Local Lynx No.146 (v2) October-November 2022

ISSUE 146
October-
November 2022
HM Queen Elizabeth II
1926 - 2022
ADS DIRECTORY now on back page and at
www.locallynx.co.uk
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WHAT’S ON
VH = village hall
OCTOBER
1 st Sat. Bale Harvest Supper, VH 7pm
1 st Sat. Field Dalling Ceilidh, VH 7pm
1 st Sat. Sharrington Music Night VH 7pm
1 st Sat.- 3 rd Mon. Stiffkey The Tutor Group, The Old Dairy,
Norfolk Open Studios, 10am-5pm
2 nd Sun. Bale Harvest Festival, All Saints 9.30am
2 nd Sun. Binham Harvest Thanksgiving Service and Lunch,
BP, 11am and BMH, 12.30 for 1pm
2 nd Sun. Morston Harvest Festival, All Saints Church
2 nd Sun. Sharrington Harvest Festival Church 9.30am
2 nd Sun. Stiffkey St John and St Mary’s Church, Harvest
Festival Service, 9.30am
5 th Wed. Field Dalling Coffee Morning, VH 10.30am
5 th Wed. Sharrington Gardeners,Talk, Field Dalling VH
6.30pm
7 th Fri. Field Dalling, First Friday, VH 6pm
7 th Fri. Sharrington Craft Group VH 10.30am-12.30pm
7 th Fri. Sharrington Pub evening VH 7pm
7 th Fri.- 9 th Sun. Stiffkey The Tutor Group, The Old Dairy,
Norfolk Open Studios, 10am-5pm
8 th Sat. Binham Quiz Night, BMH, 7pm
8 th Sat. Sharrington Antique Valuation Day VH 10am-3pm
9th Sun. Langham Harvest Festival, Church 9.30am
14 th Fri. Bale Fish and Chips, VH 7pm
15 th Sat. Langham Family Bingo & Burger night at VH
15 th Sat. Shovell Dinner, Talk by Robert Smith MBE,
Harbour Rooms, Blakeney
21 st Fri. Binham FOBP Talk by Lord Robin Butler, VH 7 for
7.30pm
21 st Fri. Field Dalling Bingo, VH 7.30pm
22 nd Sat. Bale Local History Talk by Phil West VH, 7pm
22 nd Sat. Sharrington Gordon Giltrap Concert VH 7pm
26 th Wed. Field Dalling U3A Military History Group, VH
10am
28 th Fri. Bale Bale Oak Bar, VH 6.30-9.30pm
28 th Fri. Field Dalling U3A Family History Group, VH 10am
29 th Sat. Binham Village Halloween Party, BMH 7pm
29 th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club Coffee Morning, VI
10.30am
30 th Sun. Morston Group Service, All Saints Church
10:30am
31 st Mon. Langham Trick or Treat trail through village
NOVEMBER
2 nd Wed. Field Dalling Coffee Morning, VH 10.30am
4 th Fri. Field Dalling Firsty Friday, VH 6pm
4th Fri. Sharrington Craft Group, VH 10-30am-12.30pm
4 th Fri. Sharrington Pub evening VH 7pm
6 th Sun. Binham Gresham’s Choir and Orchestra, BP 7.30pm
6 th Sun. Morston Patronal Service, All Saints Church 9.30am
11 th Fri. Bale Fish and Chips, VH 7pm
13 th Sun. Remembrance Services, see grid page 3
16 th Wed. Sharrington Gardeners wreath making
demonstration, venue and time tbc
18 th Fri. Field Dalling, Bingo, VH 7.30pm
18 th Fri. Sharrington Noble Rotters VH 7pm
19 th Sat. Bale Bale Book Group, VH 4pm
19 th Sat. Binham Christmas Fair, BMH, 9.30am - 2pm
23 rd Wed. Field Dalling U3A Military History Group, VH
10am
25 th Fri. Bale Bale Oak Bar, VH 6.30-9.30pm
25 th Fri. Field Dalling U3A Family History Group, VH 10am
26 th Sat. Gunthorpe 50:50 Club Coffee Morning, VI
10.30am
26 th Sat. Sharrington Christmas Fayre VH 10am-1.30pm
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REGULARS
Monday Bale Painting Group, VH 1-4pm
Monday Sharrington Yoga class, VH 11.30am-12.30pm
Tuesday Binham Art Group BMH 9.30am
Wednesday Binham Youth Group in September after school
holidays 6-8pm, BMH
Third Wednesday in the month Binham, Cosy Club, BMH,
2-4pm
Third Thursday in the month Binham & Hindringham
Open Circle, Hindringham VH, 7.15pm
1 st & 3 rd Saturdays in month Langham Coffee Mornings,
VH 10am -12noon
POST OFFICES AND LIBRARY BUSES
Wednesday Field Dalling Post OfficeVH 8-8.40am
Wednesday Langham Mobile Post Office VH 8.50-
9.20am
Thursdays Field Dalling Mobile Library, Highfields 16.25 –
16.45
Fridays 21st Oct. and 18 th Nov. Sharrington Library Bus
VH 3.10pm
CLASH DIARY
December 2022
10 th Sat. Field Dalling Christmas Fair
3 rd Sat. Binham Christmas Supper BMH, 6.30
for 7pm
July 2023
30 th Sat, Binham Yard Sale, 10am-3pm,
Binham Village
August 2024
24 th Sat. Langham Street Fayre 50th anniversary
Newsletter and Website Advertising
For enquiries about advertising in Local Lynx, contact
Sally Metcalfe: sallymetcalfe@btinternet.com
Rates for advertising (pre-paid) are:
One column x 62 mm (1/8 page): £72 for six issues.
Small Ads Panel on the back page:
Available for individuals and businesses
providing local services. Cost: £36 for six issues.
BLAKENEY METHODIST CHURCH
Service times:
1 st Sunday -10am Traditional Methodist Worship
2 nd Sunday – Café Church10am
Mid-week prayer time: Thursdays 9.30am
For more details ring Samantha Parfitt on 07591
509653.
ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Back Lane Blakeney NR25 7NP
Mass Sunday - 11am
Wednesday - 9.30am
Holyday of Obligation 9.30am
www.catholicparishofwalsingham.org
DEANERY NEWS
The next joint meeting of Holt and Repps Deanery
Synods: 7.30pm on 13 th October in Sheringham.

Church Services for Bale and Stiffkey Benefice for October and November 2022
HC=Holy Communion. CFS=Church Family Service. MP=Morning Prayer. BCP=Book of Common Prayer CW- Common Worship
Parish 2 nd October 9 th October 16 th October 23 rd October 30 th October
Bale
9.30am Harvest
9.30am HC
At Morston
Festival
Field Dalling 11.00am CFS At Saxlingham 11.00am MP At Morston
BCP
Saxlingham At Field Dalling 11.00am HC BCP At Field Dalling At Morston
Gunthorpe
11.00am Harvest Festival
At Morston
Sharrington 9.30am Harvest 9.30am HC 9.30am MP CW 9.30am HC At Morston
Festival
Binham 11.00am Harvest 11.00am MP BCP 11.00am MP BCP 9.30am HC At Morston
Thanksgiving
Morston 9.30am HC BCP
Harvest Festival
9.30am MP BCP
10.30am HC Group
Service
Langham At Stiffkey 9.30am Harvest At Stiffkey 9.30am MP At Morston
Thanksgiving
BCP
Stiffkey 9.30am Harvest
Thanksgiving
At Langham 9.30am HC BCP At Langham At Morston
Parish 6 th November 13 th November
20 th November 27 th November
Remembrance Sunday
Bale 9.30am HC 9.30am HC Service of Remembrance 9.30am HC
Field Dalling 10.45am Service of Remembrance At Saxlingham 11.00am MP BCP
Saxlingham At Field Dalling 11.00am HC BCP At Field Dalling
Gunthorpe
10.50am Service of Remembrance
Sharrington 9.30am MP BCP 9.30am HC Service of Remembrance 9.30am MP CW 9.30am HC
Binham 11.00am HC 10.50am HC Service of 11.00am MP BCP 9.30am HC
Remembrance
Morston 9.30am HC BCP 3.00pm Service of Remembrance 9.30am HC BCP
Patronal Festival
Langham At Stiffkey 10.50am Service of Remembrance At Stiffkey 9.30am MP BCP
Stiffkey 9.30am MP BCP At Langham 9.30am HC BCP At Langham
Additional Services
Stiffkey: Friday 11 th November, Remembrance Day Gathering at the War Memorial, 10.45am.
Zoom Evensong on October 2 nd and November 6 th at 5.00pm. For further details please contact Ian Newton on
01328 830947 or email iannewton46@gmail.com.
RECTOR’S LETTER
Dear Friends and Parishioners,
This time of year, late summer/early autumn is for me a reflection of the Glory of God. I wonder if you know the poem by
Gerard Manley Hopkins “Hurrahing in Harvest”? “Summer ends now; now, barbarous in beauty, the stooks rise/ Around; up
above, what wind-walks! what lovely behaviour/ Of silk-sack clouds!” The Glory of God, mirrored there in nature is of course
one of the great themes of scripture.
In the Old Testament ‘glory’ is the visible and supernatural ‘showing’ of the majesty of God; and the Hebrew word for
‘glory’ (kabod) means ‘weight’ or ‘substance’’; and this making known of the presence of a personal Deity produces awe. Awe,
as well as the presence of God is hard to explain to one who has never experienced it, but it is something to be experienced by the
humble, devout believer. Adam and Eve felt no awe in the presence of God before the Fall, but surely did when they approached
Him afterwards. But approach they did, because He beckoned; and He beckons us still to a restored relationship with Himself, to,
in a sense, a life of glory.
There is a house in north Norfolk, which I have often visited which had, instead of the usual parapet (it’s quite a grand house),
stone letters proclaiming to all the world, the allegiance, the prayer, and the experience of the family down the centuries: “Gloria
Deo in excelsis”. It is God’s presence which bestows obvious favour and assurance on his people and marks them out as his own,
for his glory. To be with, and bless His people is what God wants – hence His covenant with Israel, hence the sending of His Son
for this contractual agreement was sealed everlastingly with the red blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What distinguishes God? His Glory. What motivates God? His love. To what end does He work? The restoration of all
things, including our broken relationship with Him.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that everyone that believes in him may not perish, but have
eternal life.” This is the heart of the Gospel. Not “God is love” – which is true but does not imply any action on His part. BUT
“God so loved…” that He gave. He gave. In a place and at a time God in Christ took off His robes of glory and was lifted up
only in shame and the Author of life died for what He had made. And that glorious degradation on behalf of the whole world is
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LOOKING AFTER LOCAL LYNX
Local Lynx is a not-for-profit community paper
covering the villages of Bale, Binham, Cockthorpe,
Field Dalling, Gunthorpe, Langham, Morston,
Saxlingham, Sharrington and Stiffkey.
Published every other month, it contains community
news as well as news and articles from each of the
villages together with details of church services and
news from the local school in Langham.
Currently distributed to over 1,100 households it has
an estimated readership of over 2,000 as well as over
800 readers on-line at www.locallynx.co.uk.
The paper is produced entirely by volunteers with
the editor supported by village reps who collate the
stories, distributors who pop the paper through each
letterbox, proof readers who try to catch the typos, a
designer who can add style and of course those that
write the interesting articles and news.
Financially the paper is supported by the parish
councils and parochial church councils of the villages
concerned and by the wonderful local businesses who
place their adverts with us. We also have great support
from our readers. If you like what you read and would
like to make a contribution to the running costs of the
paper then these can be made by contacting the editor at
lynxeditor@pobox.com or by direct bank transfer to:
Local Paper a/c 65004288 sort code 09-01-54.
Lynx Internet Banking and Standing Orders
Account Name: Local Paper
Account number: 6500 4288 Sort code: 09-01-54
THE RECTOR’S LETTER continued
the only act that can save the world, or any individual. Only
divine self-giving changes our destiny from one of
punishment to a delightful walk in the garden in the cool of
the day.
Like and unlike Adam of old we must come before the
Lord of Glory, most often in private wearing nothing but our
shame and holding only to the cross of Jesus Christ.
May this Autumn be for us a time of turning.
Yours truly,
Ian Whittle The Rectory, Langham 01328 830 246
COMMUNITY nEWS
COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S NOTES
...from Steffan Aquarone
Over the course of my time as a county councillor, I
have frequently been contacted by constituents with extreme
concerns around speeding through villages. This is
something that is becoming more and more prevalent across
my constituency and with 35 deaths and 450 serious injuries
being reported on Norfolk's roads in 2021, it is without a
doubt one of my key priorities to address.
I have recently had two very productive meetings with
the Police and Crime Commissioner and the local police
officer in charge of road safety and it has been agreed that
there will be an increase in support for community speed
watch schemes, more beat officers trained to use handheld
speed guns and increased enforcement thanks to a small van
fleet. I am requesting that speed monitoring equipment be
installed across several of the villages in my division, and
that I meet with the officer every six weeks to review
progress in order to take the next steps towards greater and
potentially permanent enforcement solutions.
County Councillors’ contact details:
Michael Dalby: County Councillor Wells Division - Glaven,
Priory and Walsingham Parishes (incl. Binham & Cockthorpe,
Brinton & Sharrington, Field Dalling & Saxlingham, Langham,
Morston, Stiffkey) michaeljdblues@outlook.com
Steffan Aquarone: County Councillor Melton Constable Division
( incl. Bale and Gunthorpe Parishes) steffanaquarone@gmail.com
or 07879 451608
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DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
…from Victoria Holliday
Planning
Nutrient neutrality - the government will require water
companies to upgrade wastewater treatment works to the
highest technically achievable limits by 2030 to tackle the
pollution in the catchments of habitats sites. Natural
England will establish a Nutrient Mitigation Scheme,
identifying mitigation projects which will be pump primed
by government. This will enable local authorities to grant
permission subject to securing mitigation.
NNDC’s consultants, Royal Haskoning, are in the
process of developing a bespoke nutrient calculator and
short-, medium- and long-term local mitigation schemes.
The majority of applications within the sensitive
catchment areas can still be determined, i.e. householder
applications and most forms of commercial development;
it’s only new housing and tourism development that is
restricted till mitigation is developed.
The planning director is working on the planning Service
Improvement Plan, with a Customer Satisfaction Survey,

