved service standards across its 5,300 outlets in the UK, including its travel, pharmacy, funerals and bank branches. Noah‟s Ark Noah‟s Ark, which meets at Watton Pentecostal Church, old Dereham Road, Watton, has now expanded to include three groups, offering a safe, friendly environment for Parents and Carers to bring small children. Noah‟s Ark Toddler and Baby Group, meets on a Thursday morning from 9.30am until 11.15am and Noah‟s Ark 3‟s – 5‟s (for older children and their younger siblings) meet on Thursday afternoon from 1.30 until 3.00pm, during school term time. The children have a variety of toys to play with during the session, and there are games for the afternoon group; they all take part in a craft activity and story time and singing. Healthy eating foods are available for the children, whilst Mums can enjoy chatting over a cup of tea or coffee. New members are always welcomed, the cost is £1 per family, all included and the first session is free. During the next half term we are planning a visit from Norfolk Pre-school Learning Alliance and a Christmas Party, with money raised from our recent sponsored toddle. Our newest group, Noah‟s Ark Sunday, meets during the Sunday morning service 10.30 – 12noon. The children follow a programme from the Scripture Union Bubbles magazine, which involves games, crafts and stories. They also have toys and refreshments during the session, which is completely free. Once a month there is a Family Service and the children are invited to participate in this. Children‟s safety is of paramount importance, the church operates a Child Protection policy, and all helpers are Police checked. Regular safety checks are carried out to ensure standards are maintained and children can play happily and safely. Several Mums and Carers have been coming along with their children since we started in 2005 and have found it is good way of making friends, both for themselves and their children. If you have younger children why not come and check us out at Noah‟s Ark? If you would like more information about any of these groups, please contact Tina 01953 880920. You learn something new every day - Watton Evening WI I‟m not a youngster but I do find the saying „You learn something new every day‟ is quite true. This month Jill Dennis was our speaker and she talked to us about diabetes, both as a sufferer and the amazing progress over the last thirty years in the treatment and control of this unfortunate condition. She brought along her friend who has a „Hypo-alert‟ dog. I know, I‟d never heard of one either! The dog is trained to alert her when she is going into a hypo, first by licking her hand and then nudging her. If that doesn‟t work the dog will go and find someone else to help. Apparently when the blood sugar level changes so does our personal body smell and the dog can detect this change. We all know about dogs being used to track a missing person by following their scent! Well, this is yet another way in which a dog really is man‟s best friend. You may remember I told you we had an open Group WI meeting toward the end of September. This was a really good evening‟s entertainment. We had a full house, which included husbands and friends and our speaker was the ever-popular BBC weatherman, Jim Bacon. Jim kept us amused with his anecdotal talk about his career and yes, he also mentioned THAT evening back in eighties when Mr Fish told us we were not expecting a hurricane! Ladies and gentlemen we do not know the whole story…! After the talk we enjoyed some delightful refreshments provided by the ladies of Saham and Watton Evening WIs. All this enjoyment for £1.50 – aren‟t you sorry you missed it? Jim was delighted with the donations received during the evening for his favourite charity The Quidenham Children‟s‟ Hospice. November is our annual meeting and in December we will be going to the Chequers for our annual Christmas dinner. On Monday 7th December (at 7.30 pm) we will be holding our annual Carol Service, this year at St Mary‟s in Watton – why not come and join us. Our regular trip to the Theatre Royal is already booked for 1st February when we shall be seeing the Norfolk & Norwich Operatic Society performance of „The Producers‟ Any lady interested in finding out more about our WI would be very welcome to come along as a guest to our annual meeting -7.30 pm Thursday, 12th November in Watton Christian Community Centre. Alternatively you can ring Barbara on 01953 882595 or Pat on 01953 882275 Notes from Ashill Garden Club On September 17th we had a visit from Tony Goode who treated us to an excellent talk on Alpines, and showed us some wonderful slides. Those who had not already visited the Alps in Switzerland, or the mountain meadows of Austria must have had their appetites whetted for a visit, and those who had already been must now be longing to return The plant sales did well, despite the fact that the lack of rain has meant that it is almost impossible to get a fork in the ground. No doubt by the time this gets into print we shall have been deluged and all our gardens will be waterlogged!!! Oh the joys of the British climate. In October we will have a visit from Alison who specialises in Streptocarpus and other Gesneriads. Hopefully she will be are a little down on last bringing lots of plants to year, so why not persuade tempt us. Though once a friend to join, or if you again, by the time this gets have not been to a meeting into print it will be old before, come along and news, unfortunately that is have a really good the way it works out with afternoon with us. Fees are our meeting dates, and the still only £6 for the year. deadlines for Ashlink and Ring John on 01760 440 the Wayland News being 320 what they are The committee have been DEREHAM & busy trying to sort out DISTRICT venues for our