benefice magazine - december

24
Christmas Quiz Does this time of austerity give us an opportunity to re-evaluate our Christmas? Do we really need to give or receive so many shiny new presents? Should we be doing more for others? What does the birth of our Saviour actually mean to us and to the world? Which star should we be following? Tell yourself the answers. Illustration: Sue Appleby Priest-in-Charge: Rev. Marion Harrison, Itteringham Rectory, The Street, Itteringham NR11 7AX. Tel: 01263 587977 St Andrew, Blickling; St Andrew, Little Barningham; St Andrew,Wickmere; St Andrew, Saxthorpe with Corpusty; St Mary, Itteringham; SS Peter & Paul, Edgefield; SS Peter & Paul, Oulton and Irmingland. www.sevenchurches.org.uk Se en Churches Newsletter 7 December 2012

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Benefice Magazine - December

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Page 1: Benefice Magazine - December

1

Christmas QuizDoes this time of austerity give us an opportunity to re-evaluate our

Christmas? Do we really need to give or receive so many shiny new presents? Should we be doing more for others? What does the birth of our Saviour

actually mean to us and to the world? Which star should we be following?Tell yourself the answers.

Illustr

atio

n: Su

e Ap

pleb

y

Priest-in-Charge:Rev. Marion Harrison, Itteringham Rectory, The Street, Itteringham NR11 7AX.

Tel: 01263 587977 St Andrew, Blickling; St Andrew, Little Barningham; St Andrew, Wickmere; St Andrew, Saxthorpe with Corpusty;

St Mary, Itteringham; SS Peter & Paul, Edgefield; SS Peter & Paul, Oulton and Irmingland.www.sevenchurches.org.uk

Se en Churches Newsletter7

December 2012

Page 2: Benefice Magazine - December

2

Furniture, joinery, lettering & relief carving, repairs

Estimates and advice free

Page 3: Benefice Magazine - December

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Inside out by Peter Trow. (pp141 CAFOD)

It is not hard to imagine the crowded inn. Friends and relatives have got together and seek to celebrate; the place is packed. Some who are weary are trying to sleep. The place is full to capacity. There is much conversation, perhaps some singing and dancing. There is no room here for Mary who is about to bring forth her son. There was no room at the inn.

How common these words are, although they may be said in different ways: “Don’t disturb me, I’m busy.” “I would like to help but I don’t have the time.” “I like a routine and I don’t want anything to interfere with it.” Or “I can’t come and see you I have business to attend to.” And every time we excuse ourselves, we exclude ourselves from certain experiences. Being preoccupied is a great defence against anything new happening.

“I would have said my prayers but there is too much happening to me right now.” In such ways we risk missing the coming of God into our lives.

Yet the innkeeper, busy, hard pressed, found room. He offered a space to Joseph and Mary. Simple accommodation and into it came the Christ Child. The innkeeper made room and the Christ was able to enter into his place.

Amid all the busyness of Christmas, the activity that threatens to overwhelm us, the Church invites you to make room. To join in with any or all the festivities the churches of the benefice are offering this Christmas. To hear the story of a child’s birth and rejoice with us that God comes, He comes into the world, He comes to me and He comes to you. So that all can rejoice in the mystery of the God who seeks to share in our daily lives. We celebrate the greatest of miracles that the Word is made flesh and dwells among us. Let us all give a moment to think over these words of St. John, “To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.”

So, from one child of God to another, may Christ our infant saviour give you the joy of the Bethlehem Shepherds, the awe of the worshipping sages and the humility and love of the holy family.

From myself, Michael Banks and Gill Peat, may all the blessings of Christmas be yours this year.

December Reflection

Rev. Marion Harrison

Page 4: Benefice Magazine - December

4

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established 1985

Page 5: Benefice Magazine - December

5

BLICKLING

Sam Berwick: 07810 553321

As we all get ready for what will hopefully be a wonderful Christmas, we should of course spare a thought for all of those turkeys that find their way on to many of our tables. The first turkey actually came to England from Mexico in the sixteenth century and soon established itself as an essential food. Henry VIIIth was famous as a turkey lover and in Gervase Markham’s 1615 book, ‘The English Housewife’, she wrote that at a humble feast turkey should be placed as the tenth course, just after a roasted swan (How did people eat that much!). Many people kept turkeys and other poultry in their bedrooms, but that thankfully happens no longer.

