Local Lynx No.133 - August/September 2020

eased and adjustments will continue as and when the
government feel that it is right so to do, and the data
supports their decisions.
There is definitely some light at the end of this very long
tunnel as we start to meet up with family and friends.
Children are back at school, shops, hospitality including
pubs, restaurants and hotels are open and more sporting
activities permitted under strict COVID secure guidelines.
Theatres and indoor and outdoor swimming pools remain
closed.
As we move to the next stage, all that has been achieved
could be jeopardised if we do not continue to optimise
social distancing and hand hygiene. COVID-19 has not
gone away and by not paying attention to what is asked of
us it will return. A very fine balance of risk of contracting
COVID-19 in our population remains and therefore we
should all continue to Stay alert, Control the virus and Save
lives and livelihoods.
Since the last edition of the Lynx, Binham Parish
Council, Parochial Church Council, Binham Parochial
Charities, the Trustees of Binham Memorial Hall and The
Chequers Pub, supported by a group of amazing volunteers
have worked tirelessly to ensure that we are safe and virus
free. I cannot thank them enough on behalf of the two
villages, Binham and Cockthorpe.
We hope that when all this is over to have a grand get
together to say thank you in person, to share experiences
and display many of the poems, postcards and artwork
generated during this time, all of which will be archived for
future reference. Some highlights during these last four
months have been:
Community engagement:
The most satisfying thing about all of this is that as a
Parish Council, we are having to become much more
familiar with the structure of our community. A question
arises in mine and others minds as to how we can engage
more fully and for the benefit of the whole community after
lockdown – so any suggestions are very welcome
(Lizsdavenport@gmail.com or 01328 830830).
The weekly lunches prepared by the Chequers were
enjoyed by many of the ‘vulnerable’ for a twelve-week
period. Notes and cards of thanks were received by Sarah
and her team. Seven fortnightly letters have been
successfully delivered to each resident household with up to
date information (www.gov.uk, www.northnorfolk.gov.uk).
I will continue to provide the necessary
key COVID-19 information until such time as the pandemic
is over. The Memorial Hall Coronavirus page
(www.binhamvillagehall.co.uk) and the village notice
boards are updated regularly.
Support for the children
‘Goodie bags’ including games, art materials and sweets
have found their way to all the children in the village over
the past four months. The children were encouraged to share
their artwork, postcards and poems with those who were
self-isolating or shielding – many did which was very much
appreciated by the recipients.
As the end of term was approaching, Helen Owen
proposed to the PC that we might purchase children’s
school, further education or early learning books they might
like to have as a way of supporting that final push to the end
of this very strange school year.
To this end, Helen collated responses, ordered and
distributed 44 books. I spotted some of my very favourite
little people’s books not least Giraffes Can’t Dance and The
Tiger Came to Tea! We do hope that they will be enjoyed
12
and shared, as each has a ‘This book belongs to..’ inside
making it easier to do so.
The Chequers Inn
The Chequers Inn, Binham, has reopened, outside only
for the time being. We look forward to welcoming you
inside too, shortly. We will be open Friday to Tuesday
initially for food and drinks. Takeaways are available too.
It’s advisable to book in advance if you want to come for
drinks or food and also for takeaway as we have limited
space. Bookings can be made on 01328 830297. If we can’t
answer leave a message and we will call you back.
Watch out for further details on the boards outside, on our
website www.binhamchequersinn.co.uk, Facebook, Twitter
and Instagram. We hope to see you soon. Simon and Sarah
Binham Memorial Hall children’s play area
After considering the risks of opening the children’s play
area, the PC and Memorial Hall trustees have decided not to
open the area as we cannot guarantee the children and their
carers safety, according with the public health and safety
requirements. We are aware that this will be disappointing,
but we are doing everything we can to keep Binham as safe
as possible.
This message I received, sums up how valued and
important community work is for the well-being of all
within our communities.
‘I have sent our thanks to them (The Chequers) but would
also like to pass on our appreciation to all the people who
have had a hand in the Binham and Cockthorpe virus
initiatives and information posters’.
Elizabeth S Brady
THE BINHAM AND COCKTHORPE
PAROCHIAL CHARITIES
It has been such a difficult and strange time for
everybody over the past months and it is at times like these
that the kindness of others shines through. Our thanks go to
Simon and Sarah at The Chequers Inn who have worked
tirelessly to produce lunches for residents of Binham and
Cockthorpe.
They have been supported by their team of helpers who
have delivered the meals and we have received so many
messages of thanks from villagers. We would also like to
thank people who have donated toward the cost of the
meals.
Now that the pub is open, I would urge you to show your
support for them by using this great facility. The months
ahead are going to be challenging for their business with all
the restrictions that are in place, and we really do need our
village pub.
William Wales (Chairman)