annual lunch and trips for next year. More news of these at future meetings In January of next year we are expecting a visit from Bill le Grice the famous Hoe Road, Longham, Dereham NR19 2RP rose grower, this will be Rehoming Cats and very popular and the meeting will be open to Providing Advice & Help With Neutering non-members for £2 per head. A great start to the OPEN 7 Days a New Year for the Club Week 11am to 3pm Some members have been Telephone . . . unable to renew their subscriptions and numbers 01362 687 919 CAT ADOPTION CENTRE The Wayland News Page 24 News Friday 13th November BBC Children In Need 14's And Under Disco 7pm - 9pm £1.50 Ashill Community Centre FOUNTAIN OF LIFE Weight Watching & Cake Eating? Kings Chamber Orchestra return visit by popular demand on Saturday 28th November 1 pm at The Well Christian Centre, Ashill Kids' Classics, Teddy & Hat Concert Adult £10 ~ Age 16 & under £5 ~ under 4 Free ~ Family ticket £20 7.30 pm at St. Peter Mancroft, Norwich Adult ticket- £12 16 and under £5 Enquiries or to reserve tickets contact Jean Watson 01953-881842 or email [email protected] Watton Weight Watchers meeting held a cake and coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, on Saturday 26th September. The Chequers Inn, at Thompson, kindly hosted the event and baked cakes using Weight Watchers recipes. The event was a great success and raised £113.00. On behalf of Weight Watchers I would like to thank the Chequers for the baking and hosting the event, everyone loved the cakes. Also thanks to Richard (owner of Chequers) for having his picture taken with us. If you would like to know more about Weight Watchers and how to have your cake and lose weight, or to find a meeting near you, contact 08457123000 or log on to their website www.weightwatchers.co.uk or come along to Watton's meetings on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Christian Community Centre, Hight Street Watton. Jane Harrison, Watton Weight Watcher Leader. sided limp, you've got to start with the left. Now, try it again - And…GO!' I tried my best, but she was very hard to please. She sighed deeply. 'Look, you're bending both legs now, if you carry on like that you'll get lower and lower, and you won't be able to see over the check-out.' 'Couldn't I have a stick?' I said, 'You know, with a rubber thing on the end?' She smiled and shook her head. 'I'm afraid not. We mustn't try to run before we can walk. Now try again, towards that door.' As I reached the door she opened it quickly. Before I knew it I was down the corridor and I could hear her voice faintly: 'Straight. Bend. Straight. Bend.' until the door closed with a bang. I got home as best I could and I don't think my wife was too pleased about it. I knocked over the goldfish bowl on a tricky turn, and by the Thursday she made her ultimatum. 'Look,' she said, 'That's it! Three nights in bed with a limping man is just too much. Get you down to the doctor's and get it sorted out!' Dr Mandible was very understanding. 'That's all right, old chap, I'll put you on Aversion Therapy.' He started typing another chit. 'What's Aversion Therapy?' I asked. 'Don't worry. Nothing to it. Nurse Armpitt will see to you – you just try to walk normally, and if you start to limp she hits you with a piece of wood. Three sessions should do it.' So here I am in the corridor with this chit, and I suppose I'm a bit worried. It just goes to show that sports injuries shouldn't be taken lightly. (NB this is a work of fiction – you know – like Dickens and Hemingway and all those.) Sports Injuries By Lindsay Keir Wise I remember it well. Wimbledon fortnight has always been an exciting time in our household. I usually watch from my recliner and I can emulate some of the better strokes with my fly swat and shout advice to the players. You will recall that on the night the new roof was employed the sun went down and the match lasted till well after half past ten. It was a long session for an armchair player and in the morning I had terrible trouble with my knee. Sports injuries should be given prompt attention as you know, so I thought it best to book in with Dr Mandible for nine o'clock. He's a nice man, but he does tend to jaw a bit so he's usually running late. I seemed to be waiting a long time and I didn't see my name come up, but to tell you the truth, I might have dropped off. It was about 12.30 when I was conscious of a hand on my shoulder and a lady saying, 'Oi! You‟ve been here a long time – are you the Piles or the Gallstones?' 'No,' I said, 'I'm the knee.' 'THE KNEE?' she shouted. 'We've been looking for the knee since coffee break!' She turned to the lady behind the counter: 'Sandra! We've found the knee. It's this old boy here.' She turned back to me. 'Through that door there. Dr Mandible has been waiting for you!' 'Ah! There you are!' he said. 'What can we do for you today? 'It's me knee,' I said. 'Sports injury.' 'Well, let's have a look at it. Which knee was it?' 'This one. No – wait a minute – I think it might have been this one. Now did I roll out of bed this morning, or did I slide out? SALEC TRAVEL LTD Saturday 7th November Bury St Edmunds 10am Adult & Child £5 Saturday 14th November Cambridge 9am Adult £9.50 Child £6 Tuesday 17th November Kings Lynn 9.30am Adult & Child £5 Saturd 21st November Covent Garden/London 8am Adult £15 Child £10.50 Saturday 28th November Bury Christmas Market Adult & Child £8 Saturday 5th December Ipswich 9am Adult £9 Child £6 Wednesday 9th December - Thursford - Adult + Child £37 SOLD OUT Thursday 10th December - Christmas Seaside Special - Adult & Child £20 Saturday 12th December Lakeside or Bluewater 8am Adult £14 Child £9 Friday 18th December - Snow White on Ice at King Lynn Matinee Adult & Child £25 Sunday 20th December Christmas Lunch at The Green in Aylsham Adult & Child £22 Wednesday 30th December Christmas Circus 10am Adult & Child £19 PLEASE NOTE: WISBEECH CHRISTMAS MARKET DATE CHANGED TO MONDAY 21st DECEMBER. ALSO FAKENHAM IN DECEMBER CHANGED TO THURSDAY 3rd DECEMBER Holidays 2009 Turkey & Tinsel at Scarborough 27th - 30th November 2010 Brochure Out Soon! For more details please phone: PRIVATE COACH & MINIBUS HIRE ALSO AVAILIBLE 01953 881159 No, hang on.' I banged my knees and they both seemed the same. 