Norfolk of course has always been an important county for the turkey and a few hundred years ago, this time of year would have seen the roads to London totally clogged up with farmers marching thousands of birds to the London markets. Imagine what would happen now if the seven million birds reared on the Bernard Matthews farms were all walked along the A11!

Of course, just as important to a good Christmas dinner is the pulling of the cracker, the putting on of the hat (which I refuse to do) and the reading out of truly awful jokes, so I’ll end with one for all of those lovely birds that will feed us. It’s really bad, as all good Christmas cracker jokes should be.

- Daughter: ‘Mum, can I have a canary for Christmas?’- Mum: ‘No. You’ll have turkey like everyone else.’ Have a wonderful Christmas.

‘Delicious Desserts’ are back at Blickling Hall on 3rd, 10th and 17th December. Home made soup followed by those 4 wonderful desserts all freshly prepared by the Head Chef. You also receive all the recipes so you can create them at home. Booking is essential: 0844 800 4308.

Delicious Christmas at Blickling

IT PAYS TO ADVERTISEOver 2,000 potential customers will see your advertisement here each and every month.

And all it costs is £85 for the whole year.

Call or email Marian Williams:01263 732728 / [email protected]

Page 6: Benefice Magazine - December

6

J W Heating LtdHEATING ENGINEER

SERVICE & MAINTENANCEON DOMESTIC

HEATING SYSTEMS

Tel: 01263 860016 Mobile: 07768 490677

YOGAwith Pia Shell

A quiet, mindful practice

Blickling Old SchoolMondays 7-8.30pm

Tuesdays 6.45-8.15pm

Please [email protected]

01263 768 649

Selling or renting your property?Call Peter Sargeant who livesin Edgefield and will deliver a personal service.

T 01263 713 143E [email protected]

ITTERINGHAM VILLAGE SHOP Established 1836

General Store, Post Office, Café and Off LicenceRun by the Itteringham Community Association

Groceries, Deli Counter, Whole Foods, Wines, Beers, Delicious Cakes, Hand Made Pies, Pet Foods,

Local Produce, Ices, Sweets, Books, Maps, PlantsShop open 9.00-5.00 every day except Sunday 9.00-12.00.

Post Office open Monday & Thursday a.m.Home Deliveries

Telephone 01263 587325

Page 7: Benefice Magazine - December

7

EDGEFIELD

It was good to see so many people at our Remembrance Sunday service. We enjoyed a fascinating Community Sunday on Oct. 18th, when David

Sharp gave us an intriguing insight into Edgefield, or Edinfeld, at the time of the Domesday census. It was a much larger village than any of us had expected. He will be writing an article for the next Edgefield News. Thank you, David, for such an interesting morning.

Our next Community effort is our Carol Service on 16th Dec. at 4 pm, followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Carol Pennington will be with us, making a welcome return to take one of our services. We do hope you will come and join us at the start of our Christmas festivities, and also on Christmas Eve, at 10 pm.

Our Quiz Night is at the Village Hall, 18th January and tickets (£5) are now available from Janet Keymer, Lorna or Angela. Doors open at 7 pm, for 7.30 pm start. Tables for 4. Bring your own booze and glasses. Soft drinks available to purchase. Raffle prizes will be gratefully received by Angela. This will be our community event for January. Come and join us!

Pudding Night. This was so much fun when we held one at Valley Farm that we plan to hold another one at the Village Hall on Saturday, 9th March. This will include a choice of soup, followed by a variety of puddings for you to taste and enjoy! More details later.

Do keep that evening clear. Richard Peaver: 01263 587486, [email protected]

“I am black but comely”. This Authorised Version translation of part of The Song of Solomon (1:5) is accurate. In the Hebrew original the conjunction is ‘w’. In the extended treatment of this letter in the Standard Lexicon we read, ‘it forms with a preceding word a pair, whether of parallel or of opposing ideas’.