Developers Forum and Town and Parish Liaison meetings
scheduled.
Housing
52 affordable homes will be built this year - the numbers
are down due to nutrient neutrality and lack of sites.
However, there are 354 possible affordable homes in the
pipeline. There are 2575 households on the housing waiting
list, and 42 households in temporary accommodation.
NNDC has a Living Well Officer to support these families
and has negotiated some accommodation with St Vincent
DePaul Church in Cromer, in addition to what it has
already.
Funding is available for energy improvements to your
home such as loft or wall insulation, windows or door
replacement. Email energy@north-norfolk.gov.uk for
more information.
The Integrated Housing Adaptations Team continues to
make modifications to housing needed through disability.
Contact NNDC.
Benefits
The North Norfolk Help Hub offers support and
guidance for many aspects of well-being e.g. money
worries, isolation, domestic abuse, mental health problems,
housing. Email social.prescribing@north-norfolk.gov.uk
The benefits team is leading on the administration of the
Household Support Fund which is targeted to vulnerable
older residents (it will come to you automatically if you are
eligible), the Energy Rebate Scheme (this will also come to
you automatically if you are eligible), and the Discretionary
Housing Payments Scheme (additional financial assistance
for those on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit including
Housing Benefit, which you would need to apply for via the
NNDC website).
Well-being
The three priorities for the new North Norfolk Health
and Well-being Partnership are older people, mental health
and inequalities. The partnership has approved funding of
£50,000 to provide a repair service for low income owner
occupiers/private sector tenants to stay in their own home.
They have also approved funding of £15,500 for a North
Norfolk Care Academy to attract people interested in a
career in social care, and £32,488 to support community
groups.
Sustainable Growth
NNDC has submitted bids for a new swimming pool in
Fakenham and improvements to the cliff top gardens and
North Lodge Park, Cromer, as part of the Levelling Up
Round 2. North Norfolk’s share of the UK Shared
Prosperity Fund is £1.2 million - planning is underway as to
how to best spend this.
NNDC welcomes camping, campervan and caravan
tourism but wild camping is not permitted in North Norfolk.
This is to protect the amenity of residents and communities
and the businesses who offer campsite facilities. There are
plenty of approved and authorised camping destinations
which include facilities such as waste disposal and water
refilling. Campervan overnight parking is not allowed
outside of registered and authorised sites, or in NNDC car
parks, and campervan toilet waste is not permitted in public
toilets.
Environment
Greenbuild, NNDC’s environmental festival, was held
on 10th September. Check the NNDC website to see if the
online events are still available.
Waste and recycling pick up routes changed on 5th
September to reflect recent housing growth in different
5
locations, and to become more efficient by reducing mileage
and carbon emissions. The change should also improve
service for householders (e.g. reduce missed collections).
Any teething problems should be short lived, but if not,
please contact myself or Serco on 0330 109 220.
Democratic Services
Make sure you’re registered to vote in next May’s
parish and district elections by taking part in the annual
canvass! If you have any questions about your registration
status, do contact electoralservices@northnorfolk.gov.uk.
NNDC is establishing a Youth Council; if you’re
interested in helping to shape this, and are 11-18, the closing
date to join the Steering Group is 30th September. You will
need to attend a full day workshop on Monday October
24th. Contact Emma Denny, Emma.denny@northnorfolk.gov.uk.
Ambulance Response Times and
CFR Recruitment
Ambulance response times are still unacceptably long,
much of which is due to handover delays at the NNUH and
QEH. Luckily, the paramedic in a car in Fakenham will
remain till next April, at least.
Re CFRs, the recruitment campaign was successful and
there is now one recruit going through training in both
Sheringham and Holt, four in Fakenham, and five are being
recruited in Wells. The ambulance trust has just agreed to
reimburse CFR training and mileage expenses which is very
positive move. I am talking to the trust about maintaining
the momentum of the recruitment drive.
The Coast Resilience Grant Scheme
This offers grants of £250-£2500 to communities across
the AONB for local nature recovery work. Projects should
balance local community engagement with environmental
improvement work and be completed by January 2023. This
©AndrewMoncur

grant is designed to be simple to apply for, and quick to
receive a funding decision. Projects that have successfully
received funding this year include native-species gardens,
pond restorations, citizen science monitoring schemes and
invasive species removal. Other ideas might include
workshops, artwork, native hedging, verge restoration. We
encourage anyone with an idea for a project benefitting both
environment and community to apply or email Project
Officer Sydney Jacus at sydney.jacus@norfolk.gov.uk for
more information.
District Councillors’ Contact Details:
Richard Kershaw e:richard.kershaw@north-norfolk.gov.uk
(Binham, Cockthorpe, Field Dalling, Gunthorpe & Bale, Langham
& Saxlingham)
Andrew Brown e:andrew.brown@north-norfolk.gov.uk
(Sharrington) 07970 298695
Victoria Holliday:(Morston & Stiffkey)victoria.holliday@northnorfolk.gov.uk
HEALTHWATCH NORFOLK NEWS
You may have seen our team out and across North
Norfolk, and beyond, over the summer.
We have been at a number of community events, visiting
GP practices and community hubs, finding out about your
health and social care experiences. It has been a really
important chance to talk to people and find out directly what
they think, both positively and negatively.
This feedback is really important and helps us feed back
concerns and trends to health and social care leaders as well
as inform our future work.
If you are reading this in time, a date for your diary is
Thursday September 29 th at the Forum in Norwich and
online. As well as giving you an update on what we have
been doing, a panel of health and social care leaders will be
available to answer your questions with a focus on the new
Integrated Care System, the new structure which aims to
bring all the different strands of health and social care
together.
Keep an eye on our website
www.healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk for more information
about that. It is also the place where you can share your
feedback if you wish.
Alex Stewart
WEA WELLS BRANCH
The Art of Gardening
WEA Wells branch starts the academic year with a day
school exploring the history of that wonderful British
institution the garden but, unusually, as seen through the
eyes of illustrators and painters. Our tutor, Sue Pownall,
herself a practising East Anglian artist and illustrator, will
trace the history of the British garden from its humble
beginnings to its many and varied modern manifestations
using the works of artists such as Leonard Knife, Marianne
North and Beatrice Parsons as illustrations. It should be a
fascinating mix of both garden and art appreciation.
The course will be held on Saturday 8th October in the
Clore Studio at Wells Maltings where there are all the
facilities one would expect of a landmark arts centre,
including in-house catering. Centrally located, there are car
parks nearby and several other places to find food during the
lunch break, all within easy walking distance.
The day school is available to book now. It costs £18
and will run from 9.45am until 4pm with a one hour break
for lunch. You can enrol either online to www.wea.org.uk/
eastern or by phone 0300 303 3464. For help, advice or
further details please contact Annie Whitelaw on 07856
792186 or email anniewhitelaw53@icloud.com.
Please remember that these courses are open to
everyone, you don’t have to be a member of WEA or one of
our regulars and anyone claiming income related benefits
can attend for free.
This day school will followed a week or so later by our
Annual General Meeting which, this year, with be held via
Zoom. This is a particularly important AGM because we
will be discussing the future of the Wells Branch following
what have been three extremely difficult years. Details of
the date and time will be circulated by email in due course.
Nigel
WANT A NEW CHALLENGE?
An invitation from Fakenham Choral Society
Have you ever wanted to sing music by the world’s
greatest composers or listened to Classic FM, wistfully
remembering your time in the school or church choir? If so,
why not join Fakenham Choral Society? The first two
weeks are free to see if we’re right for you.
We meet on Tuesdays, 7.30-9.15pm, from September to
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June at the Salvation Army Hall in Fakenham (opposite the
road to the Tesco car park). We perform three concerts a
year often with orchestra and soloists who, with our musical
director and accompanist, are all professional musicians.
You don’t have to read music to join but it’s useful if you
do. We don’t hold formal auditions.
The full annual subscription is £126, pro rata if you join
in our Spring or Summer terms.
For more information or to get in touch, visit our
website: www.fakenhamchoralsociety.org.
We would be pleased to hear from you!
BALE
Contact: Maggie Thomas 01328 822481
maggie2403@icloud.com
100 CLUB RESULTS
Annual subscriptions were due at the beginning of
August 2022. Please renew now to be in with a chance
of winning! If you would like to join the 100 Club, please
pay the annual subscription of £12 into a/c 10142182, sort
code 20-30-81, using 100 and your surname as the
reference. The draw is held on the second Friday of each
month at Fish and Chips in the village hall.
July 2022
August
1 st Ann Wall £25 1 st Anne Peppitt £25
2 nd David Bridge £10 2 nd Eileen Spooner £10
3 rd Maggie Thomas £5 3 rd Ann Wall £5
4 th Peter Nearney £5 4 th Susan Buttifant £5
LOCAL HISTORY TALK
Village Hall, Saturday 22nd October at 7pm
Local historian Phil West will be giving an
illustrated talk on life in Bale over the past century. All
are welcome to attend what promises to be an
interesting evening.
WILD BALE
Birds and Water
The long, very hot summer this
year has shown how much our
garden birds depend on us to offer
them water for both drinking and
bathing as ponds dry and rivers run
low. As the dry spell lengthened and
natural sources of moisture became scarce, bird baths
attracted many birds but we also provide water indirectly to
them when saturating the lawn or watering flowers and
vegetables. Birds will often drink dew in the mornings and
can drink rain by lifting their bills skywards allowing the
rain to gently flow along the bill and into the mouth but
these water sources were unavailable for long spells.
Although birds do not have sweat glands, they do lose
moisture through their skin and from panting. In hot, dry
weather birds pant to cool down and this allows moisture
from the lungs to be lost. The smaller the bird the higher the
heat loss as it is relative to the volume and surface area of
the bird. A small amount of water is lost through the
kidneys as nitrogen is produced from the breakdown of
proteins, aiding the balance of water and salts in the body.
Birds produce uric acid in their waste along with water,
though the amount of water excreted by the body is reduced
when water is limited.
Most birds drink with a dip and tip action with water
being taken via gravity rather than suction. However, some
birds, including doves and pigeons, do suck up water in a
similar manner to drinking cattle. Swifts and hirundines
(swallows and house martins) drink by taking surface water
on the wing.
Birds also require water in which to bathe: blue tits will
bathe three to five times a day in hot weather. This is to
maintain their feathers in prime condition and helps to
reduce pests such as ticks and feather mites. Once washed
and dried, the bird will add preen oil to every feather. Preen
oil comes from a gland at the base of the tail that constantly
secretes uropygial with antimicrobial properties,
maintaining the integrity of the feathers, helping the barbs
on the feathers to interlock. The oil may also contain
pigments that enhance the bird’s colouring.
We are told that long, dry spells with high temperatures
are to be more common in the summer months over the next
7