'You've forgotten which knee it was, haven't you? 'Well, it was this morning, early on.' He tapped his keyboard. 'It's Amkneesia, that's what that is. Nothing I can do. You'll just have to limp. Nothing wrong with that – a lot of people limp. I'll give you a chit for Nurse Armpitt and she'll fix you up with a limp. There you are. NEXT!' He wasn't as chatty as usual. Nurse Armpitt is a big woman in white coat and a Lonsdale belt. She looked at my chit with a sour face. 'Which side d'you want to limp on?' 'Doctor doesn't know,' I said, rather smugly. 'It's Amkneesia.' She didn't look pleased, and said, 'O Gawd.' under her breath. 'Well, we'll try you with a right-sided for a start, and see how you get on. Stand over there and bend your right leg. No, your RIGHT leg. No, no. YOUR right leg. That's it. Now, you keep your left leg straight at all times. Try walking like that. Bend! Straight! Bend! Straight!' I did my best, but it was a very small room, and turning at the end I knocked over a chair with a tray and a lot of little bottles on it. 'Watch out!' she shouted. 'Oh dear. Look, you must never turn round on a Bend because your Straight isn't under control, especially the way you're doing it. Always wait for the next Straight before you turn. Remember that.' 'I'm sorry about your samples,' I said. 'Never mind about those,' she said. 'I'll top them up under the tap. Now listen. You're starting off on the wrong foot. For a right News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 25 SERVICE CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2009 time spent by the merchant in his long search for his pearl. It‟s a journey into silence and stillness and it is one that takes By Joyce Welford Prayer of the Heart practice. But in such meditation, a wonderful Group, Watton Methodist Church. pearl of great price is revealed. The Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a Kingdom of Heaven, the experience of merchant looking for fine pearls; when he being with God, can be realised, it has in fact finds one of great value he goes and sells been with us all the time, and we just had to everything he owns and buys it. (Matthew find it. 13: 4-5) What you might wonder can be achieved by Today was one of those special October sitting still and silent and simply saying days, totally clear and bright with just a few silently to ourselves a short „prayer phrase‟ white clouds in the sky. I was awake early or „prayer word‟ and how on earth do we and had the opportunity of driving out into find the time and quiet space? For a start we the local countryside – what a „heavenly‟ learn something about ourselves and we scene it all was. But what will it be like learn how to drop the masks we wear to when you read this in November I wonder? cover our pride, shame, fear and guilt. It‟s It could be a completely different tale. A bit not easy, but it is worth it, and once you like our lives really, the beauty and joy of have begun you will want to continue. Like special moments, the greyness of the the merchant and the pearl the rewards are everyday grind and the great storms that truly great. The gifts of peace, joy, hope, and threaten us with illness or job loss or sudden love can be ours, the fruits of living in the death. Such is the pattern of everyone‟s life. Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus talked a lot about finding the‟ Some folk may wonder what we are actually Kingdom of Heaven‟, so what did he mean, doing when we sit in silence and the answer where is it, and how can we find it? is that meditation is a form of prayer and has In one story Jesus talks about the merchant a very well documented Christian history who finds just what he has been searching from the Dessert Fathers in the fourth for, a pearl of such great price that he sells century, through the mystics of whom Julian everything he has in order to own it. I of Norwich was famously one. More wonder just how long his search had been recently Christian meditation has been and just what he had to part with in order to rediscovered and found to be of great value make it his? Jesus was trying to explain that to us in today‟s busy world. the Kingdom of Heaven is an experience we If you can imagine a wheel with all the can enter into, something we already have various spokes leading to the hub at the now, a gift we have already been given. centre, each spoke of the wheel indicates a And, we have all been given it. different way of praying. How do we pray I am part of a group who have found the then, what „spokes‟ of the wheel do we use? great benefits of Christian Meditation. You Some use the ancient prayers of the church, might say we have begun to find our way some by using a rosary, some may like to into the Kingdom of Heaven. Twice-daily, I sing hymns, some may like to walk in the and many others, make it our practice to sit countryside or by the sea. All these spiritual down and be aware that we are living in the experiences and many more are indeed presence of God and that through Jesus we prayer. But for the wheel to turn and make can experience this. We can go out and live progress there needs to be a still, strong hub our lives more fully, as we enjoy the benefits at the centre. This is where our meditation of living in a contemplative way. In order to takes us, to that still point at the centre