So, there is a choice of translation - parallel or opposing. St Jerome in the Latin Vulgate chose ‘Nigra sum sed formosa’ (I am black but beautiful). It is difficult to know whether the AV is following St Jerome or not. The Revised Standard Version has it ‘I am very dark but comely’. The Jerusalem Bible ‘I am black but lovely’ with a footnote on ‘black’: ‘symbolic of a serious ordeal’.

The writer is strongly averse to political rectitude leading to paraphrase rather than proper equivalence in translation however, the previously mentioned translations all derive from a ‘western’ mind-set once well-nigh universal.

This unattractive old ethos is now rightly challenged so that ‘black’ and ‘comely’ are seen as parallel, not opposed, ideas. It is thus equally accurate if translated: “I am black and comely” so, regardless of Political Correctness, “black and comely” is correct.

Black and comely

Page 8: Benefice Magazine - December

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ITTERINGHAM

Eric Goodman 587278

THE QUIZ. Three hundred and sixteen pounds was raised but the real beneficiaries were those who creased their brows over the cleverly appropriate quiz questions. It was a very social evening. Thanks to the cooks and bottle washers and organisers and thanks to all who made the evening possible. To those who couldn’t make it, there will be more. Funds go to the Church and Village Hall coffers.

BROOME HILL (see photo) was the setting for a short but serious film by Westminster University Faculty of Film. This was premiered at Bafta, Piccadilly in June and won the Audience Award at the Beijing Film Festival in the summer. The film will be shown at The Village Hall on Friday 7th. December, 7.30pm for 8.00pm. Tickets £8 per head to include mulled wine. Coffee and mince pies after the showing. New, comfortable, upholstered seating for those with bony bums! Pay on the door. Funds to Village Shop. (The dialogue is in English, not Chinese!)

JOAN HALES - b 1920 d November 2012. Mother of Maggie Vaughan-Lewis who had lived at Bure Cottage on the common for eleven years

although for the last twenty-four Aylsham had been home. She was a much loved member of and had been active in all areas of this community and will be remembered with affection by all who who knew her. Her parents were from Hindolveston and Gt.Ryburgh, (Colman and Ellison) and so she was a North Norfolk girl through and through.

ADVENT is Sunday 2nd December. Starting at 11am a craft fair will be held in the village Hall and there are often attractive gifts to be had from this small group of exhibitors. Worth a visit.

ROBIN FARMHOUSE is welcoming fresh tenants on 12th. December. Joanna O’Sullivan and Daniel Dalton. Joanna is expecting her first child. They are likely to be here for a year. Daniel is a doctor and Joanna a clinical psychologist. (inf. from William H Brown & Co.)

THE HARVEST FESTIVAL SUPPER raised £1336 for Church and Village Hall.

PERRIN PENROSE (whom some may remember) had lived at The Common, although he and Angela left some twenty-five years ago, died after a stroke recently. He was sixty-six. They had lived in Cornwall after leaving Itteringham.

Broome Hill Itteringham Photo: The Author

Page 9: Benefice Magazine - December

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LITTLE BARNINGHAM

Debbie Love: 01263 577430

December Groans 1I just bought my girlfriend a new fridge. You should have seen her face light up

when she opened it.A friend of mine told me he was addicted to drinking brake fluid. When I

challenged him he reckoned he could stop any time.

Jean Farmer thanks those whom attended the Macmillan Coffee morning, and kindly donated. A big thank you to Elizabeth Dennis whose help was invaluable. We raised the wonderful sum of £160.00.

The bi-annual Quiz and Chips was held and we had 9 teams taking part including a team of children, the winners of the Quiz were Paul and Barbara Thurtell and friends, their reward as well as a voucher was to host the next Quiz in March!

The Act of remembrance was lead by Martin and the wreath was laid by Barry, crosses for all the fallen were placed in the earth by the villagers. The poppy collection raised £122.51 from the village.

Midnight Communion will be in our Church this year. If anyone wishes to help with the flower rota for the church please let Pam know, vacancies have arisen due to people moving away.