50 years. If this is the case, some ponds, marshes and even
rivers may cease to exist. As the world around us becomes
parched, birds will be even more reliant on us to provide
them with food, shelter and water.
Evaleen Stein (1863-1923), a nature poet raised in
Indiana, USA, wrote this poem in the late 1890s, forty years
before the American Dust Bowl:
The Drought
On laden lands the web of gold,
Whose shuffles slanting sun beams ply,
Lies broken meshed up on the wheat
Where sere stalks die.
The young corn curls its husky blades
And bee’s thirst pale blossoms drain
While languid buds bend low to earth
Between the grain.
The fisher crosses ankle-deep the shrunken river
As it moves
Through bleaching banks of barren sand
And scorching stones.
Gaunt trees pathetic to the sky,
Their parched and crisping boughs stretch out.
Oh, winds, go search the nimbus clouds
And end this drought!
Paul Laurie
BALE VILLAGE HALL NEWS
The village hall was only partially in use during July and
August, the weather being so warm that events mainly took
place outside. We are fortunate that, since the ‘upgrade’, we
now have sufficient space alongside the hall to set up tables
for fish and chip nights, the Bale Oak Bar and the August
barbecue and enjoy the late evening sun.
The pub nights have been well attended and have had a
great, relaxed atmosphere. Bale Oak Bar is still a relatively
new venture and we are welcome suggestions as to how it
might evolve and what drinks you would like added to the
mix. As the nights draw in we are hoping it will be a warm,
inviting gathering place in which to catch up with friends
and neighbours and perhaps have a game of dominoes or
darts.
Fish and chip nights are working well with advance
ordering which allows the meals to arrive at the hall at
7.15pm. This is a vast improvement on the previous system
when delivery was getting far too late for our stomachs to
cope with. We are reliant on volunteers to collect from
Drifters in Fakenham so, if you are able to take a turn,
please let us know.
The August Bank Holiday barbecue was an excellent
evening, thanks to the efforts of chefs, Alastair, Paul and
Hannah, plus everyone else who cleaned, set up, cleared up
and turned up. This is one of our most popular events and
always a sell-out.
On 1 st October we will have the traditional Harvest
Supper, £12 for a two-course meal (bring your own liquid
refreshment). Fish and chips will be on 14 th October and 11 th
November at 7pm: please order via WhatsApp, 01328
878355 or balevillagehall@gmail.com by 6pm on the day.
The Bale Oak Bar will be open for business on 28 th October
and 25 th November, 6.30-9.30pm. The October pub night
will include a short village hall AGM and we would
welcome as many as can make it. The village hall is for
everyone in Bale and the village hall committee appreciates
contributions of ideas and opinions.
PM
BALE PAINTING GROUP
The Bale Painting Group, now in its seventh year, is
looking for new members. We restarted on the 12 th
September at Bale village hall and continue to meet on
Mondays from 1pm to 4pm until 12 th December.
Originally lead by Duncan Thomas who, with his own
painting expertise guided group members to create their
own pictures, the group continues to offer a place to enjoy
drawing and painting. It provides a relaxing and focused
space which may not be so easy to find at home.
We offer the use of paint and basic art materials to
attendees. Refreshments are available. We have a limited
library of reference material, too, including art books and
magazines.
If you would like to join us as a regular or occasional
painter, the door will be open on Monday afternoons.
If you run a holiday let, some of your guests may be
interested in joining us for a one-off session. Just let them
know about the group and they would be welcome, too.
Email Thebalepaintinggroup@outlook.com for further
information.
Peter Jones
8

SAVE A LIFE
Norfolk Accident Rescue Service
Bale’s own Dr Fiona and Critical Care Paramedic,
Mark, held an action-packed session in Bale village hall
teaching life-saving skills. Fiona and Mark are both
volunteers with the Norfolk Accident Rescue Service
(NARS) which has, since 1970, been providing
additional support to the ambulance service in Norfolk.
Volunteers include doctors, paramedics, nurses and first
responders who attend emergencies in NARS vehicles
from their base in Dereham or from their own homes
both day and night. Emergencies include cardiac arrest,
serious falls, road traffic collisions and seizures.
During a very entertaining morning, Fiona and Mark
demonstrated how to perform CPR, how to use a
defibrillator and how to treat someone who is choking.
Attendees were encouraged to practice administering
CPR on adult and child manikins and we came away
feeling we had gained the confidence to begin CPR on
someone in an emergency.
We learned the ‘DRABC’ sequence to assess an
unconscious casualty. This stands for Danger,
Response, Airway, Breathing and CPR, all of which
was explained in a tiny pocket guide. We learned to
give chest compressions during CPR at a rate of 100-
120 compressions per minute. Few of us realised how
tiring it is to perform CPR and were filled with
admiration for anyone who can continue it for more
than a few minutes.
Despite the serious content of the course, we were all
entertained by Mark’s amusing jokes and anecdotes,
most of which helped us to memorise the information
being given. It was an hour and a half well spent and I
would encourage anyone to attend one of Fiona and
Mark’s courses. It really could save a life. Mark and
Fiona are happy to receive enquiries about group
courses in surrounding villages. Email
mark.milsom@nars.org.uk.
NARS is a registered charity and relies on the
Norfolk community to raise money through donations
and fund-raising activities. To find out more or to make
a donation, visit the NARS website at
www.nars.org.uk.
church and the evident care that is taken to keep the
building in a good condition. It is worth repeating that
thanks for this are due to Richard Scott, the Fabric
Officer on the PCC, and to all those who regularly clean
the church and provide flowers.
Holy Communion will be celebrated in Bale at
9.30am on the first and third Sundays of each month
(2 nd and 16 th October, 6 th and 20 th November). For those
wishing to attend church on other weeks, there is a
schedule of all services in the Benefice on the
noticeboards inside and outside the church.
This year’s Harvest service will be on Sunday 2 nd
October at 9.30am. Gifts of food items to decorate the
church for the service will afterwards by donated to a
local food bank. Canned and packet items (with at least
one month to the ‘best before’ date) will be particularly
welcome. In the current financial climate we would ask
you to be as generous as possible in sharing with those
who are struggling to manage. Please leave anything
you can spare in the church porch by Saturday morning.
13 th November is Remembrance Sunday and
although this is not one of our ‘regular’ weeks, there
will be an additional service of Morning Prayer at
9.30am. This will include a commemoration of those
who have served their country in times of conflict and a
reading of the names of those from Bale who gave their
lives in the two World Wars.
PM
BALE BOOK GROUP
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
Maggie O’Farrell imagines the brief life and death of
Shakespeare’s eleven-year-old son, Hamnet, whose
name the playwright adapted and gave to the hero of his
eponymous play. Hamnet is not an historical novel: its
focus is on character and emotion and the world of the
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, BALE
During August All Saints was again visited by a
group as part of a cultural tour of churches in Norfolk.
The particular point of interest was the stained glass
window on the south wall but members of the group
were very taken with the welcoming ambience of the
9

story is not weighed down with period
detail. The book is a study of
opposites: city versus country/nature;
male versus female; work versus
family; life versus death. At the centre
of it are two love stories, the first
between Shakespeare (never explicitly
named in the book) and his wife
Agnes, the second between a mother
and her child.
Told in two parts, the first half of the book is rooted
in the domestic world of the house and the daily rhythm
of ordinary life, introducing the characters of Hamnet,
his twin, Judith, their grandparents and parents. In
avoiding naming Shakespeare, the narrative centres on
family life and Agnes. This is not a story about a
famous author; it’s the story of the lives that shaped him
and his work.
Agnes is an outsider. Happy alone in the natural
world and uncomfortable in town life and amongst
people, her knowledge of nature and herbs makes her
both revered and feared by the Stratford locals. This
‘otherness’, which attracts her husband to her, also
threatens to separate them. This is the conflict at the
heart of the book and their love story is moving and
real.
The second half, following Hamnet’s death, is a
study of grief. Without chapters, the latter part of the
book is untethered from the more conventional style of
the first half and echoes Agnes’s emotional state. Here
their oppositions threaten to overwhelm the characters:
Shakespeare, a man of poetry unable to express his
feelings, retreats to the noise and distractions of the city
and his work to navigate his grief; Agnes, the empath,
grieves in the silence of the house and nature. Will their
love survive their tragedy?
Although O’Farrell adds detail for the fans (Hamnet
and his twin sister, Judith, swapping clothes for fun to
fool the adults; Hamnet’s burial in a herb-filled field by
the river recalling Ophelia’s watery grave), this is not a
book for Shakespeare enthusiasts looking for
revelations or details about his work. This is a small
story about the bigger things in life: family, grief and,
above all, love.
Fiona Peterson
BINHAM
Contact: Liz Brady 01328 830830
lizsdavenport@gmail.com
ANDREW TAYLOR
I first met Andy 57 years ago at
the McCauley flying group at
Little Snoring. At that time, he
was an agricultural student with
the Lyles family. We learnt to fly
together.
Andy was not at all ‘NFN’ he
was quiet, studious, and very
clever, a quick learner. He was
one of the boys and we had a grand time.
On one of his solo trips, he had an engine problem
and landed the Tiger Moth in his own field.
He was brought up in Reading where his father,
Cyril, was a very successful businessman in the aviation
industry. It was not a life he wished to follow, and Cyril
recognized this. After agricultural college in Essex, they
purchased Manor Farm in Binham (1966).
He married Anne Codman and Jeremy, Alastair and
Caroline joined the fold.
He was a benchmark farmer for the area – he won
prizes for his crops and even the old established farmers
of the area would take stock of what was happening at
Manor Farm.
All the time he was farming, he had his Chipmunk
aircraft in which he gave many people flights.
Andy and Anne parted and in 1995 he married
Beverley, and they were together for 31 years.
He was as we all know, the most incredible aeromodeler
– in design, build and flying, his model
meetings are legend and he always looked so happy on
these occasions. Raising thousands of pounds for East
Anglia Air Ambulance (with Bev’s help and her rock
buns!).
He was kind and generous – he liked people to share
his land by walking and he gave Toby a place for his
livestock.
Andy was non-confrontational and so modest, but he
was a giant of a quiet gentleman, and will be hugely
missed in the community.
Our commiserations to Beverley and his family.
Henry
10

TRIBUTE
Mr Andrew Taylor, you will be sadly missed by
everyone. You were taken too soon from us. You were
the heart of Binham and helped anyone if you could.
Going to be strange not seeing you pottering about
Binham and getting your paper from the shop. Can just
see your face now when your aeroplane book came in
and when I handed it to you smiling away made me
laugh. You could always know when you were driving
the tractor, the sound of it was different to other ones.
You knew it was Andrew coming down the road, going
or coming back from cutting grass fields.
You have worked hard all your life and achieved to
get where you are on the farm plus allowing people to
walk your fields and tracks around the farm. We all
appreciated it. You have always been good to me
allowing me to have a place for my chickens, geese,
turkeys, guineafowl and grazing the land with my
sheep.
A huge part of Binham has gone with you and you
will be missed by everyone who knew you as a kind
caring person, RIP Mr Taylor. Toby Morgan
THANK YOU
“I would very much like to thank the wonderful people
who sent so many cards, letters and beautiful flowers to
me and the family after Andrew died. Everybody,
especially in Binham, has been so kind and caring.
Thank you all for your lovely messages of sympathy”
Beverley Taylor
BINHAM PARISH COUNCIL
The nights are drawing in, children are back to
school, fewer visitors around and farmers busy with the
maize harvest, winter feed for the cattle, and drilling the
land in preparation for the next crop as well as trimming
hedges.
The telephone box on Front Street has been
refurbished with generous funding support from the
village hall trustees. It is watertight and ready for use;
therefore, I ask again for any suggestions as to how we
might best use it, ideas so far include a book exchange
(favoured option), a plant/seed exchange or a space to
share information although there is a perfectly good
notice board in the bus shelter opposite. Please contact
me (Lizsdavenport@gmail.com) or the PC clerk
(sarah352hayden@btinternet.com) with your ideas or
indeed if you would like to be involved in looking after
it. The PC will work with the village hall trustees to
decide on the best option.
Since the last PC meeting in July there have been
some planning applications received from NNDC to
comment on, none of which have been straightforward.
Therefore, the PC planning subcommittee chaired by
Cllr Alford has been diligent in considering these and
where necessary taken advice from the NNDC planning
officers. The committee is continuing to use a consistent
approach in determining responses, to maintain the
village structure. If you have any concerns about
planning notices, do make comment to the PC or indeed
send your own comments into NNDC planning within
the time frame advertised.
A reminder that Covid has not gone away. For those
over 70 and vulnerable you should have received an
invitation to attend your GP surgery to have the fourth
booster Covid dose and annual Flu jab together (in
separate arms!). You are strongly advised to make that
appointment as the winter months approach and there is
uncertainty about how Covid will manifest this winter.
Elizabeth S Brady , Chair Binham PC
BINHAM PRIORY CHURCH
As well as maintaining a pattern of Sunday morning
services, on the 2 nd October we will celebrate with a
special service of Harvest Thanksgiving at 11am. Come
and join in signing harvest hymns before going across
the road to the Memorial Hall for the harvest lunch.
You are invited to come for lunch in the Village
Hall, pre-lunch refreshments will be served at 12.30 for
1pm sit down. To book lunch tickets (£5 per person)
please contact Liz Brown 01328 830519 or Andy Marsh
01328 830178.
After a break, caused by Covid, we are very pleased
that on Sunday 6 th November at 7.30pm Greshams’
Choir and Orchestra will be returning to the Priory
Church. We hope many will want to attend this
combination of great music and sombre remembrance in
preparation for the next Sunday 13 th November,
Remembrance Sunday. We start by assembling round
the War Memorial at 10.50 to hear the names read out
and hold a 2 minute silence before entering the Priory
Church for the remembrance service.
Everyone will be welcomed at all these services
David Frost
BINHAM VILLAGE MEMORIAL HALL
www.binhamvillagehall.co.uk
Thank you to everyone who attended the village fete
and show on 14 th August. What a gorgeous time we all
had and thank you to our local MP, Duncan Baker, who
11