of do this we seek to put God and others before ourselves where, through the prayer of Jesus, ourselves and rather than follow our own God can be found. ideas of what God might want, to listen to Our weekly or monthly groups are times of what God is really saying. We have to learn support, friendship and encouragement, as to know ourselves well and let go of our we will all be at different stages on our own pride and ego. We try to realise that spiritual journey and we will need the God is at work in us and in everyone all of support of our meditative community along the time and we look for that of God in all the way. It is a personal journey, there is no those we meet. Finding the time, finding a competition, and each of our journeys will quiet place and being consistent are like the be different. We don‟t have to worry about Breckles, Caston, Great Hockham, Griston, „doing it wrong‟ or Merton, Stow Bedon, Thompson wondering if our WATTON CHURCHES TOGETHER St. Mary’s Church, Watton 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] www.stmaryswatton.org Sun 1st 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Holy Communion 3.00pm All Saints‟ Tide Service followed by Tea in the Church Room Sun 8th REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Holy Communion 2.30pm Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial followed by procession to St. Mary’s Church for 3.00pm Service of Remembrance Sun 15th 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am Holy Communion Sun 22nd 8.00am Holy Communion 10.00am All Age Worship 6.30pm Choral Evensong Sun 29th 8.00am Holy Communion Watton Methodist Church Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection and prayer between 10.am & 12 Noon. 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. www.wattonmethodist.btik.com Sun 1st 10.45am Mr Stephen Lynn 3.00pm World Church Service at Hingham 6.30pm No Service at Watton Sun 8th 10.45am Mr Peter Terry 2.30pm Town Remembrance Service at the War Memorial 6.30pm No Service at Watton Sun 15th 10.45am Mrs Janet Roebuck & Mrs Elsie Warby 6.30pm Rev Brian Eagle Sun 22nd 10.45am Rev Barbara Winner Holy Communion 6.30pm Rev Elizabeth Jolly Sun 29th 10.45am Mrs S Mann 2.30pm Rev J Smith Section Service at Gt. Cressingham 6.30pm Mr Peter Wright Roman Catholic Community Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church Pentecostal Church, Dereham Road, Watton There is a Noah's Ark Sunday and King's Kids for children to age 11 on Sunday mornings 8th - 29th Nov. Sun 1st 10.30am Family Service with Joella Nash from Kings Lynn 6.30pm Prayer & Communion Sun 8th 10.30am Remembrance Service „Wonderful Jesus - The Wonder of His Walk‟ Sun 15th 10.30am Morning Service „Wonderful Jesus - The Wonder of His Works‟ 6.30pm Prayer Service Sun 22nd 10.30am Morning Service „Wonderful Jesus - The Wonder of his Promises‟ Sun 29th 10.30am Morning Service „Wonderful Jesus - The Wonder of His Invitations‟ 4.30pm Alpha Celebration Party „Is There More?‟ Sun 1st Sun 8th Sun 15th Sun 22nd Sun 8th Sun 15th Sun 22nd Sun 29th Sun 1st Sun 8th Sun 15th Sun 22nd Sun 29th 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am 9.30am St. Nicholas’ Church, Ashill Lay Led Morning Worship Morning Worship & Act of Remembrance All Age Worship Holy Communion Finding the Pearl S.S. Peter & Paul’s Church, Carbrooke 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion 10.30am All Age Worship & Act of Remembrance 10.30am Holy Communion 10.30am Methodist Service 6.30pm Group ‘Darkness to Light’ Advent Service St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington Thursdays at 8.00am Said Holy Communion 9.00am All Age Worship & Act of Remembrance 9.30am Lay Led All Age Worship T he Best Tr aditional Fish & Chips St. George’s Church, Saham Toney 11.00am Morning Worship & Act of Remembrance 11.00am All Age Worship 11.00am Holy Communion 10.30am Group Holy Communion spiritual growth is slower or quicker, better or worse than the next person. This is not an exercise in intelligence or academic ability – the simple approach, putting ourselves last and in humility waiting upon God is what we are trying to achieve. So who is this Christian Meditation for – well, for everyone really. None of us are experts at it but we meet in groups in various places, locally, nationally, and internationally and have gained great help with our spiritual journey by receiving instruction and by sharing with members of the „World Community for Christian Meditation‟, initially under the guidance of Father John Main and since his death, Father Lawrence Freeman. By the way, we all mess up frequently and when we do all that is required of us is that we try again. I wonder if you know that in this small area of Norfolk there are WCCM groups in Watton, Wymondham, Wayland Prison and at Noggs Barn, Little Melton. Each group has its own character but there is a common pattern to each of our meetings in teaching, stillness and relaxation, waiting in silence and sharing with each other. The rediscovery of a contemplative lifestyle in recent years, not just for the religious but for all, may be something you would like to experience. Along with the gifts of the spirit, you might find you can also achieve a calmer and more joyful way of living. And guess what – meditation is practiced by folk of other faiths too. It‟s hard to disagree with each other if we are meeting in silence, and at this level we can all worship God together. Another great contemplative teacher, Father Richard Rohr tells us, „It‟s heaven all the way to way heaven‟. And this experience of heaven is not just for a few, not just for the „good,‟ but for everyone. It‟s not something to be attained in the future, but to be experienced now in our everyday lives. You might like to meditate on this short extract