Derek Wintle reports on the Spooky Tales evening – “How can a Village Hall be made to be a cosy sitting room? Ask Elly Betts and Mary Watson! The scene was set for a night of mystery and ghost stories, by a crackling log fire with flames leaping up the chimney, a black fire place, a lace over mantle complete with candle sticks clock and owl. A tall plant, leather armchair, standard lamp and a rich black cloth all enhanced the cosy atmosphere. The hall lights were turned off with just the light from the standard lamp illuminating the setting with the audience grouped around in a semicircle, the stories began. At the interval a varied array of savoury and sweet refreshments further enhanced the entertainment. A very enjoyable evening continued with more tales, two of which ended with bursts of laughter from the audience of around 30 villagers.

On Community Sunday villagers met together to enjoy each other’s company and refreshments in the village hall. Next Community Sunday will be 2nd December.

The Christmas hamper draw will take place on Friday 30th November at 7.00pm, do come along for soup and mince pies!

Preparations for the Christmas lunch on Sunday 16th December at 12.30 are in full swing. The cost for a two course lunch with coffee will be £6.00 for adults and under 12s are free. This is a strictly ticket only function and these must be booked and paid for in advance. Please ensure that you contact me on 577430 to book your ticket before 2nd December.

Page 10: Benefice Magazine - December

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Sunday 2nd Dec Toys and Tins 3.00pm SaxthorpeTuesday 11th Dec Advent 1 7.00pm ItteringhamSunday 16th Dec Christmas Carols 4.00pm EdgefieldMonday 17th Dec School Nativity 6.30pm SaxthorpeTuesday 18th Dec Advent 2 7.00pm SaxthorpeThursday 20th Dec Families Together Party 3.30-5.30pm CorpustySunday 23rd Dec Family Carol Service 10.30am ItteringhamMonday 24th Dec Crib Service 3.00pm Oulton Service of Light 5.30pm Saxthorpe Christmas Mass 10.00pm Edgefield Midnight Mass 11.30pm L.BarninghamTuesday 25th Dec Holy Communion 9.30am Itteringham Holy Communion 11.00am Blickling Holy Communion 9.30am Saxthorpe Family Christmas 11.00am WickmereWednesday 2nd Jan Carol Service 6.30pm Wickmere

4th December, 3pm. Come and hear popular choir Vocality entertain in the salon with A Joyous Celebration, music for the

firework season.Entry £8.00 (children £4) includes tea and cakes.

WALKS OPEN DAILY UNTIL DUSK THROUGHOUT WINTER MONTHS Car parks and lavatories available at both locations

Mannington and Wolterton Estates, Norwich, NR11 7BB (01263 584175/768444)Or visit our Website: www.manningtongardens.co.uk Email: [email protected]

December 16th Christmas at The Greedy Goose.

Festive lunches and teas and tours of the decorated HallMUST BE PREBOOKED

Benefice Services for Advent and Christmas 2012

Yoga ClassesWood Dalling Village Hall

every Wednesday beginning 12th September 7.00pm-8.30pmdrop-in class @ £7.00 per class All welcome, including beginnersFor info contact Elaine Smith 01263 862168/07561 585313 [email protected] www.

appletreetherapies.co.uk

Page 11: Benefice Magazine - December

11

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01263 587202Norwich Road, Corpusty

SMALL BUSINESS / SELF EMPLOYED?

I can help support your business needs

Book keeping /Accounts Payroll

Invoicing PAYE VAT Personal Tax Returns

General Administration

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Very reasonable rates! CALL for free quote.

IYENGAR YOGA CLASSESCome and try it:

Stretch, Strengthen, Balance, RelaxA rigorous and precise yoga that works to achieve the

maximum benefit for each student’s body.Edgefield Village Hall, Bircham Centre Reepham

and Natural Health Centre FakenhamClasses on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Block booking only after your first class

Contact Liz Ward: 07740 105 339e-mail: [email protected]

Page 12: Benefice Magazine - December

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Page 14: Benefice Magazine - December

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Your Local BoilermanService and Repairs to Oil Fired Boilers.