opened the proceedings for us. Essential funds were
raised, and we are very grateful to everyone for making
it such a wonderful day.
On Thursday 29 th September we are very excited to
be able to welcome back Seb Barboteau, the catering
manager from Gresham’s, who is going to do a Pasta Taster
evening. Who can forget the amazing Sushi evening he
shared with us earlier in the year? Tickets are £5 on the door
and the evening will start at 7pm.
Further events in the village hall leading up to Christmas
include to which everyone is invited to attend:
• An ‘excellent’ quiz on Saturday 8 th October. Teams of
six made up on the day or beforehand, and supper
included at £8 per head. To book please contact Liz
Brown (01328 830519)
• A village halloween party is arranged for Saturday 29 th
October at 7pm to include all your family. There will be
prizes for the best dressed ghoul – ghost, phantom, an
opportunity to get those costumes out, meet old and new
friends and have lots of Halloween fun together.
Everyone is welcome to attend young or old and enjoy
good company and food.
• The annual Binham Christmas fair on Saturday 19 th
November between 9.30am - 2pm. It’s an ideal
opportunity to start your Christmas shopping, so do pop
along. There will be a mini Binham Art Group exhibition
in the committee room, an assortment of stalls for
example - cakes, jams and chutney, books, crafts,
tombola, and a raffle. All proceeds will go to Binham
Priory Church. If you would like to be help, please ring
Liz Brown on 074357 88221 or 01328 830519.
• Binham Christmas supper- A traditional Christmas
supper will be prepared for us, to which everyone is
invited on Saturday December 3 rd , 6.30 for 7pm. Please
contact Liz Brown for ticket(s) at £8 per person.
Lots of events to choose from, which everyone is very
welcome to attend and make new friends.
Liz Brown, Paul Bailey and Mary Hunt
BINHAM CHRISTMAS FAIR
The Binham Christmas fair will take place on Saturday
November 19 th between 9.30 - 2pm in the village Memorial
Hall. All proceeds for Binham Priory.
Do pop along and start your Christmas shopping.
If you would like to be help, please ring Liz Brown
07435 788221
Cake and Jam Stall
It doesn’t seem long since we were preparing for last
year’s Christmas Fair, but here we are again. My stall is for
home-made cakes, large or small, biscuits, tarts, dairy-free
or gluten-free, jams marmalades, chutneys, and home-baked
bread. I would be most grateful if you feel able to make any
of these goodies for me. Maureen Frost 01328 830362
Lots of Books Wanted for the Christmas Fair
Please donate your books on any subject; I will sort
them. I can pick up or you can put them in my front
door porch without phoning unless there are a lot - The
Dukes House, 1 Moorgate Road, Hindringham. NR21
0PT. Tel 07971 56883. Many thanks. All monies in aid
of Binham Priory; I am just the organiser.
Humphrey Boon
THE FRIENDS OF BINHAM PRIORY
Life with Five Prime Ministers – a talk by Lord
Robin Butler
We are delighted to welcome Baron Butler of
Brockwell as our Autumn speaker
on October 21 st in Binham
Memorial Hall.
Lord Butler has seen at close
hand history in the making and
was with Margaret Thatcher in
Brighton in 1987 when they
survived an IRA bomb attack
targeting the Prime Minister and
members of her Cabinet.
During his distinguished career,
Lord Butler served as Private Secretary to Prime
Ministers Edward Heath and Harold Wilson and
Principal Private Secretary to Margaret Thatcher. He
was also Cabinet Secretary during the premierships of
Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair.
Now a Life Peer in the House of Lords, Lord Butler
also spends part of his time visiting North Norfolk
where he and his wife have had a home for some years.
FoBP members will already have received advance
booking notice for the talk. Tickets will go on sale to
the general public on September 30th.
Seating is limited so booking is essential. Tickets
cost £10 each and include a glass of wine or soft drink.
Doors open 7pm. The talk starts at 7.30pm. There will
be a raffle on the night.
To book a seat, or to obtain more information, please
email fobptickets@gmail.com . You can also contact
us and find updates through our website,
www.friendsofbinhampriory.weebly.com. Our small
charity is run by volunteers, please be patient if emails
are not answered immediately. Carolyn Raymond
12

BINHAM ART GROUP
The 2022 Binham Art Group annual exhibition over the
weekend of 6 th and 7 th August was a roaring success. A big
thank you to everyone that visited the Exhibition. There was
a record attendance on the Friday evening preview night, a
record submissions entry from our artists (135 paintings), a
record number of sales - 42 paintings, which allowing for
the not for sale entries represents over a third of all exhibits,
by 19 different Artists - another record. It may be the hot
sunny weather, the draw of the new local Parlour Cafe,
visitors to The Chequers Inn, the freedom from lockdown or
just higher quality work - either way we appreciate the
support.
Binham Art Group and Arthur Hundleby’s family were
pleased to support the Civitas Ensemble audio/visual
‘Images’ event in Binham Priory on 16 th August. Arthur
was church warden at Binham Priory for 30 years and
particularly cherished the building. Ten paintings were
displayed adding to the ambience of the music in what
turned out to be a delightful well attended evening.
Picture of the month for August was won, against
stiff competition, by an atmospheric acrylic painting
“Flying Home” by Brenda Scott and is now displayed in
The Gallery @ The Chequers.
Attention now turns to our upcoming demonstrations
from visiting artists. Liz Hawkins will give a linocut
demonstration on 20 th September, and we hope to host
Bob Brandt in October and Crispin Robjent in
November. These events are open to anyone, not just
Binham Art Group members so if they appeal just turn
up on the day. Full details, nearer the time, will be
posted on the news page on our website:
www.binhamartgroup.weebly.com. Robin Townend
BRIGHTEN UP BINHAM
FLOWER BOXES
A big thank you to everyone who supported the yards
sale in July by either donating, or opening up your yard, to
fund the flower boxes around Binham. Hope you managed
to get yourself a bargain! We are planning to do it again
next year on Sunday July 30th. If you would like to get
involved in either helping with the boxes or on 30 th July
2023, please contact either: Liz Brown 07435 788221 or Jan
Hewitt 01328 830652.
BINHAM YOUTH GROUP
By the time you read this we will have been running
again for a month in Binham village hall and playing field.
We look forward to welcoming members old and new
from the age of 5 up to 16 from 6pm until 8pm on a
Wednesday evening. It is a great place to meet up with and
make new friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Come and see
for yourself. Andrew Marsh 01328 830178
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR
FURTHER EDUCATION
Did you know, that if you live in Binham, you could
qualify for the opportunity to win a grant to further your
education, which might open a new door to your future?
If you are nearing the end of your secondary schooling
and wish to carry on with a career that requires further
qualifications of any sort and may need funding beyond
your means; all you need do is write to:
OPEN DOORS, c/o Abbey Farm, Binham, NR21 0DQ.
You will need to give your name, date of birth, plus a
little bit of your history, and what you are aiming to achieve
and how much funding you are looking for.
A letter from a parent or guardian and a Head Teacher
supporting your request will help us to decide.
OPEN DOORS has helped others in Binham by giving
grants to help fund their further education, for example with
our support so that:
a young student could afford a home computer,
a young lady could achieve her ambition to take a hair
dressing course,
a young man who recently gained a first-class BSc Hons.
degree after a three-year course in Engineering
The door is ajar, all you have to do is give it a shove!
Write now! Good luck.
The Trustees OPEN DOORS
(Binham Charities Reg No.242409)
13

HINDRINGHAM & BINHAM OPEN CIRCLE
On November 17 th we welcome two members of the
Heritage Wool Group. One who farms the sheep and one
who specialises in the knitting.
A week early on December 15 th we will celebrate
Christmas with a meal out. Something we haven’t been able
to do during covid. Venue and details will be agreed nearer
the time.
If you have any questions, please give Sue Elkins our
secretary a ring 01328 878487.
New members are always welcome. We usually meet at
Hindringham Village Hall at 7.15pm. Sue Elkins
BINHAM MEMORIAL HALL
100+ CLUB WINNERS
August winners: £25 Martin Murphy, £10 Brenda
Cooper, Charlie Hunt, £5 Mrs G Griffith, Jane Groom,
Simon Carter.
September winners: £25 Nora Bond, £10 Sue Beer,
Stanley Hewitt, £5 Sheila Law, Barb Thompson, Polly Hunt
If anyone would like to join the 100+ club, please call at
3 Leeders Pightle, Binham or ring Paul Bailey on 07401
315714.
Change to the management of the 100+ Club
Paul Bailey, Binham Memorial Hall Treasurer, has taken
over the management of the 100+ Club from June Read
who recently retired. The Binham Memorial Hall Trustees
thank her for all her hard work in running the 100+ Club for
all these past 22 years.
For newcomers, the 100+ Club is a monthly draw raising
funds for the village hall. It costs £1 per month, and there is
a monthly draw of one £25, two £10 and three £5 cash
prizes.
Collection of subscriptions will now be by direct
payment to the 100+ Club account. However, if anyone is
unable to do that, then they can drop off a cheque or cash to
Paul Bailey at 3 Leeders Pightle or ring Paul on 07401
315714. Paul Bailey
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We make a living by what we get,
but we make a life by what we give.
And it is not the years in your life but
the life in your years that counts.
14
COCKTHORPE
Contact: Maurice Matthews 01328 830350
maurice.matthews@peppard.net
WELCOME TO COCTHORPE
My husband Stephen, myself Lucy and our daughter
Ettie have recently moved to Cockthorpe. What a lovely
little friendly village it is. We have also moved with our two
little dogs Thomas and Russel, and we also have 5 horses in
our busy lives.
Stephen is a farrier and runs his own business mainly
working on the North Norfolk coast. Lucy works for a local
catering company, coordinating wedding and dinner parties
in the local area. In our spare time (not that we get much!)
we love spending time riding and competing our horses, and
spending time out on Blakeney Point.
If anyone ever needs anything or help, we are always
more than happy to help out.
lucy.blowers@btinternet.com
FIELD DALLING
Contact: Julie Wiltshire
julie_wilson75@hotmail.com
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH
Remembrance Service
Sun 13 th November 10.45am
The joint service for Field Dalling and Saxlingham is in
Field Dalling this year.
We gather as communities to signal our gratitude to
those who gave their life, for friend, family, Monarch and
country.
Do join us if you possibly can, it matters so much to
those who continue to suffer injury, flashbacks and a
changed way of life due to the conflicts in which they
served.
St Andrew’s Christmas Fair in the Villagers’ Hall
Saturday 10th December morning
Save the date! More details in the next issue!
VILLAGERS’ HALL
Hall Refurbishment
The Villagers' Hall is undergoing a major refurbishment
and some will have seen the builders working on it. The
extension (committee room) is the prime area of activity
with the old (rotten) wooden cladding being removed and
replaced with modern synthetic dark grey cladding. During
the work all the wooden structure has been checked and
replaced if necessary. Modern high value insulation panels
have been fitted as well as new modern uPVC doors and
windows. The roof is now corrugated metal, which matches
the main hall roof. Hopefully when completed we will have
a usable small room which can be used for smaller meetings
as required or as an adjunct to the main hall. The new
cladding will be added to the outside of the main hall north
side to improve appearance.
The work technicalities have been engineered by Dave
Snow and we all owe him a vote of thanks for his
efforts.
Steve Collins