from the WCCM opening prayer. . . . May this silence be a power to open the hearts of men and women to the vision of God, and so to each other, in love, peace, justice and human dignity. May the beauty of the Divine Life fill this group and the hearts of all who pray here with joyful hope. May all who come here weighed down by the problems of humanity, leave, giving thanks for the wonder of human life . . . So, whatever the weather, we enter the dark winter days with the light of the risen Christ and with his peace at our centre. Worship Calendar: November 2009 Sunday 1st November 10:30 am United Holy Communion Thompson All Saints & Patronal Festival of St. Martin of Tours Monday 2nd November - All Souls’ Day 7:00 pm Service to Remember Departed Loved Ones, Gt. Hockham Sunday 8th November - Remembrance Sunday Services 10:00 am Thompson (for Merton, Thompson, Tottington) 10:45 am Holy Trinity, Great Hockham 10:55 am Caston (for Breckles, Caston, Stow Bedon) 6:30 pm Sts. Peter & Paul‟s, Griston Wednesday 11th November - Armistice Day 10:55 am Act of Remembrance Caston War Memorial Sunday 15th November 9:00 am Matins (BCP) Gt. Hockham 10:30 am United Holy Communion Breckles Sunday 22nd November - Christ The King Now In Our 6th Successful Year The Right „Plaice‟ to get the best! THE WATTON PLAICE 9 Middle Street, Watton Frying on Tuesday to Saturday from 11.30am to 1.45pm and 4.30pm to 8.00pm Closed Sunday and Monday “Gone fishing!” Don’t forget our Thursday Lunchtime Delivery Service for the Housebound and Elderly only. There is no charge for delivery - you pay only the normal take-away prices. Fr eshl y Cooked Especiall y For You Sun 8th Sun 22nd Fountain of Life —– meets in The Well Christian Centre, Swaffham Rd, Ashill A missionary congregation of the Church of England. Details on www.fountainoflifeonline.org Groups for children and young people of all ages Sun 1st 10.00am Service of the Word Sun 8th 10.00am Holy Communion 6.00pm Feed the Soul - worship. teaching on Mark‟s Gospel Sun 15th 10.00am Service of the Word with Prophet Lesley Lee followed by shared lunch 2 - 3.30pm Seminar with Lesley 6.00pm Feed the Soul Sun 22nd 10.00am Holy Communion 6.00pm Feed the Soul Sun 29th 10.00am Service of the Word 6.00pm Feed the Soul 9:00 am Holy Communion Merton 10:30 am United Holy Communion Caston Sunday 29th November - Advent 1 10:20 am Sunday Club (ages 4-11, church room) Gt. Hockham 10:30 am United Holy Communion Gt. Hockham (with Advent Lessons & Carols) Sunday 6th December - Advent 2 10:20 am Sunday Club Griston (ages 4-11, „Manorcourt‟ Day Centre, Manor Rd.) 10:30am United Holy Communion Griston For all our parishes… ‘The WAY’ Youth Group (ages 11+) Sunday, 1st and 15th November, 7 - 8pm, Rectory Pram Services: Wednesdays, 10:15 am Caston School Hall (Caston Village Hall in holidays). For parents or carers with children aged 0-5. Short Holy Communion, kiddies‟ Christian songs, social & play time. Plaice your order before 11am on a Thursday All Saints Church, Threxton Service of Remembrance With Watton Silver Band Sunday 8th November at 10.30am WET FISH available from 9am daily Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols: Tel.: (01953) 483222; Email: [email protected] Telephone 01953 882 401 The Wayland News Page 26 News [email protected] It’s Your Paper It’s Your News 01953 858 908 Spike the Hedgehog visits Westfield Watton Relief In Need Charity The Trustees of this Charity will be meeting early in December to consider applications from residents of Watton for financial support this Christmas. It is hoped, therefore, that applicants will contact the Clerk to the Trustees prior to that date so that the Trustees can fulfil their duties. The Charity is an amalgamation of Charities set up many years ago to support those in need. The Trustees have a duty to distribute the income of the Charity to relieve, either generally or individually, persons resident in the town of Watton who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce the need, hardship or distress of such persons. Institutions or organisations which provide or undertake in return to provide items, services or facilities for such persons may also benefit. In the past few years, grants have, in the main, consisted of support for the elderly to help with the extra costs of Christmas and/or heating costs. However, the Trustees are most willing to consider applications from other age groups provided they are residents of Watton and they are in conditions of need, hardship or distress. No preference is given to any section of the community but there will be times when applicants will be required to give full personal financial details and provide whatever information the Trustees require before decisions can be made. Any information given will be treated in the strictest confidence. Applications for assistance should be addressed to:Derek I Smith Clerk to the Trustees - Watton Relief In Need Charity, 39 Dereham Road, Watton. IP25 6ER Tel: 01953 884044 Email: [email protected] HJC Ltd Motor Engineers Servicing & MOT preparation to all makes of modern cars & light commercials Tyres, Exhausts, & Batteries supplied and fitted Courtesy cars available Ask for Steve at: 5 Linmore Court Threxton Rd Industrial Estate Watton The pupils of Watton Westfield Infant and Nursery School enjoyed a visit from Spike the Hedgehog. He taught the children about the damage litter can cause to wild animals. The children, who are keen animal lovers, listened to stories about animals trapped inside plastic bottles or damaged by broken glass and promised Spike that they would care for the environment. The school would like to thank the Breckland Recycling Team for the enjoyable visit and the gift of pencils for each child made from recycled materials. Tel: 01953 889924 C Almond PLASTERING