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Your Independent Memorial Mason Memorials in marble, stone and various

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www.rwellsmemorials.co.uk Unit 8 Sawmill Close, The Street, Felthorpe, Norwich, NR10 4BH

Page 15: Benefice Magazine - December

15

The Remembrance Day service at 9.30am. was conducted by our Reader, Gill Peat, and the congregation numbered sixteen. The names of the fallen from the two world

wars were read out and those who died from RAF Oulton were also remembered. In addition Gill read the names from Blickling as there was no service there on the day. Two minutes silence was observed. Richard Bryan wrote for the Parish website: On a beautiful morning last Sunday at 11am. two minutes silence was observed by a group of Oulton residents and visitors gathered at the war memorial to remember those who had perished in conflict. Chris Lambert conducted the ceremony, there were readings by Richard Bryan and Kay Sloper and the Last Post and Reveille were beautifully played by George Jefford. Lizzie Killingback laid a wreath on behalf of the village and Kay’s sister, Kim, on behalf of RAF 100 Group Association. Ivan Thompson was, as always on hand to record the event for us.

Oulton Congregational Chapel.The Advent Carol Service is on Saturday 8th December

at 3pm. Reverend Jack Burton will conduct the service and mince pies and Christmas Fayre will follow. All welcome.

Renewable Energy Proposals.To keep up to date with the possible changes which might occur in our village either

check the Parish Council noticeboard in The Street or go to the Parish Council website. Carol Singing.We will be singing favourite carols and fundraising for St Martin’s Housing Trust on

Thursday 20th December. To join our merry band please meet outside The Old Post Office at 6.30 pm. You’ll need a torch or lantern but song sheets will be provided. We are grateful for your support whether you’re listening at home or singing out with us!

Community Weekend.Our community event for December will take place on Christmas

Eve at 3pm.when we once again invite everyone and especially children to come and help to decorate the church for Christmas. This will be followed by a short crib service with candles and lots of carol singing. Refreshments will also be served so do join us and bring your friends, family and Christmas visitors with you.

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

OULTON

Sue Hall: 01263 734245

George Jefford plays The Last Post at Oulton War Memorial

Page 16: Benefice Magazine - December

16

16

STEPHEN DAVIES BSc MRICS Independent Chartered Surveyor and Estate Agent

Shire House Shirehall Plain Holt, NR25 6BG

Tel: 01263 712785/711700www.stephendavies.info RESIDENTIAL SALES,

VALUATIONS AND SURVEYS

16

Event at Blickling begin this month with -Back Stagebetween 11th and 27th March

Hellebore Week from 12th to 18th Marchplus special events at the Hall. Please contract National

Trust for more details.

Pond HouseBed & Breakfast

SaxthorpeTel: 01263 585080

www.pondhouse-norfolk.co.uk

Blickling Estate When Did You Last Visit? A complete Norfolk estate with something for everyone. Follow four centuries of history, from the Boleyn family to the connection with the Royal Air Force. Enjoy more than 50 acres of beautiful gardens, a walk in the historic park, and three floors of heritage in the Jacobean mansion.

Blickling Estate When Did You Last Visit? A complete Norfolk estate with something for everyone. Follow four centuries of history, from the Boleyn family to the connection with the Royal Air Force. Enjoy more than 50 acres of beautiful gardens, a walk in the historic park, and three floors of heritage in the Jacobean mansion.

Registered charity No. 205846.

You're never far away from us, so come along for a visit

Tel: 01263 738030 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling www.facebook.com/BlicklingEstate

Page 17: Benefice Magazine - December

17

SAXTHORPE WITH CORPUSTY

The Remembrance Service at St. Andrew’s Church was a very moving occasion.

Merlin Waterson reports, “It was well attended, with a congregation of all ages. It was very much a village affair, as befits a community where 38 young men died in the First War. “

The two churchwardens led the service. Niven Last, one of the bell-ringers, read out the names on the memorial in the church and Brian Last laid the wreath. Eleanor Martin played the organ beautifully.

As Merlin went on to say, “It is good to be reminded that whatever our troubles today, Saxthorpe and Corpusty somehow endured far greater tragedies in the twentieth century.”

North Norfolk Knitters meet on 11th December at the Village Hall 10-12 noon.

LinC will have their Christmas Gathering in the Village Hall on Wednesday, 12th December, 6.30 for 7.00pm.