Ceilidh
The Ceilidh is back on Saturday 1st October at the
Villagers' Hall. Doors open 7pm with music from
7.30pm dancing to 'The Fezziwig Band'.
Entry £5 per person
Licenced Bar
Entry / tickets on the door but if you would like to
reserve places, then please contact Steve and Susie on
steveandsusie100@gmail.com or 01328 830365.
Everyone welcome.
2022 Event Dates for your Diaries
Sat 1st Oct: Ceilidh
Fri 7th Oct: Firsty Friday
Fri 21st Oct: Bingo
Fri 4th Nov: Firsty Friday
Fri 18th Nov: Bingo
Fri 2nd Dec: Adnams Wine Tasting
Sat 10th Dec: Christmas Fair
Fri 16th Dec: Christmas Bingo
200 CLUB WINNERS
July: £50 Jo Holden, £25 Jo Cox, £15 John Kirby
August: £50 Jill Labouchere, £25 Susie Collins,
£15 John Rayner
September: £50 Martin Worby, £25 Angela Harcourt,
£15 Fuff Allen
GUNTHORPE
Contact: Jane Paton 07989 534145
jacarwardine@googlemail.com
FOGPC
50/50 Club Draw Results
July
August
Ken Foster £20 Chrissie Whyman £20
David Brough £15 Albie Dryden £15
Colin Dewing £5 Etta White £10
Sam Lemberger £5 Michelle Worrall £5
Peter King £5 Daniel Worsley £5
Mike Whyman £5 Steve Starkings £5
Diane Blakeley £5 Patricia Groves £5
After the first 50:50 Club of the new year had been
very poorly supported, the July meeting was a great
success - so we hope to see this support continue. With
140 members, the prize money has increased to £65 per
month from August.
As always, we would welcome more members - so if
you are new to the village or have been here awhile and
not yet joined would you consider joining us? If you
would like more information on the 50:50 Club, please
contact either Myfi Everett on 01263 860035 or John
Blakeley on 01263 861008.
John Blakeley
ST MARY’S CHURCH NEWS
The Eagle has Returned
The foolish thieves of the heavy oak lectern had sold
it to a Norfolk scrapyard. We had accepted the sensible
advice from the police station to publicise the theft, with
the best photograph we could find and a public-spirited
member of the public got in touch with Fakenham
police to say they thought they had seen it for sale. Most
efficiently the police recovered it and, after all enquiries
were satisfied that it was ours, strong members of the
constabulary put it back in its place in the nave. Grateful
thanks are due to the member of the public and the
Fakenham police for excellent work. Like the hard
pressed social services departments, the police usually
receive only poor publicity but they could not have done
better for us. By the time you read this, the eagle will
have secret markings so that if ever anybody takes it
again and it is recovered it can be the more easily
identified.
The high point of August for the church was the
christening of Fleur Olivia Waterfall, though she did not
seem personally to enjoy the dousing with Gunthorpe
water. On the usual second Sunday of the month, the
14th of August, the Rector managed to blend the usual
Matins, according to the Book of Common Prayer, with
the Baptism Rite – and keep the whole within the
customary fifty-five minutes (at the end of which the
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attendant dogs get fidgety). Seventy two people came.
Fleur’s parents Jessica Cattermole and Mark Waterfall
divide their time between their farm in Newmarket and
Gunthorpe (and the coast when they are here). Jessica
moved to Gunthorpe four years ago whilst working as
an interior designer for Albanwise. It was a fine day and
the happiest of happy occasions.
FRIENDS OF GUNTHORPE PC
The Fish & Chips AGM was well attended, and it
was great to gather together again. We managed to fit in
a number of wonderful new events last year, all
successful thanks to the enthusiasm, organisation and
hard work of many village people; thank you all so
much!
The first plea is for one or two people to come
forward to replace Jenny and Val as the fete
coordinators – that is IF we are to have a village fete the
last Sunday of July 2023. Taking on the role does mean
you are around that weekend. This should be decided by
the end of this year, so do please come forward if you
feel you could take on the role. There is Sue Traverso’s
wonderful fete bible to follow and Val is happy to add
her wealth of knowledge and meet with the new
‘Leaders’
The second plea is for strong, able helpers to help
load the tables, chairs etc., to come from the Village
Institute to the Hall on Saturday and help set up the
stalls in the Hall gardens. Then repeat the return
procedure in taking all down on Sunday after the fete
and loading it on the truck and then unloading at the
Institute on Monday morning. Those of us ‘left
standing’ are getting-on and need some muscle added to
the existing formula for it all to work. There are many
stalls to be run – not only on the day but items must be
planned, collected, and sorted for them. Volunteers are
needed here too. We have decided that if enough
volunteers don’t come forward to enable the fete to run
smoothly, we will try to have smaller events we can
manage with the volunteers available at the time.
The proceeds of the fete are split 50/50 with the church
and Village Institute. It is historically the largest annual
village event, and the income is very meaningful. If
interested, please call Gunthorpe Hall on 01263-861-373 or
let John Blakeley or Tony Dufour know.
The Friends and Village Institute will have a joint
Christmas party in the Village Institute on Saturday 17th
December at noon. We hope to see many there then.
Happy autumn and very best wishes to all.
Marie Denholm, chairman
IT’S ALL ABOUT SMOOTHIES
A big thank you to
everyone who supported
Evie’s smoothie bar at Hall
Farm; an idea that emerged
from a pretend cafe she set
up to occupy herself in the
summer.
With friends in tow, Evie
developed and tested (many
times) the recipes, planned
the invitations, table layout
and menus and off she went
on her entrepreneurial
adventure.
What a success… and lovely that so many of you
came to enjoy the occasion which raised much needed
money for the church.
Liz Marsden
GUNTHORPE & THE
BOLYEN FAMILY
Part One
James Boleyn, who died in 1492, was buried in the
church at Gunthorpe. It is most probable that he was
related to the famous Anne, consort of Henry VIII, and
another local connection exists since Dr Butts,
physician to Henry VIII, was living at Thornage at the
time when Anne Boleyn (otherwise Nan Bullen) was
Queen. She herself was daughter of Sir Thomas Boleyn,
and his relatives were closely associated with Salle and
Blickling in Norfolk. One difficulty encountered in
establishing a connection between Anne's family and
the Boleyns at Gunthorpe is that the family name was
spelt, at various times, as Bulleyn or Bullen. Sir
Thomas, father of Queen Anne, has his name as Bullen
on his "brass" at Hever, where he died in 1538.
It is known that James Boleyn was not the only one
of that name in the Gunthorpe area. Boleyns, although
not major landowners, were at Gunthorpe and Bale for
well over a hundred years. At Bale, 48 members of the
family were born between 1540 and 1640, sometime
after the death of James.
The Boleyns at Gunthorpe were related to the family
at Bale, and there is little doubt also that they were
related to the Boleyns of Salle and Blickling.
Anne Boleyn's great-grandfather was Geoffrey
Boleyn, who died in 1463, He was the son of Geoffrey
and Alice Boleyn who lived at Salle. The Geoffrey who
died in 1463 (Geoffrey II) became Lord Mayor of
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London, and it was he who, between 1447 and 1450
negotiated with Sir John Fastolf for the purchase of the
Manor of Blickling. Various members of the family
were connected with the church. Thomas Boleyn for
example, son of Geoffrey I, was Rector of Reepham
1422-1429. Another Thomas was sub-dean of Wells
1450-1472. William Boleyn (died 1551) was
Archdeacon of Winchester and Simon (1430-1482) was
parochial chaplain at Salle circa 1455.
It is Simon Boleyn who is the key figure in
establishing the relationship with James of Gunthorpe,
for he was a friend of John Perry who was Rector of
Gunthorpe at about the same time. When Perry died, he
left Simon a book with two clasps and refers to his
friend as "Dominus".
Simon Boleyn died at Salle in 1482, and there is a
brass to him in the church there. The inscription
(translated from the Latin) reads: "Pray for the soul of
Simon Boleyn, Chaplain, who died on the third day of
the month of August in the year of our Lord 1482”.
As Simon lies buried next to Geoffrey Boleyn I and
his wife Alice, a relationship may be implied. The
relationship between Simon and the Boleyns at
Gunthorpe is clearly shown by his will of 1484. The
will left “six shillings and eightpence (half a mark) to
the repair of the church of Gunthorp, and an altar-cloth
of diaper to it". The will names his sister Joan, his niece
Joan (daughter of his brother Thomas), and his two
nephews Simon and John (sons of his other brother,
James). His brothers Thomas and James (“of
Gunthorp"), together with John Crome, Rector of Bale,
were executors. John Crome had been chaplain at Salle
in 1470 and may have succeeded Simon Boleyn in that
office, before going to Bale.
To be continued
(Extract from Gunthorpe history originally
researched by Ray Steffans – with minor editing and
scanning by John Blakeley.)
LANGHAM
Contact: Debi McIntosh 01328 830767
debimcintosh0@gmail.com
LANGHAM DOME MUSEUM
Anti-Aircraft Gunnery Training Site
Langham Dome is always looking for volunteers. If you
can spare even a few hours a month we would love to have
you join our happy crew. Get in touch at
manager@langhamdome.org; we look forward to hearing
from you.
After the unbearably hot weather in early August, we
then had to cope with the torrential downpours of later in the
month. You can see why us Brits are obsessed with the
weather. I’m sure many of us had floods to cope with one
way or another, so hopefully not too much damage was
sustained.
The weather regained its composure for the Langham
Street Fayre on Saturday 20 th August. It was a bright sunny
day, with just a gentle breeze, ideal for wandering around
the many interesting stalls and displays. Langham Dome
had our display there, manned by our museum assistant, Ian
Jarvis and volunteer, Alex Scott. A big thank you to those
two gentlemen for their time. The evening was topped off
by travelling back in time to 1970s and we were entertained
by the wonderfully colourful glam rock band “The
Glamtastics”! Well done to the Langham Street Fayre
committee for organising such a lovely day.
We were thrilled to hear that Langham Dome was
awarded the Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award
2022, making us one of the top 10% of attractions in the
World. It has made us very happy, and is a big nod to the
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hard work put in by our wonderful volunteers.
We shall be attending the 1940s weekend on the field at
Kelling again this year. Saturday 17 th and Sunday 18 th
September, so if you’re passing please do come and say
hello to us.
Our grand prize draw day will take place on Saturday 1 st
October at The Dome. There will be lots to see and do, so
don’t forget to buy your tickets. Tickets are £1 each and 1st
prize is £500, 2nd-£250, 3rd-£100, 4 th & 5 th -£50. Thank you
and good luck on the Raffle.
Deborah Wilson, Manager, Langham Dome Museum
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Langham Church
The annual service of harvest festival will be held on
Sunday 9 th October at 9.30am.
Come and celebrate the gathering of the harvest in this
exceptional year.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Langham Church
The annual service of remembrance will be held on
Sunday 13 th November starting at 10.50am.
Please come and support the national day of
remembering those who fought and gave their lives to make
sure we live our lives in peace and not war.
STALL ON THE GREEN
Langham Church
For the three Saturdays available to us in August (due to
the street fayre), the Stall on the Green was set up by the
PCC for villagers produce to be sold in aid of the church
general fund. The gazebo was set up soon after 9am and by
9.30am, opening time, there was a queue to purchase the
magnificent array of home baking, cakes including lemon
drizzle, short bread, biscuits, and vegetables.
What a display and all sold by 11am. £600 was made
over the three days. Thank you so much, bakers, growers,
punters and helpers.
Edward Allen
DOG FOULING
update
The Environmental Protection Team’s ranger from
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), David Thompson,
applied some advisory signage to North Street in early May
2022, paying particular attention to North Street on both the
pavement and the grass verges.
David has been making periodic patrol visits to
Langham since then in order to review and assess the level
and extent of dog fouling problems in our village.
Unfortunately, during the month of August, the overall
situation would appear to have worsened both on North
Street, and at both ends of Hollow Lane.
If any villagers wish to comment / report on incidents of
dog fouling anywhere within Langham, then please either
contact a member of your Parish Council, or else go direct
to David Thompson himself at NNDC on 01263 516085.
Alan Smith
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH
Update
From the end of July 2022 onwards, the new
Community Speed Watch (CSW) Group in Langham has
begun its own rota of monitoring sessions in both the 20 and
the 30 mph speed limit areas within the village, with the aim
of addressing the problem of speeding.
At the time of writing, the CSW Group has run a total of
six speed monitoring sessions and has fed back details on
six vehicles exceeding the limits to Norfolk Constabulary.
The mobile safety camera van has also visited Langham on
both 25th May and 11th June 2022 and overall it recorded a
total of 19 speeding offences, most of which were vehicles
registered to local residents. You may be interested to know
that recent data analysed from North Street, within the
existing 20 mph speed limit area show vehicles were
recorded doing between 40 and 70 mph.
The 2022 National Road Safety Week takes place
between 14 th and 20 th November and the CSW Group is
intending to contribute to this national initiative by
undertaking a speed monitoring session somewhere in the
village on every day during this week-long event.
We are still looking for more volunteers so, if you would
like to offer support and some of your time, then please
contact the group’s co-ordinator direct via 07773 820774.
Alan Smith
WORLD RECORD HOLDER
Paddle boarding Samantha
Today we got to meet and talk to fellow Langham
resident Samantha Rutt who is the current world record
holder for the fastest crossing of the Northern Channel
between Northern Ireland and Scotland on a paddle board.
This amazing feat was achieved this year on 19 th July
beating the previous world record by 1 hour and 28 minutes.
Sam told us that she used to do mixed martial arts but an
injury to her neck meant that she had to give that and surfing
up.
However, whilst on holiday in 2015 her love for the
water led her to take up paddle boarding and in 2016 she
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started racing. Her training
for this particular challenge
started in October of last
year and her coach, who
lives in Canada so the
coaching has to be done via
zoom calls every week,
talks her through how
improve her technique; however, the hours on the water
and in the gym are all down to her. On the day of the
challenge sea and weather conditions were good, but the
strong undercurrents led to some choppy conditions halfway
across, so much so that she fell off her board, which she
rarely does.
One question she is often asked is how she goes to the
loo on these challenges and the answer is she doesn’t; she is
clearly made of stern stuff. One of the problems she does
encounter though is remembering to drink plenty to avoid
dehydration (her support crew were charged with prompting
her) which is also why she doesn’t wear a wetsuit but fast
drying gym wear instead. As she was not allowed to touch
her support boat at all, water (with additional nutrients
added) in a backpack was passed to her via her paddle.
We asked about fear and she said that the only things
that scared her about the crossing were jellyfish (of which
there were none) and anxiety a couple of days beforehand
principally about not being able to attempt the challenge
because of poor weather therefore letting people down. A
number of years ago she made the decision not to let anxiety
or fear of failure stop her from attempting anything, in fact
she now admits to being comfortable with the thought of
“failure” as it is the best way to learn and improve.
The next challenge for Sam is the English Channel in
May of next year. This will be the first time in a number of
years that paddle boarders have been allowed to attempt the
crossing because of issues with getting permission from the
French authorities. The record currently stands at 5 hours
and 9 minutes, currently being the operative word!
Finally, she is very keen to encourage younger people,
especially girls, to get involved in the sport so if you are
aged from 12 to, actually there is no upper age limit, why
not give it a go. Mimi & Harry, Langham Youth Group
Morris Dancers and
Fakenham Brass
band were fantastic
to watch and lent a
really party
atmosphere to the
day, for which we
thank them
enormously. The
children were entertained by Mr Punch and it seems the
stocks went down very well with dads and children
although we were surprised to see how many dads chose to
put their children in them (look closely at the picture)
instead of manning
up!
The Blakeney Old
Wild Rovers yet
again entertained the
crowd brilliantly in
the afternoon and in
the evening, we were
delighted to host the
amazing new band Sinby featuring Tamsin (village
resident) and her friend Ruby. They sang covers of songs
we know and even a couple that Ruby has written herself. A
great prelude to our closing band the Glamtastics who
glamrocked us into the night (and evoked many memories
of school and youth club discos for quite a few of us).
All of this could not have happened without the
generosity of our amazing sponsors. We did thank them in
the last Lynx but here we go again, thank you to: the team at
the Blue Bell; Langham Harper; Alastair and Montse of
Trofeo cars; the Phelps family at Grove Farm and Thaxters
Timber. Equally as important, without the brilliant support
of our fantastic volunteers the day would not have been so
STREET FAYRE 2022
Once again we were extremely lucky with the weather
for our Street Fayre, warm enough for folk to stroll about
enjoying the day but not too hot for the dogs attending the
dog show in the pub’s garden. The day’s activities started
off with said dog show, which was extremely well attended,
the sausage catching category being a big favourite. The
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successful and enjoyable, so a huge thank you to them and
we will book you in for our next Fayre on Saturday 24 th
August 2024 when we will be doing it all over again (but
bigger and better as this will be the 50 th anniversary of the
first ever Langham Street Fayre).
We did make money (unfortunately we don’t have final
figures yet but we will publish them in the next edition of
the Lynx) but the committee have agreed that we will be
giving equal amounts of money to both the church and
playing field. Langham Street Fayre committee
MORSTON
Contact: Martin Cardoe 07973 885665
mcardoe@msn.com
LANGHAM FAYRE STALL
After a four year break due to Covid, locals and visitors
flocked back to the Langham Fayre on Saturday August
20 th . Good weather ensured a strong turnout with stalls,
entertainers and live music attracting interest. David and
Alice Carnwarth, together with Sally Scott, manned a stall,
on behalf of Morston PCC, in the Vicarage driveway, with
the vicar’s kind permission and did a magnificent job,
despite continuing austerity, and raised £278 on the day.
Together with larger items which had earlier raised £330,
having been pre-sold at auction, they raised a grand total of
£608 for All Saint’s Church, Morston. Well done to them
and all who supported the stall
NORFOLK COAST PATH
RECORD ATTEMPT
On the Saturday of the August bank holiday, Alex
Mogford, the son-in-law of Jill and Peter Tibbetts of
Morston, attempted to run the entire length of the Norfolk
Coast Path (83miles) in one day. He was doing this to raise
money for the Royal Free Charity, which is currently
funding a research project into a very rare form of
neuroendocrine lung cancer, from which his mother died
earlier this year. Currently there is no cure for this type of
cancer, which disproportionately affects women. If
conditions were right, he hoped to be able to challenge the
record, which currently stands at 13 hours and 25 minutes!
Immediately before the start, at 5:45am in Hunstanton,
he was interviewed by Graham Lewis of ITV Anglia News,
which featured him at 6pm both on the Saturday and the
Sunday news bulletins. He was also interviewed by phone
during his run by BBC Radio Norfolk (which slowed him
down a little!). Although the weather was great for the
holiday makers going to the beach, it was not conducive to
long-distance running. On top of that the north-easterly
wind meant that Alex was running into the wind for much
of the time.
After running for 14 hours along the Norfolk Coast Path
he retired due to failing light (and failing legs!). In this time,
having started at Hunstanton at 6am, he covered an
incredible 67 miles, finishing at Horsey Gap. This is the
equivalent of two and a half marathons, much of which is
on shingle and soft sand!! When he left Norfolk to return to
work two days later he was still walking like an old man!
He and the family would like to thank the public for their
reception and support along the route and for their
wonderful generosity. Alex’s efforts have so far raised
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£5376 including the cash collected during the run. Further
donations can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/lindy-mogford.
MORSTON REGATTA 2022
At 6am on Saturday 30 th July there was a buzz and hive
of activity at the Boat House in Morston as Charlie Ward
and Edward Allen started to check wind directions and
strengths before setting the course from Blakeney bank out
into the harbour with the finish line close to the Watch
House.
Course set and it’s off to Blakeney by boat with Tony
McKee at the helm, Gill Kay and Joanie McKee as support
for registration and a bank start at 8am. The Union Jack flag
put into position on route down Morston creek which marks
the traditional start line position in years gone by before the
creek became so busy.
41 boats of mixed class turned up at the start, all keen to
participate and claim victory. Wind strength at the start line
was 10 to 12 SW with a tide height at 8.4 all providing a
great staggered start from West Bank. All the normal regatta
enthusiasm from the sailors provided a great spectacle down
Blakeney cut including a swimmer who decided to swim
out to the harbour just as the boats were leaving the bank!
Three boats retired during the race with 38 successfully
making it to the finish line in around 1 hour 15 minutes.
The presentation of prizes was held on Morston Quay in
the afternoon with a very good turnout of people to watch
Mary Athill present the various trophies including the Major
P Hamond Trophy which goes to the first Morston resident
over the line, this year won by Peter Lobban in Sloopy. In
addition, Alice Green, helming a cockle, won the John
Bean’s Trophy which goes to the first helm aged under 16.
A trophy she gets to keep!
Cup Winners
Morston PC Trophy - Hugh Jones, Aero 7
(1 st boat across the line)
Major P Hamond Trophy - Peter Lobban, Sloopy
(1 st Morston Resident)
Hassall Trophy - Trisha Hudson, Cockle 42
(1 st Stiffkey Cockle)
Ward Trophy - Tom Chandler, Stroma
(1 st Norfolk Oyster)
Wilson Challenge Cup - Paul Farmer, Laser Radial (1 st
Slow Handicap)
Morston Regatta Cup - Alan Robinson, Seafly 477 (1 st
Fast Class)
Carter Trophy - Anna Jones, Laser Radial
(1 st Single Hander)
Athill Trophy – Hugh Ambery, Tideway 554
(1 st Pleasure boat)
John Bean’s Trophy – Alice Green, Cockle 17
(1 st Helm Under 16)
Muck Cup – Nick Hamond, Orion
(1 st ex-working boat)
NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST
BIKE RIDE 2022
As we go to print, our thoughts
turn to the efforts of Roberta
Hamond, her daughter Chen and
grandchild Marley McCalla who
kept up the ‘Ned Hamond tradition’
by participating in the annual
Norfolk Churches Trust sponsored
bike ride on Saturday 10 th
September. Between them, they
visited 18 churches and raised over
£400. MC
Chen & Marley McCalla
at Briningham Church
THE SHOVELL DINNER 2022
The Harbour Rooms, Blakeney
Saturday 15th October 6.30pm for 7pm
The annual Shovell Dinner, in aid of The Friends of
Morston Church will be held on Saturday 15 th October.
Please note that, due to the closure of The Anchor in
Morston for refurbishment, this year’s Shovell Dinner will
be held at the Harbour Rooms in Blakeney.
This year the talk, entitled "Tales of a Harbour Master",
will be given by Robert Smith MBE. Robert has spent over
30 years working for the Wells Harbour Commissioners, the
last 20 of which have been as Harbour Master. The talk will
be followed by a question and answer session, so come
prepared with that question you have been longing to ask
about Wells harbour.
Tickets, for the talk and dinner, at £45 are available
from Peter Tibbetts on 01263 741082 or
petetibbetts@aol.com.
HARVEST & PATRONAL
FESTIVALS 2022
On Sunday 2 October, Morston Church will celebrate its
Harvest & Patronal Festival with a Communion service.
The Reverend Fiona Newton will officiate. This year,
instead of the usual fresh produce, the congregation is
requested to contribute packaged food and gifts which will
be donated to local charities assisting local people who are
currently in difficulty and would benefit from support
21