All aspects of Plastering, Coving, Render and Floor Screeds Rotary roundup Last month we told you about Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) and our trip to New South Wales, Australia. Whilst hosted by Rotarians in the town of Orange we met the Irene Jones, the 9700 District Governor. The picture shows the group with Irene, 2nd from the left. At an altitude of around 3,000ft, Orange is one of the coldest parts of the NSW tablelands; however, the weather was kind to us, the daffodils were out and blossom was bursting on the trees in the early Australian spring. We also stayed in Parkes and Cowra during our 12 day visit, which, not being so elevated, were a good bit warmer. In our last piece we posed the question why was Parkes in the news just over 40 years ago? Parkes boasts the largest radio telescope in the southern hemisphere and, due to the position of the moon at the time, it was the only system capable of receiving the TV pictures of man‟s first steps thereon. The 2002 film “The Dish” tells the story in a lighthearted but essentially accurate way. At Cowra, the weather was perfect and we enjoyed a hot-air balloon flight over the Canowindra valley, noting that there was a lot of canola (oil seed rape) being grown, just like here! On Friday 12th October we celebrated, with a formal dinner in the Queens Hall, Fast Reliable Service Over 20 years experience know that our President, Richard Akister, was about to present him with a cheque for £2,000 as the Watton Club‟s contribution to the fund. The President of the Watton Inner Wheel Club, Helen Glibbery, proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the guests, The 3 For a Free Quote Call 01953 881533 or 07801 849 137 ASHILL JUNIOR YOUTH CLUB Meet twice a month on a Friday and is open to 8 years old until end of year 7 at any high school 7pm to 9pm at Ashill Community Centre. New membership fees are now due. Membership, if agreed at the AGM, will be £7 then subs will be £1.50, visitors £2 each night. Dates from November till January are as follows: 6 and 20 November, 4 and 18 December, 8 and 22 January. For more information on both of the clubs or if you can offer any help or ideas on how to improve the clubs for the future please contact Mark 01760 440577. Friday, 13 November – 14‟s and under Children in Need Disco 7pm to 9pm. This will be on a small scale to normal as we have to concentrate on raising money for the club. Tuesday, 1 December – Christmas Bingo eyes down 8pm. Saturday, 19 December – Christmas Fayre, more details nearer the time. All in the Community Centre. the 55th anniversary of the granting of our Charter as a member club of Rotary International. In proposing the toast to Watton Rotary, the guest of honour, John Samuel, our District 1080 Governor, gave an impassioned plea to support the “Thanks for Life – End Polio Now” campaign in which Rotary International Foundation has joined forces with the Bill Gates Foundation in a campaign to finally eliminate polio in the world. The aim, he said, was for every Rotary Club worldwide (there are over 33,000!) to donate just £500 per year for 3 years to the cause: then the task of 100% immunisation could be achieved. Little did John principals are shown in the second picture. At the same venue one week earlier, we presented our 5th “Jazz at the Queen‟s Hall” event with the 2nd appearance of DixieMix. A late surge in ticket sales and a well supported raffle raised over £500, enough to buy another ShelterBox. Thousands have been dispatched to help the homeless created by the recent typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes. Finally, we now have a regular slot on Radio Way la nd (107.3FM). Listen at around 5.20pm on the 2nd Monday monthly. Martin Anscombe News Mid-Norfolk Times Page 27 season. The game became a midfield battle with Mervyn Brown and Steve Mouncer dominating the proceedings. It took another 20 minutes before the game produced another goal - Stuart Nichols receiving the ball on the right wing from Steve Mouncer's pass, he ran the ball forward and curled a sweet left foot shot in from 20 yards. Trevor Brown added his second 5 minutes before the break after latching onto Ian Puttock's through ball and coolly firing home from close range. Watton went into half time 3-0 up and looking good. The second half saw the introduction of Andy Hunt, Rob Walker and Ray Kelner at the expense of Rob Bray, Stuart Nichols and Steve Mouncer. It didn‟t take long for Andy Hunt to show his class as he collected the ball and with a quick drag back he left 3 defenders in his wake and fired home from 12 yards. Watton were rampaging now and playing some superb football, but it wasn‟t all one way as Aylsham battled to get back into the game. Dave Wilkins, at left back, continued to roll back the years and showed his ability to read the game as he broke up any Aylsham attack that came his way. Mick Cooper and Stuart Bray never gave the Aylsham forwards a chance as they totally dominated at the back. Mark Ward, who had worked tirelessly all game, had to retire injured after receiving a heavy knock midway through the second half. Mervyn Brown, back after an injury lay off, showed that he had lost none of his desire to win as he collected the ball on his chest and charged forward through the Aylsham defence to fire home and put Watton well and truly in the driving seat at 5-0 up. Andy Hunt scored the last of Watton's goals as he again took on, and beat, the defence to give himself time to place his shot past the stranded keeper. Aylsham were gifted a consolation goal when Mick Cooper was judged to have brought down their centre forward inside the box and stand-in keeper Ian Hunt was left with no chance to save a well struck penalty. An outstanding performance from a Watton team that thoroughly