Families Together will meet for their Christmas Party on Thursday, 20th December 3.30 – 5.30pm, when children 5 to 11+, accompanied by a parent or guardian will be very welcome. The usual mix of fun, games, craft and food will be on offer.

Sunday and Christmas Services at St Andrew’s, Saxthorpe

The “Toys and Tins” Service at 2.30pm on 2nd December, is a chance for children to bring a gift or a tin of food to the church. These offerings will be given to The Salvation Army who, in turn, will give them to those families who are less well off than ourselves. All are very welcome.

It has been decided, because it would be difficult to make the church a warm and welcoming place of worship, so early in the morning, that the 8.00am Holy Communion services at Saxthorpe, in the winter months, will be at the home of Heather and Brian Monks, Bure Cottage, Monks Lane, Saxthorpe (off the bypass) to which you will be made very welcome. The first of these home communions will be on 9th December.

However, the Holy Communion Service at 8.00am on 23rd December will be in St Andrew’s Church, as it is likely that numbers attending will be more than usual.

The Community Weekend on 15/16th December is, at the time of going to press, being planned, so see the posters.

On 24th December, the Candle Light Service at 5.30pm in St Andrew’s Church will be a time of celebration for children of all ages. This service marks the end of all the planning and preparing for the festive season, but it is the beginning of the wonder of the birth of the baby Jesus on the next day. If past years are anything to go by, come early if you want to get a seat.

Judith Banks: 01263 587319

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WICKMERE WITH WOLTERTON

Helen Goulty: 01263 570043

Dominic Boddington01263 577300

At the Wickmere polling station on November 15th something was missing. Where was the Tardis shaped “disposable” toilet, placed outside for the convenience of the two electoral officers who have to endure the boredom of sitting there all day? “So Wickmere has finally entered the Twentieth Century,” said one of them cheekily as I cast my vote.

After years, decades even, of village fetes, quiz nights, street fairs, and fund raising events we have finally raised enough money to build a lean-to extension housing that wonder of modern science, the water closet. This is not the only example of Wickmere catching up with what the great cities were achieving a century and a half ago – it is after all only a year since the “honey wagon” stopped calling in the early hours to collect the bucket from the last of our Elsan domestic privies.

On Saturday 17th the village turned out for a “Soup and Sweet” evening – christened by some, “the new loo day”. Now we all have to remember to start using our improved hall. It’s available for use by clubs and family parties as well as public events. Our funds are spent and we will have to work hard if we are to add a kitchen before the 22nd Century! We estimate we will need about £10,000 to get the job done.

Your two correspondents don’t quite see eye to eye on the timing of Christmas – one says it starts on 1st December and the other thinks it starts on the 25th. So it should not surprise everyone that the Christingle Service is in the church at 10.30am on Sunday 30th December and on Wednesday 2nd January the Carol Service with mulled wine afterwards is at 6.30 in the village hall.

But those who can’t wait for Christmas needn’t worry, there will also be carols on Saturday 15th December at 6pm when we turn on the Christmas tree lights in Regent Street and troop down to the village hall for mince pies and mulled wine.

Whenever you celebrate it we wish you a very happy Christmas.

Wickmere Village Hall showing the brand new convenience. Photo: Dom Boddington

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Nature Notes

Whilst “Decking the Halls,” this Christmas, alongside the glittering tinsel and twinkling fairy lights, you may also add a spray of holly, a plant long associated with yuletide. Sometimes nicknamed “Christ’s Thorn” due to its prickles symbolising Christ’s crown of thorns, red berries representing His blood and white flowers signifying His purity, it has been used to decorate churches at Christmastide for 500 years. Its significance predated

Christianity, however, as Romans sent holly wreaths as gifts during the December festival of Saturnalia, and druids, believing it to represent the king of the winter months, took it indoors as protection against evil.

Gathering the odd sprig may be acceptable, but it has long been regarded unlucky to cut down a complete holly tree. Forestry workers have always gone to great lengths to leave it well alone, whilst old countrymen warn, “Cut down the holly, cut down your luck.” Perhaps this explains why some truly ancient hollies stand in our hedgerows and woodlands today.