during these challenging times.
On Sunday 6th November, the church will celebrate its
Patronal Festival, following All Saints Day on 1st
November. As in previous years, a notebook will be left on
the font in the church in advance of the service, for everyone
to write down the names of loved ones they’d like to be
remembered and prayed for during the service.
THE ANCHOR INN
Morston residents, locals and visitors were delighted to
receive news that their favourite local pub, The Anchor Inn,
had reopened under the stewardship of the acclaimed
Harper hotel in Langham. Exciting plans are afoot for the
spring, but in the meantime, they kept things simple with a
Harper pop-up during August and September that offered
delicious locally inspired wood fired pizzas and locally
made ice creams together with a fine selection of Norfolk
ales. More news on developments will emerge during the
winter so keep your eye on the Anchor Inn.
MORSTON POND PROJECT
At present the pond in Morston on the Langham Road is
overrun with invasive non-native plants, Crassula and
Parrot's Feather, and looking rather sad.
We have a vision for the pond area to become of more
value to the community as a peaceful place and a wildlife
area, with opportunities for people to connect with nature,
join in practical projects together and hopefully in time
eradicate the invasive plant species from the pond area.
We have been talking to local and national pond experts
who are helping us put together a workable plan.
If this is a project which interests you and you feel you
might like to get involved or just be kept informed of our
progress email: jillptibbetts55@gmail.com or
jacksjhoward@gmail.com. Alternatively call 01263
741082.
SAXLINGHAM
Contact: John Pridham 01328 831851
jcwpridham@gmail.com
VILLAGE DRINKS
Somehow your scribe managed to have forgotten about
this at the time of going to print in early July.
On Sunday June 5 th by popular demand Saxlingham
enjoyed another drinks evening at The Old Rectory. By
coincidence it was also the Platinum Jubilee weekend but
even if many had other competing events over the holiday it
did not prevent a great turn out. It was good to meet our
fellow villagers and some would have been doing this for
the first time.
Such is the frenetic world we live in that there is not
always time, or maybe opportunity, to gather and chat.
Thank you, Caroline and Peter, for hosting this again.
REP’S REQUEST
If anyone has any Saxlingham news/stories or other
interesting copy, all contributions will be gratefully
received.
JP
SHARRINGTON
Contact: Claire Dubbins 01263 862261
cdubbins@btinternet.com
www.sharrington.org.uk
FOODBANK NEWS
Everyone is feeling the pinch with rising food prices at
the moment, but cutting back is one thing, going without is
another, and inflation means that the demand for the
foodbank is greater than ever.
Now that children are back at school, this autumn we are
going to concentrate on the very old and the very young. So
nappies and baby food for struggling young families, and
tea, coffee and as many different sorts of biscuits as we can
collect for the elderly will be very welcome.
To ensure the welcome is not extended to the church
mice the biscuits will have to be put in the sealable plastic
boxes at the back of the church and everything else can be
left round the font.
We are assured that the generosity of the village is very
much appreciated not just by those who run the Trussell
Trust Foodbank, but by those who are, often reluctantly and
with embarrassment, depending on it. Donations continue to
be taken to the Fakenham collection point every other
Monday.
AS
THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A BLIND
TASTING
Under the heading ‘Location Location Location’, at the
tasting in July, the Rotters were challenged to identify 10
different wines from different parts of the wine making
world. Some, like the Malbec from Argentina, were not so
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hard to spot whilst others, like the Viognier from the
Southern Rhône region of France, were not so easy. In some
cases the most generous Chief Rotter identified the country
of production but members had to guess the region, the type
of wine and the grape variety.
There were 33 points at stake in the competition and,
whilst many members struggled to get into double figures,
the winner, Maggie Thomas from Bale, scored a very
impressive 28. As well for most methinks that all the wines
were pretty decent and raised the spirit! Chief Rotter
SHARRINGTON CHRISTMAS FAYRE
With the sound of jingle bells barely a month away, it’s
just the right time for our Christmas Fayre.
Pared back rather last year as a result of the pandemic,
we plan to be back in full festive swing on Saturday 26 th
November from 10am–1.30pm.
The village hall will be full of old stalls and new; some
big, some small; all featuring the talent of local craftsmen
and exhibiting decorations and a wide range of items ideal
for Christmas gifts.
Our pop-up café will help tune your tastebuds ahead of
Rudolph’s arrival with Christmas cake, mince pies and our
world renowned bacon rolls.
Why not come and join the fun. You never know, you
might just win a prize in our Christmas raffle. RD
SHARRINGTON GARDENERS
Our garden safari has always taken place in early July,
and, given the propensity of the traditional British summer
to bless us with regular and often unwanted rainfall, the
gardens being prepared for the event have been resplendent
in their summer colours. This year, however, our hosts in
the gardens of Brinton faced a daunting challenge to
maintain any kind of plant life after several rainless weeks
and in the record-breaking heat of the 19 th July.
Nevertheless they succeeded and the five gardens we visited
were delightful, amply repaying the hard work of their
owners who even went the extra mile to provide gazebos,
cold drinks and iced water to keep us as comfortable as
possible during our tour.
Especial thanks go to Michele Bishop for pulling this
event together and Esme and Jeremy Bagnall-Oakley for
providing us with tea, cake and a shady space to gather for a
chat in their wonderful garden at Brinton Hall at the end of
the afternoon.
We hope members are looking forward to meeting up
again as our autumn events get underway. Our programme
can be viewed at our website, https://
www.sharringtongardening.org.uk .Our contact details
can be found here and we always welcome new members.
BW
SHARRINGTON VILLAGE HALL
The summer in Sharrington like everywhere else saw
lawns turned from green to brown, trees shedding their
leaves as if it were autumn, and everyone hiding out of the
extreme heat, which made our recent music events quite
challenging without the benefit of air conditioning in the
village hall. We were entertained for the first time with
some jazz music which was extremely well received. A few
weeks later another first in the shape of French guitarist
Claude Bourbon, a brilliant musician who had the audience
mesmerised. More of this from Gary Bishop, our new music
events organiser in his own piece below.
At this point I would like to pay tribute to our former
music organiser Chris Abrams. For seven years he has
arranged all the music events at the hall bringing in new
musicians as well as established ones. At the same time he
has been responsible for providing much needed funds from
the ticket sales and this was our main source of income.
Mainly for health reasons, Chris has decided to step back
from it and handed the reins over to Gary who in his own
words “has big shoes to fill”. On behalf of everyone who
has enjoyed the music over the last seven years, many
thanks Chris for all your hard work.
I would also like to mention Bob McQuade who sadly
passed away recently. Bob for many years has done sterling
work for the village hall including creating posters for
various events as well as attending nearly every event with
his wife Philippa. We send our condolences to her and the
family.
A new initiative for Sharrington took place in August.
Our first pub night was held and and whilst not a huge
number there, those attending said they thoroughly enjoyed
23