deserved to win this game and put themselves firmly at the top of the League. WATTON JUNIOR UNDER 18 Mon 19 Oct League Newmarket Town 6 Watton Junior Under 18 1 Mon 12 Oct League Downham Town 2 Watton Junior Under 18 0 Watton played away at Downham Market, Watton started slowly and were punished with two long balls over the top and within 15 mins were 2-0 down. In the first half Watton found it hard to get in the game even though Downham didn‟t have any more chances. The second half saw Watton dominate, but they failed to score. Watton played some lovely football at times and if you had just watched the second half you would have thought that Watton would have never lost, but fair play to Downham they took their chances. (pictured) Player of the Match Sam Fincham Watton football roundup FIRST TEAM Norfolk Senior Cup: Sat 10 October Mattishall 6 Watton United 2 Watton has exited the Senior for the second season running at the first hurdle, losing to a strong and direct Mattishall team. The first half an hour Watton‟s team struggled to cope with 3 - 4 -3 formation that Manager Harwood had deployed to combat their opponents approach, and after going 1-0 down from a corner changed to their more accustomed 4-4-2. It brought instant rewards, with Walker exerted some pressure down the right flank, and Bloomfield. Unfortunately Watton were caught on a breakaway, conceding a second on 35 minutes. However on 38 minutes the whole complexion of the game changed when Mark Allibone was dismissed for a reaction to a push from a Mattishall player. In the following 5 minutes, Watton's ten men surprisingly dominated possession, and just before half time Ward broke free and was felled by the opposition keeper when a certain goal was at his mercy. The decision from the referee to only show a yellow card surprised even his assistants and the Mattishall supporters. Bloomfield did dispatch the spot kick for his 7th goal in 9 games to provide a slight glimmer of hope in the interval. This was soon extinguished when Watton conceded early on from another corner, the Mattishall player again heading in unmarked in the penalty area. Bloofield brought it back to 3-2 with a close range effort from a Merv Brown corner moments later, but battling against a fitter side with an extra player was too much, and if Cruikshank had not made some outstanding 1 on 1 saves, Watton could have conceded more than the 3 goals that were scored in the closing stages of the game. Final score 6-2. Man of the Match. Ben Smart After a disappointing result, compounded by a poor referring decision that changed the whole complexion of this cup tie, the team must pick themselves up for the next league game at home to Cromer Town next Saturday. League 3rd October: Acle 3 Watton United 1 Match report: The game was affected by the elements even before the kick off, with the match officials asking both teams if the summer conditions throughout September had made the ground to hard to play on. However after agreeing to play, it was then the high October winds that influenced the fixtures first half play. The hosts decision may have initially backfired, as with the wind at their backs , persistently over hit a number of passes straight to Cruikshank, and with Watton‟s defence standing firm from corners against the gale. On 30 minutes Watton‟s passing game engineered a nice move down the centre involving Mark Woods and Taylor, and with the ball again holding up, Allibone stole in, only to see himself felled by opposition goalkeeper. Bloomfield, as with last week, confidently stroked the ball in the corner from the penalty spot to put Watton 1-0 up. Morgan outpacing Smart to loft the ball over the advancing Cruikshank. Moments later, with Watton desperately wanting the whistle for half time, the official instead awarded a harsh penalty against Allibone, who was struck on the shoulder defending a free kick. Watton were unlucky to go in losing, as their battling performance against the elements deserved more, but almost as soon as they returned to the pitch, they found themselves 3-1 down, when a long ball forward was expertly controlled and slotted home. Within 5 minutes of the restart an almost identical incident to how Acle received a penalty in the first half went unpunished, with the referee admitting afterwards Paul Woods‟ whipped free kick was more ball to hand, than hand to ball. From then on it was never going to be Watton‟s day, and even with Bloomfield‟s creativity on show yet again, they gradually gave up all hope of pulling themselves back in the game with a poor display of passing and movement in the final 35 minutes. Even the introduction Ward to a 3 man front line, and 17 year old Fincham, who has performed well for the reserves in the opening part of the season, didn‟t create any chances for the visitors, with only McKeever and goalkeeper Cruikshank coming out of the half with any credit. Manager Harwood conceded afterwards that the second half display was the poorest he had seen in the opening 7 league games. RESERVES Sat 03 October League: Watton United Reserves 2 Mattishall Reserves 2 Watton Reserves secured their 5th league draw of campaign, and again outlined their willingness to compete in the Division 4 promotion race, staying third after their opening 7 games. Finding themselves outplayed in the first half, Watton were 2-0 down at the interval against a physical Matishall Reserves side. However, with the experience of Griffith in the line up, starting his first game of the season, they battled back to a 22 draw, and perhaps created enough chances to win it, with Nathan Clarke scoring his 6th goal in 5 games for the Reserves. Sat 26 September League: Watton United Reserves 3 Long Stratton Reserves 3 Watton Reserves continued their unbeaten start to the new season