The lower leaves of the tree are characteristically prickly, deterring browsing animals, whereas those nearer the top are often completely smooth. From the 1300s to the 1800s these upper ones would be gathered as winter fodder for livestock, or made into cold treatments and laxatives.

The berries, borne only on the female trees, provide a valuable winter food source for many birds including visiting fieldfares, blackbirds and thrushes, though only after frosts have softened them, making them palatable. Riskily, considering their toxicity, they were administered to patients in the middle ages, in the belief that the vomiting and sweating they induced quelled fevers.

Medieval alcohol sellers set up their stalls under boughs of holly believing it offered protection from storms. Not actually a misguided theory formulated after consuming too much of their wares - the spiky leaf edges really do act as miniature lightning conductors! Certainly no such scientific basis exists for the practice of placing holly by the bedside to induce happy dreams or for the beliefs that disputes are best settled under a holly tree whilst fairies dwell within its shelter!

Over the centuries holly’s wood has been used in the manufacture of items such as chess pieces - creating the obligatory Christmas board game, piano keys - to accompany the old Christmas sing-song, and weaving looms - to conjure up that “special” Christmas sweater!

This surely earns holly the accolade, “Nature’s one-stop Christmas shop!” Sue Appleby

Holly by Sue Appleby

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Art to Wear Exhibition, The Old Workshop Gallery, CorpustyThis show could provide a lovely Christmas present for someone special. Items

include garments, accessories, jewellery and ceramics by local makers as well as paintings and a selection of ceramics and crafts. Exhibition continues to Saturday 12 January, Tues - Sat, 10am - 4pm. Sunday 12 - 4pm. Closed 25, 26 Dec and Sundays after Christmas.

Looms, Linens, Woollens and Worsteads in AylshamThe textile industry in East Anglia from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Tutor;

Jean Smith. Fee: £45. A 10 week course starting Wednesday 9th January 2013, 2 pm for 1.30 hrs. Friends’ Meeting House, Pegg’s Yard, Aylsham, NR11 6ER . Please contact WEA at 01263 732637

Christmas Fair at St Margaret’s Church, Norwich St Benedict’s Street, Norwich 3rd to 15th December 10-5pm (Thursday till 7pm)

(Sundays 11-3pm) Arts and Crafts all produced by local artists and makers. From paints to pottery, bowls to bracelets

Burnham Thorpe’s SALT Glass Studios: Open Studio Open studio from 1 December to 6 January. Course programme also available. Check

web site for further information www.saltglassstudios.co.uk Aylsham Band Christmas Concert Sunday 16th December at Aylsham Town Hall at 7pm (Tickets from James Dale, the

Barber in Aylsham Market Place) www.aylshamband.org.uk for further events.Major Norfolk Artist Retrospective in London The distinguished Norfolk artist Leslie Marr has reached 90.

To celebrate, there will be an exhibition of his work in London at Piano Nobile, 129 Portland Road, London, W11 4LW until December 15th. Monday to Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 11-4pm.

Christmas Weekends at Blickling Hall On the 1/2, 8/9 and 15/16 December. Open 11am to 5pm

each weekend (last entry to the house is 4pm) No booking required, National Trust members free, Non-members adult £11.95, child £5.95 (house & garden). FREE access to craft marquee, shop, restaurant and bookshop, the entertainment changes each weekend....did someone say reindeers?!?

Bircham Gallery, Holt: Christmas ExhibitionA vibrant collection of art and crafts with Christmas in mind. Featuring John Maltby

sculpture, Robin Welch ceramics and paintings by Elaine Pamphilon, Martin Laurance and Debbie George, the show brings together a superb collection of works by many of your favourite artists.

Local Arts News

Leslie Marr, Still Life with Flowers

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MARK RHODES FURNITURE

Designer Furniture Maker

STYLISH & PRACTICAL FURNITURE

From Traditional to Contemporary

Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms, Free Standing Furniture and many other commissions undertaken

Tel no: 01263 761809

www.markrhodesfinefurniture.co.uk

With the colder months approaching please take all security precautions available to secure your heating oil. Also please do report any suspicious circumstance to the police using the non-emergency number 101 or 999 in case of an emergency. For crime prevention advice including arranging a crime prevention survey, Holt police can be contacted on the non emergency number 101.

