Local Lynx Issue 128 - October/November 2019

There were also christenings of grandchildren, Isabelle
and Alexander, and inevitably very moving funeral services
for members of the community. We are so pleased that
some of our family events are still recorded on kneelers in
the church.
I confess I did also remember those very exasperating
occasions when mowers and strimmers failed halfway
through a session in the churchyard, and also bizarre events
such as when many of the animals in the annual Christmas
crib on the knoll were found one morning waiting patiently
at the nearby bus stop.
Also there was the time when the visiting priest, who
had come from along the coast to take the Christingle
service, had to have his car pushed out of a snowdrift which
had accumulated quickly on the knoll. Fortunately we were
well fortified for this by the strong punch which Keith
McDougall had prepared for us after the service.
Although we enjoy our “new” life closer to family and
with new friends and opportunities, we will always
remember our very happy years in the village, and times
when the church really did bring the community together, to
celebrate or to mourn. It is so good to know that so many
people from the village, recent residents and those who have
lived there for a long time, all play a part in keeping the
church as a place of inspiration and tranquillity.
John and Margaret Adnitt
NORFOLK COAST RIDING
FOR THE DISABLED
After an exciting spring term, when we attracted more
riders and many more volunteers, we stopped for our
summer break.
Term started again on 11 th September and we are now
riding on Tuesdays as well as Wednesdays.
Some very talented youngsters have joined the adults
and we are grateful that local schools allow them to
participate. New riders and volunteers are always welcome.
We will be holding our annual fundraising coffee
morning on 14 th November at Glandford Mill, with
Christmas gifts, cards, artwork, scrumptious cakes, scones
and savoury items as well as second hand horse equipment
on sale. You will be very welcome to join us. Coffee and
biscuits will be served for a small donation.
NorfolkCoastRDA@gmail.com
NORTH NORFOLK BOOK WORMS
Since we widened our catchment area, the book club has
gone from strength to strength. In August we all enjoyed a
delightful catch up and afternoon tea at Binham Priory and
in September we read The Tattooist of Auschwitz by
Heather Morris which proved to be illuminating. Although
we felt it was quite procedural and not that well written, all
were in agreement about the knowledge gained. 'Enjoy' was
not a word we could use and most of us found it very
interesting, especially the discussion about 'intent' and how
being selfish can actually help others.
The October book is Warlight by Michael Ondaatje
followed by Ma'am Darling by Craig Brown.
We have found Wells Library to be absolutely delightful
in assisting us to find enough copies of books and also
27
recommending books for future reading. If you are
interested in joining us, we could take a couple more
members, 12 would be our maximum.
dr.sallyvanson@gmail.com
STIFFKEY VILLAGE GROUP
FACEBOOK PAGE
At last our group is gathering momentum. We now have
124 members and have some interesting posts recently such
as; art for sale, double bed to give away, rehoming of
chickens, a lost chicken in a garden, a discussion about
traffic in the village and more. If you haven't yet joined
please look for Stiffkey Village on Facebook and ask to
become a member. Sally Vanson 07773800656
NATURE NOTES
Due to family commitments I have not written lately,
however, I feel that the recent months warrant some
comment. In the garden there has been a real lack of insects.
Runner beans and courgettes failed because there was no
fertilization until recently. Thunderflies (thrips) and
houseflies have been minimal. Wasps and horse flies are
also scarce but a visit by a hornet hoverfly was a spectacular
sight. Many may say ‘good job’ but all these small creatures
do important work. Not many things to bite you either in the
night. Butterflies of all species have had a good hatching
this year. The last week of August saw a big hatching of
daddy long legs to the delight of gulls, jackdaws and
swallows.
The roadside verges looked a picture garlanded with
British wild flowers. The record high temperatures in July
saw the demise of many swallow nestlings in my own barn
and those of others locally. Later broods have been more
successful. Finches, particularly the gold variety have had a
good season and there are large flocks of up to 200 dashing
about. I was amazed to see a spoonbill flying straight past a
flock of black headed gulls, who are experts, at at least twice
their speed directly into a westerly gale. In all, a summer of
surprises.
Rural Ruth
CHURCH NEWS
In August we had one funeral, that of Michael
McGovern, who had moved into the Old Police House and
who, with his family, was a regular member of the church
congregation.
At the August Bank Holiday weekend, despite the Local
History Society's Exhibition being postponed, stalls were
held on the Knoll on the Sunday morning, with a total of
over £500 being raised. Thanks to all those who once again
helped man a stall and part of the money raised will go
towards the tuning of the organ.
Harvest festival this year will be a shared service with
Langham, at Langham, on Sunday 13 th October, 9.30 a.m.
and will be taken by the Rector. Heather Harrison
MORSTON QUIZ ANSWERS
(Questions on Page 23)
1. Methane. 2. A pigeon. 3. Angostura bitters. 4. An inch. 5.
B2. 6. Greenland. 7. Turkey. 8. A (small hunting-} dog. 9.
Ipswich & Bury St. Edmund’s. 10. UK.