coming back from 3-1 down at half time to draw with Long Stratton 3-3, to secure their 4th draw of the season and keep them in 4th place in the table. Goals from Nathan Clarke, Danny Reeve, and Tom Smart were assisted by an impressive second half display from Man of the match Aaron McCoullouch. WATTON UNITED LEAGUE VETERANS FIRST TEAM Sun 11 October League Veterans First Team 6 Aylsham Blackboys 1 Aylsham started the game with only 9 players, despite a slightly delayed kick off to allow their late comers more time to arrive. Watton, back to full strength for the first time this season, looked to take full advantage and pressed from the off. It didn‟t take Trevor Brown long to get his name on the score sheet as he slotted home after only 5 minutes. Aylsham soon got back to 11 players on the pitch and looked more like the team that won the league last season. They were no match for a Watton team that were on fire and in no mood to allow a repetition of the 10-5 defeat that they suffered at the hands of the same opponents early last CARPETS, 3 PIECE SUITES & LEATHER FURNITURE Safely and Professionally Cleaned call Mike Barrett at Clean-Tech For a FREE no obligation quotation Telephone 01485 609 223 Tea, Coffee and Red Wine stains removed totally 100% Payment by major credit and debit cards welcome Boarding Kennels, Cattery and Grooming Parlour Attention All Gardeners! Improve your soil, keep weeds down and keep moisture in with Our fully Qualified Personnel Now Provide Dog Grooming Services Bath, Nail Clip and Ear Clean from £10 Price dependant on dog breed and size Sterilized Mushroom Compost The ideal mulch and soil improver Bath, Nail Clip, Ear Clean and Full Groom from £15 Price dependant on dog breed and size Collection & Delivery Service available Only £1.40 per Bag Delivered free (min 5 bags) Watton area ROGER TURNER 07759 948 830 01953 881 382 Phone 01953 498419 to arrange an appointment 01953 881969 Little Brick Kiln Farm, Shropham, Norfolk, NR17 1ED The Wayland News Page 28 News Ashill Bowls Club H. BRETT & SON Presentation Evening Ashill Outdoor Bowls Club held their presentation evening on Saturday 17th October. Club Persons of the Years – Sponsored by Peter Bunn were Winner: Alan Willer (right), Runner Up: Jackie Taylor (2nd from right), Third Janet Ewings (Left). The award sponsor, Peter Bunn is 2nd from left. Monumental Masons ~ Craftsmen in Stone Call for our Brochure or Visit our SHOWROOM and WORKSHOPS Home visits can be arranged also Fireplaces, House Names etc. 75 NORWICH ROAD, WATTON, NORFOLK, IP25 6DH Tel: 01953 881501 FUNERAL DIRECTORS SERVING WATTON & DISTRICT W.C. LITTLEPROUD & SON of BRADENHAM ‘A genuine, family owned & run business offering a caring, traditional & affordable service’ Written estimates always provided Memorials supplied Personal supervision Pre-Paid Funeral Plans available Richmond Park Golf Club Ladies Captain Richmond Park Seniors Autumn Cup: 56 members took part in the main competition of the year, followed by Dinner & prize giving in the evening, enjoyed by 72 members & guests. Congratulations to the winner, Phil Barrall 38pts. 2nd 37pts Glynn Long, 3rd 36pts David Wakeford. Best front 9, George Travi. Best back 9 Dave Palmer. N/P 3rd Dave Palmer. N/P 6th Bill Evans, N/P David Wakeford, N/P 17th David Wakeford. Ladies & Seniors: A most enjoyable day was had by all 48 competitors in this annual mixed Greensomes competition. Winners Jeff Sutton & Anne Bell 44pts. 2nd Phil Barrall & Mary Wakeford 43pts, 3rd Derek Clark & Ann Long 42pts oncb N/P Ladies Lesley Davis, N/P Men Harry Mayhew. September Stableford Winners, Reg Knowles, Bob Lomas, Rod Whyatt, Roy Bruce, Roger Lubbock, Colin Mantom, David Wakeford, Glynn Long. Arrangements may be discussed in the privacy of your own home Tel: (01760) 440269 (24 hrs) Established over 60 years EVENTS DIARY ACC = Ashill Community Centre, Hale Road, Ashill Watton CCC = Watton Christian Community Centre Wells CCC = Wells Cole Community Centre, Saham November Sat 14th Wretham Christmas Fair at the Village Hall 10.30 To 2.30pm See article Tues 20th 7.45pm NWT Talk The RSPB Reserves of East Anglia Watton CCC. Fri 20th Inner Wheel Barn Dance at the Queens Hall with Shinanakins Sat 21st Caston Annual Christmas Fayre in the Village Hall 2pm to 3.30pm See article Sat 28th Kings Chamber Orchestra at The Well Christian Centre Ashill at 1pm and at 7.30pm at St Peter Mancroft See ad Rocklands Coffee Morning Thank You A coffee morning was held at Cumbria, Rocklands as part of The World‟s Biggest Coffee Morning. As a result of the support given by everybody Frank Reynolds raised £291.10p and would like to thank everybody for their generosity and assistance. Karen Ralphs (left) and Margaret Middleton (right) being congratulated by the Richmond Park Golf Club Ladies Captain Rosie Sutterby on winning the Mystery Partners Competition played in beautiful weather on Monday 12th October. Captain Rosie's tenure is coming to an end in November and our ladies would like to thank her for all the work she put into ensuring we had a really enjoyable year. By the same token we wish good luck to our incoming Captain, Sheila Hill and her Vice Captain Ann Achilles. December Fri 4th Thurs 3rd Mon 7th Sat 5th Wed 9th Watton Senior Citizens Party See article } A Christmas Festival at St Andrew‟s Quidenham } 11am to 3pm Daily See ad. Ovington Christmas Bazaar 12 Noon to 3pm See art Queen's Hall Inner Wheel Lunchtime Concert with June Garratt and Friends (see article) Sun 13th Watton Churches Together Christmas Carol Service at The Queens Hall, 7pm Tues 15th 7.45pm to 9.30pm NWT Talk Conserving the Wensum Valley. Watton CCC. THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Welfare Contact Number: 01328 864543 WATTON & DISTRICT BRANCH Contact Number Captain Glyn Bellamy: 01953 880188