Norfolk Constabulary also has a free messaging service called Police Direct. This updates you every week on incidents and includes crime prevention advice. It can be received by phone, text, fax and email. To apply please contact PC Guy Slade, Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team, Holt Police Station, Norwich Road, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6SH. Tel: 0845 456 4567 email: [email protected]

Police advice

December Groans 2

I’ve been on the phone for ages trying to book tickets for an Elvis tribute act, but every time it keeps asking me to press 1 for the money, 2 for the show....

I was in the pub with my wife last night and I said: “I love you”. She said; “Is that you or the beer talking?” I replied: “It’s me talking to the beer”.

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Village People

Judith Banks of Saxthorpe recently celebrated her mumble-mumble birthday with a rainy trip to Cornwall.

Congratulations to Peter Johnson of Corpusty and Sue Windross of Oulton who have been appointed School Governors at Corpusty Primary School.

Congratulations too to Betty Covell of Itteringham and Jonathan Walpole of Wickmere and Wolterton who were confirmed in Norwich Cathedral by the Rt Revd Alan Winton, Bishop of Thetford. Among their supporters were Jonathan’s brother Henry who had driven up from London and Margaret and Geoffrey Foot who had journeyed from Rutland.

Also at the Confirmation it was good to see again Colin Reed, the vicar who helped take the Benefice through the inter-regnum. He’s going quite bald. Actually it’s deliberate because he’s got a part as the cancer-ridden husband in his parish production of Calendar Girls.

Ian Keymer of Edgefield has been awarded the prestigious Sydney Memorial silver medal “for services to Nature Conservation 2012” by a joint committee of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust and the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society. He was delighted, naturally.

Our magazine photographer Ivan Thompson has returned from a wonderful holiday with his wife in the Maldives. These will be some holiday shots we can actually look forward to seeing!

Vanessa Perry-Warnes of Oulton wants to avoid slippng and sliding so if we get snow, magazine distributors should note, she will deliver the magazines to churches only, not to individuals.

Friends and family of the late Michael Dams of Edgefield have so far raised a magnificent £3,860 for “Big C” in the specially created Michael Dams Lavender Fund. The fund-raising continues with a planned third annual dance at Gresham’s School in April 2013.

Grace Burton, until recently living at The Forge in Wickmere gave birth to a boy on Halloween. Grace and Ross have called him Sonny Elias.

Is The Almighty a music critic? He obviously felt something about the choice of hymns at a recent Little Barningham service because just as Edgefield’s Richard Peaver was playing the second one, the organ started to billow out smoke! They quickly switched everything off and sang the final two hymns a cappella!

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Blickling Sam Berwick 07810 553321

Mike Lindsell 732662l

Edgefield Lorna Ross 712359

Angela Turner 587292

Itteringham Ray Covell 587659

Derek Turnbull 587259

Little Barningham Pamela Daniels 577436

Michael Daniels 577436

Oulton Vanessa Perry-Warnes 587836

Sue Hall 734245

Saxthorpe Merlin Waterson 587610

Heather Monks 587118

Wickmere Tony Hurn 577309

Scott McKenzie 577332

CHURCH WARDENS

Printed by Barnwell Print Ltd, Dunkirk, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6SU Tel: 01263 732767 www.sevenchurches.org.uk

Date Event Venue Time

December2nd Advent Craft Fair Itteringham Village Hall 11am4th Vocality: A joyous celebration Wolterton Hall 3pm8th Advent Carol Service Oulton Chapel 3pm11th North Norfolk Knitters Corpusty Village Hall 10am-12pm12th LinC Christmas Gathering Corpusty Village Hall 6.30pm15th Wickmere Christmas Lights On Wickmere Village Hall TBC16th Edgefield Carol Service Edgefield Church 4pm16th Village Christmas Lunch Lt Barningham Village Hall 12.30pm20th Carol Singing round the village The Old Post Office, Oulton 6.30pm20th Families Together Christmas Party Corpusty Village Hall 3.30pm24th Decorating and Crib Service Oulton Church (all welcome) 3pm24th Candlelight Service Saxthorpe Church 5.30pm30th Christingle Wickmere Church 10.30am

Diary Dates