themselves. As a result this will be a regular event on the
first Friday of each month. Doors open at 7pm.
Looking ahead, our next major event is our Christmas
Fayre to be held on Saturday 26 th November between 10am
and 1.30pm. See our separate advert for more details.
David Webb Chairman
ROBERT (BOB) MCQUADE
16 TH AUGUST 1942 - 26 TH JULY 2022
As many of the readers from Sharrington will be aware,
Dad, Bob, sadly passed away in late July following a short
illness. Husband to Philippa, father to Ian and Bruce, and
grandad to Ben and Aaron, he will be very much missed by
both family and friends. He had lived in the village since
1990 but had been a regular visitor since 1976 when
Philippa’s mum and dad, Joy and Phil Connolly, had moved
to the village and bought The Old Swan. Bob and Philippa
moved into the Old Swan when Joy and Phil renovated
Swan Cottage. Bob and Philippa subsequently moved into
the cottage just a couple of years ago.
Bob was born in Salford, Manchester, and after
schooling at the local grammar school, he went into a
fledgling computing industry. It was on a training course
that he met Philippa, and they were to be married for just
under 56 years. He stayed in computing until 1974, when a
change of career for them both, saw them spend six years
running pubs in London, Norwich and Essex. On leaving
the pubs, he went back to computing and spent more than
20 years selling Apple computers across the region, mostly
with Jarrolds, but then with a specialist firm, System
Solutions, until his retirement.
He was always willing to support events in the village
and spent more time on this following his retirement.
Whether participating, helping to organise, or producing the
promotional posters for events, he was always happy when
involved. He was a regular attendee at the music events at
the hall and was a well-known and loved member of the
community.
Another passion was bowls. Bob and Philippa started
playing when they moved to Norfolk in the early 1980s and
they continued until the end. Their last holiday in November
was in Cyprus, with the Bury Lodge Bowls Club.
Philippa has been incredibly touched by the support
from their friends in the community, both whilst Bob was
ill, and since his passing. Bruce and I would like to thank
you all for that support. It has been very helpful during a
difficult period.
Ian McQuade
SHARRINGTON MUSIC NIGHTS
The music nights at the village hall are proving as
popular as ever and here is another one for your diary.
The North Norfolk quartet ‘Bandwidth’ led by Chris
Abrams, are coming to the hall on Saturday 1 st October.
They are accomplished musicians with a full repertoire of
covers from the late 60’s through to the 90’s so put on your
foot tapping/dancing shoes for this one. There will be a full
bar provided. Please enquire about tickets via
sharringtonvh@gmail.com.
Following on from this, on 22 nd October the legendary
Gordon Giltrap pays us visit. There are still at the time of
writing a few tickets left for this, but do not miss out, so
grab yours now via the village hall website
www.sharrington.org.uk.
Further dates will follow so keep an eye on the website
for details.
Gary Bishop
24
CHURCH NEWS
The heat of the summer is behind us now and although
many enjoyed the hot sun others found it all too much. The
church remained cool inside throughout and if we have
similar weather next year, do remember that the church is
always open and offers respite from the heat if you want to
take a break from the sizzling temperatures.
The church saw many visitors in the summer months
from near and far, including New York, the British
Embassy in Khartoum and visitors from New Zealand
carrying out ancestral research. Nearer to home, one couple
from Brundall commented in the visitors book that out of
the 200 Norfolk churches they had visited, the corbels in
Sharrington church made it their favourite. Many visitors
also commented on their pleasure at finding it open and in
such good order.
On 23 rd July the wedding took place in church of Alison
Mary Lee and Lyall John Dochard. Alison lives in
Thursford but has strong family connections to Sharrington
and good wishes go to them both.
In August the church BBQ took place again after a gap
due to the pandemic and our thanks go to Perry and Pippa
Long for hosting it in their lovely garden. The weather was
perfect and Simon Poole took up his role again as chief
chef. Everyone enjoyed the traditional fare and delicious
puddings and stayed on chatting afterwards for quite some
time.
Looking ahead there will be an Antique Valuation Day
in the village hall in aid of church funds and you can find
more details below.
The Harvest Festival service will be held on Sunday 2 nd
October at 9.30am with refreshments afterwards. and as of
last year, donations to the foodbank will be especially
welcome. In November the traditional Service of
Remembrance will be on Sunday 13 th November, also at
9.30am.
CD
ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY
SATURDAY 8 TH OCTOBER
Come along with your treasured items to an Antique
Valuation Day in Sharrington village hall NR24 2AB on
Saturday October 8 th from 10am-3pm. It is being held in
aid of Sharrington Church and will be kindly hosted by
Keys the auctioneers and valuers of Aylsham who give
their time free for these local church fund raising events.
Valuers from Keys will be there to look at your items
and give you an idea of their value. Entrance is free with
a charge of £3 per item viewed made, with all proceeds
going to church funds. To allow plenty of time for

everyone to be seen, Keys suggest a maximum of three
items per person. Refreshments will be available and
there is plenty of parking at the hall.
So bring along your paintings, ceramics, jewellery,
books or any other pieces you have to find out more
about them and what they might be worth. While you
are with us enjoy tea or coffee and homemade cakes and
snacks.
CD
STIFFKEY
Contact: Sophia Williams 07800 590262
stiffkeylynx@gmail.com
GENERAL NEWS
The lack of communication from the National Trust
regarding the replacement of the footbridge, that they
didn’t adequately maintain and then removed it, has
been causing greater use of the footbridges over the
marsh nearest Hollow Lane. Stiffkey Parish Council
according to their email to Chris Cooke on the Stiffkey
village facebook page have been chasing the National
Trust, and holding them to account for their lack of
progress in replacing the bridge.
A new ‘Golden’ era has begun at the Stiffkey Red
Lion with chef Liam Goldstone, previously the head
chef at Michelin starred Morston Hall and Caroline
Cooke having taken over the running of the
establishment. They are preserving the traditional pub,
by offering pub classics as well as traditional pub
drinking area, although Liam’s classics, and ‘Golden’
specials are taking their seasonal local produce to the
next level. It is wonderful to have this pub in our
village.
Bronwyn Lotis has been raising money this August
for Heritage House Care in Wells-Next-The-Sea with
her wonderful photography exhibition from her garage
on the riverbank. It was heart-warming to see so many
locals and tourists support her in this noble cause and
purchase some of her photographic creations.
The Tutor Group is hosting their Norfolk Open
Studios this October on Bridge Street, in the Vale Farm,
Old Dairy Barn. Fen Harrison has joined Bryony Knight
to put on a studio exhibition in the unique space over
the weekends in October.
This Month’s Seasonal Recipe
Mussels with cider and lovage
Ingredients
1 whole diced fennel bulb
1 whole diced shallot
8 leaves of lovage (or parsley)
50g butter
Whin-hill cider 300ml (or other cider if you can’t get
the local Wells-Next-The-Sea cider)
800g mussels
1 lemon
Instructions
Start by sweating finely diced shallots and fennel
with 50g butter. Add a pinch of salt and put the lid on.
The liquid released by the vegetables will help them
cook nice and evenly when the lid is on. After two
minutes add the cider and turn the heat up. Bring to the
25
boil and allow to cook for 30 seconds. Add the 50g
diced butter and whisk in.
Once emulsified, add the mussels, stir, and put the lid
back on. Leave for one minute, then remove the lid and
stir regularly until you can see that all the mussels have
opened. Check the sauce for salt and maybe squeeze in
half a lemon worth of juice. Sophia Williams
TALES FROM THE RIVERBANK
It has been a busy summer on the riverbank so far,
despite the low water. Trout sightings have improved
significantly, and at times six or seven can be seen at
once with sizes varying considerably. Judging the size
of the smaller ones at about 12cms long, these ones are
likely to have been born this spring, which is very
encouraging considering the state of the water in
February. They have been squabbling over the best
hunting patches, with the biggest fish manifestly in
charge.
A personal first for me – two eel sightings, different
fish due to variation in size. The larger one was in view
for quite a while, moving very purposefully across the
riverbed. Occasionally it upended, pushing its face into
the silt and lashing its tail, presumably hunting for prey.
Both were yellow in colour which is the life stage
before they are fully mature. The larger one was over
40cms long. This stage can last several years before
they become silver eels and migrate back to the
Sargasso Sea. The amazing lifecycle of these
endangered creatures is worthy of a column itself, and I
would encourage readers to look it up for themselves.
Happily, while I was in Blakeney harbour on my
boat recently, I saw a few small glass eels in the water.
This is earlier in their life cycle, so more are still
arriving. They will migrate up the local rivers to mature.
We’ve had more kingfisher sightings, and the quality
has been outstanding. They have been using the trees
opposite as a perch and tolerate you being remarkably
close to them, provided you keep still. Sometimes they
perform a strange bobbing motion while perched. They
can keep their heads still while the perch branch moves,
but this was the bird deliberately moving itself – a
display perhaps? We often see two together, a real treat.
I’ve also seen them from the muckledike path just by
the Red Lion bench so keep your eyes open down there.
My other first, (witnessed by two others so
verifiable) was amazing. Overlooking the river at dusk,
with the usual flurry of bats all around, suddenly a
missile appeared from behind us – a kestrel in one
swoop caught one of the bats mid-air. A silent but

deadly assassin, the speed of the catch was astonishing.
Caught right above the river, then quickly off across the
meadow for a tasty dinner of bat. The agility of this
raptor knows no bounds, and it obviously has no respect
for the protected status of bats.
A final word about water quality developments. The
Norfolk Rivers Trust has applied for planning
permission to develop a re-naturalising diversion
scheme along a stretch of the River Stiffkey where it
passes the Iron Age fort site outside Warham. The plan
is to divert the river into several channels and create
more variation in flow velocity, using natural lows in
the landscape. The aim is to improve the health of the
river, increase biodiversity and return it to a much more
natural state. There are a lot of technical issues to be
overcome before permission can be obtained, but long
term it is hoped this scheme and others like it will
significantly improve our river’s health.
Martin Williams
NORTH NORFOLK BOOK WORMS
Stiffkey Book Worms June & July Reviews
Our June meeting was kindly hosted by Isabelle
Tipple and the book discussed was Anxious People by
Frederick Backman published in
English in 2020 from its Swedish
original. The plot is set on new year’s
eve and involves a crime that never
really takes place and the hostage
situation of eight characters taking
part in an open-house event by the
failed would-be bank robber. As the
novel progresses, the strangers begin
to open-up to each other and hidden
truths surface. There are themes of
parenting, hope within hopelessness and the kindness of
strangers.
The local police are father and son with a complex
relationship and all characters seem have reason to be
the anxious people of the title.
The book is heart-warming, poignant and witty and
the group felt the translation was well done. With
regards to the structure, there are times when the reader
knows things that have yet to be revealed to the police
which works well and the author definitely has a quirky
writing style. There is a dry sense of humour that comes
through the writing but several of us felt this led to
some characters becoming quite annoying. There were
times when the novel felt “farce like” and you need to
suspend belief.
Overall the book scored 3/5. Anxious People has
now been made into a Netflix series which several of us
had watched and thoroughly enjoyed so if the book does
not appeal, do check the series out which gets a thumbs
up.
Our July meeting was hosted by Jane Hiscocks and
was an outdoor event. The book discussed was Dare to
Know by James Kennedy, 2021. This is a thriller set in
a world where for a price, the exact moment of your
death can be predicted. The story is narrated by a
talented salesman working for a prestigious, world
leading company in the death prediction business.
Through flashbacks, we get to see how the narrator’s
life became a failure, broke, divorced and estranged
from his children. Its leads him to the ultimate
employee sin of forecasting his own death – except he
should have died 23 minutes earlier!
The book was described as a “razor-sharp sci-fi
corporate noir nightmare.” However, for most of our
group, this book underdelivered. The premise of this
book is intriguing although the reader is subjected to
many flashbacks that are boring and do not seem to add
to the story. It is a third of the way through before the
narrator looks up his death. The final third of the book
left most of us confused and a sense of the plot just
unravelling. Several struggled to even finish this book
so it was not a hit for our group.
One of our members however did enjoy the writing
style and found it to have a Raymond Chandler feel
about it. Overall, not a hit for our part group it scored
2/5. Jane Hiscocks
CHURCH NEWS
This August, our church underwent a full
architectural survey, which occurs every five years,
26

initiated by the diocese of Norwich. The usual
comprehensive report will be provided to the parochial
church council (PCC), enabling us to understand points
of regular maintenance, any deterioration in the fabric of
the church and helps to prioritise remedial and
preventative actions.
The PCC and many volunteers ran stalls (books, brica-brac,
plants, produce, cakes, and Stiffkey aviary
honey) on the church knoll on the August bank holiday
Sunday morning in aid of our church. It was well
attended by our local villagers and many passing
motorists and cyclists and raised £499.76 including
donations. We thank all involved and those who
contributed to the sales.
On Saturday 10 th September we held a sponsored
walk/ bike ride of Norfolk churches run by the Norfolk
Churches Trust. On writing this article, we are not able
to report on this year’s event, but it is a regular feature in
early September and a great way to help fundraising.
Finally, as we reflect on the challenges faced by the
farming community this year, we are happy to announce
that there will be a harvest festival service at St. John’s,
Stiffkey at 9:30am on the 2 nd October. All welcome.
Alan Duff
STIFFKEY PARISH COUNCIL
Contact Details
The Parish Council has changed its contact email.
The website address will remain the same
www.stiffkeyvillage.org but the email details for
Catherine Moore, our Clerk, is now
clerkstiffkey@gmail.com. Catherine can still be
contacted via telephone as normal.
Bridge at Stoney Road
The National Trust have been asked to keep us
updated on progress and actions but, unfortunately, there
does seem to be a reluctance to do this in any
meaningful way. As a result, the only updated
information we had at the time of writing was that the
National Trust were looking to meet a contractor in
September about the bridge and that the earliest date
they are working toward is 2023. This is obviously very
disappointing. We will continue to keep trying to get
information and updates and share these accordingly, but
we would also encourage you all to communicate
directly with the National Trust to ensure that the reinstatement
of the bridge is not quietly forgotten about.
Ambulance Response Times
We continue to attend the regular meetings with the
aim of trying to ensure response times improve.
Response times, unfortunately, remain poor. It has
become increasingly obvious that these are not going to
improve in the short to medium term and as a result we
are looking to see how Stiffkey residents can be better
served. The best way to do this, at this point in time, is
through the Community First Responders (CFR)
network. Many of you will have seen the leaflet which
accompanied the last copy of the Lynx and we have
successfully recruited two people. They are currently
undergoing training. We still need more volunteers. If
you think you might be interested or would like to know
more – please get in touch. You can go to the following
https://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/join-the-team/
community-first-responders or you can email Alex via
the clerk or talk to Alex (walking the dog or if you see
her in the village).
We Need Help
To support the work of our Community First
Responders (CFRs) we are looking to raise funds to
provide them with the equipment they need. The CFR
themselves are volunteers and receive no payment. The
cost of fully equipping one CFR is approximately
£3,000. Can you help us? For example, if you don’t
need your £400 energy support payment – could you
donate this and help with these costs? We know this is a
lot of money to raise, but we would be very grateful if
you could support us. Any support/contribution will be
confidential. Please get in touch via
clerkstiffkey@gmail.com. Alexandra Hooper
No news from Langham School this time.
DUNCAN BAKER M.P.
N. Norfolk Conservative Assoc: 01692 557140
London Parliamentary Office 0207 2194841
www.duncanbaker.org.uk
JEROME MAYHEW M.P.
Broadland Conservative Assoc: 01603 865763
www.broadlandconservatives.org.uk
27

LYNX 146 ADS DIRECTORY
SEE FURTHER SERVICES LISTED BELOW DIRECTORY
Antiques/ Art/ Furniture/ Textiles
page
Nick Hamond Furniture: cabinet-maker 17
Phillippa Kirby Soft Furnishings 6
Shirehall Antiques, Holt 13
Sophia Williams: Stiffkey Artist 8
Advice & Care Services
Community Heartbeat advice leaflet back cover
Hindringham Toddler Group 12
Gardening
Beechwood Landscapes & Maintenance 17
DB Garden Services 9
Finlay Newton Garden Services 7
J.P.S. Gardening 11
Hair/ Health
Alison Courtney Acupuncture 12
Claire Dye: Physiotherapist 6
Foot Perfect 18
Gunthorpe Osteopaths
front cover
Marianne Atherton Homeopathy 21
Philippa Stancomb Reflexology 24
Pilates at Binham Memorial Hall 15
Tudor Barber Shop, Walsingham 19
Hall Rentals
Binham Memorial Hall 8
Sharrington Village Hall
front cover
Warham Reading Room 5
Leisure
On Yer Bike 22
The Parlour Café & Tea Room 23
Sharrington Christmas Fayre 7
Sharrington Gardening Group 13
The Shovell Dinner with Robert Smith MBE 4
Services and Suppliers
Allied Glass: Trade and Domestic Glazing 10
APW Plumbing and Heating 11
Boon-bespoke décor 20
Burnham Motors 10
Butcher Andrews Solicitors 9
Chris Wells Construction, Ltd 16
Clearview Pest Control 14
Daren Betts Building and Maintenance 23
David Thompson Chimney Sweep 21
Elv’s Stoves: Woodburner Service 25
Gresham Gravel 19
Keeble Roofing Contractor 18
Morston Boat Yard 22
Norfolk Woodburners Stoves 15
Paul Hennessey
front cover
PJ Electrics 26
Stephenson Smart Accountants 26
Stuart’s Taxi 16
Advertising space in this publication is sold in good faith and the editor/publication team can take no
responsibility for the quality of goods or services offered.
CLEANING AND HOME CARE SERVICES
Regular cleans, linen changes, ironing and errands
Contact Laura Bailey on 01328 711329 or 07917 031163
E: laurabailey@homemail.com
GARY WALLER
Painter, Decorator & Carpet Cleaner
20 Years Experience No job too small
01263 860705 Mob: 07990 993406
OUR MAN IN NORFOLK
A complete second home service
www.ourmaninnorfolk.co.uk
Contact: Nigel Tompkins M: 07860 206565
E:nigel@ourmaninnorfolk.co.uk
CHIMNEY SWEEP
David Thompson
01328 851081
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED & HEDGE CUTTING
Contact Alison Lee
07749 951898
HAMLYN PEST CONTROL
County Council Accredited - NPTA Member
Control of Rats Mice Wasps etc
01263 860112
FINCH GARDEN DESIGN
Design - Build - Planting
www.finchgardendesign.co.uk
Jackie Finch 07776 292 211
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