1

Winter arrivesLocal resident Lesley Ash snapped Ellie and Cameron Bray

making the most of the snow on Wickmere’s slopes. And as you’ll see inside, two of our other talented local photographers in Oulton and Saxthorpe also braved the cold, ice and snow to capture the Benefice’s glorious snow-clad winter wonderland.

Phot

ogra

ph: L

esley

Ash

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

February 2013

In this issue:Better broadband for the Benefice p. 10A history of Corpusty and Saxthorpe Church p. 11The Benefice Planner p. 13The Service Rota pp. 14 & 15God: Noun or verb? p. 17Nature Notes p. 23Arts News p. 24Where are we? p. 25Parish Reports:Blickling p.5Edgefield p.7Itteringham p. 8Little Barningham p.9Oulton p.19Saxthorpe/Corpusty p. 21Wickmere p. 22And, of course, those terrible Groans

2

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3

So here we are again. Christmas is but another memory. The snow has come and thankfully gone and we turn to the thoughts of spring and the promise of warmer days, colourful bulbs and longer daylight hours. The cycle of the seasons never fails to excite or lead us further on our journey through the years.

And so it is with the Church year. Candlemas sees the end of the Christmas story and for traditionalists this is the time to pack away the Crib for another year. Having celebrated the birth of Christ, the Church turns to Lent and the preparations for celebrating the death and resurrection of Our Lord.

The season of Lent, as with Advent is a time of waiting and making ready. In Lent the making ready is time for self examination. A look at our faith and how well we integrate our belief into our everyday living. Do we live out our Christian faith all the time or do we fall short of what we can do and be? If we fall short, how do we improve our standing in the eyes of God and our friends and neighbours? How is our relationship with the God we profess to believe in?

This all sounds a bit dreary and add to that the business of giving up chocolate and even I wonder why. But take heart, we start with a celebration of pancakes and end with the celebration of Easter.

And in between is our Lent Course. This year we will be looking at our faith and issues raised in the film Terminal

starring Tom Hanks. This is a five week course starting on Wednesday 20th February. This year we have several ways to mark the season of Lent. Our churches will

have the usual labels for Jam Jars to raise money for Water Aid or boxes to raise money for the Diocese of Norwich Lent Project 2013, Building hope in Uganda.

Rather than give up something this Lent, how about doing some small positive act instead? There are two ways, both designed to help you do this, one is the Christian Aid Count Your Blessings Calendar. This gives a countdown to Easter and marks each day with a fact to reflect upon and an action to help the poorest people on earth with pennies and/or prayer. The second way is to buy a Love Life, Live Lent booklet from Church (price £2.00).

These little booklets give a bible verse to read and short reflection and a simple action to do within your family or community each day.

Whatever you chose to do, or not, to mark the season, I wish you all the joys of this time.

February Reflection

Rev. Marion Harrison

4

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5

BLICKLING

Sam Berwick: 07810 553321

In advance of our Annual General Meeting (scheduled for March 16th at 10:30) the Parochial Church Council has met a few times recently to discuss various items on the agenda for the forthcoming year.

Foremost among them has been the troubling but necessary repairs that are vital to keep the Church standing. The sums are extremely significant, and although, with the help of some incredibly generous grant making organisations we hope to be able to raise the funds, a lot of work and thought is going to have to go into raising a good proportion of the money needed.

All of the local parishes have had to go through this type of work and worry over recent years, but it’s always shocking when that first estimate hits the desk and the thought has to go through one’s mind of ‘Oh no, here we go again’. It is likely to be at least two years of work and stress, and thanks to everyone for their help and patience in advance.

Let’s hope for none of those horrible cost overruns that we’ve all come across in one way or the other. My favourite two examples are the Big Dig in Boston which was originally costed at $2.8 billion, only to end up at $14.6 billion and the infamous Scottish Parliament which was originally estimated to cost £40m, only to end up at £414m. At least at Blickling we will have no need for bomb proofing, tunnels and hundreds and hundreds of consultants!

On another subject, I have heard some talk that the Blickling community centre has had to close down. Any news of this would be much appreciated.

And finally, I just noticed that Cliff Richard is coming to Blickling Hall in the summer. My children can’t wait!

On Sunday 24 February the Norfolk Dixieland jazz band will play foot-tapping traditional jazz at the Crown Inn. Banningham, NR11 7DY.

Line-up: Cornet, clarinet/saxophones, trombone, banjo/guitar, string bass, drums.1.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Free. To book a table for lunch tel: 01263 733534.

Jazz for lunch?

February Groan 1During a thunderstorm at a fête last summer I was chatting with the Bishop

when there was a rather scary lightning strike nearby. “Ah,” said the Bishop, “That’ll be direct current.” “How can you tell?” I asked.

“Well,” he said, “All this electricity stuff comes from God of course. He sends us alternating current via power stations but lightning He sends direct!”

6

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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

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7

EDGEFIELD

Church News (from Angela Turner)It was a shame that we had to postpone the Quiz night, due to the dreadful

weather, but it is now taking place on Friday 22nd March. All tickets already purchased will be valid for that night, but if you cannot come then, we will, of course, refund the money. Remember to bring your own booze. We will have soft drinks and tea and coffee available. There are a few tickets still available.

Our “Soup and Sweets” Supper (details under Events) is for church funds, and should cheer us up! You will have a choice of homemade soup, with French bread and butter, followed by a wonderful choice of puddings! Our last one, at Valley Farm, some years ago, was extremely popular, so do book early, as we are limited for numbers. Lorna, Janet and Angela will have tickets shortly @ £7.50 per head. Again, bring your own booze and glasses, and we will have soft drinks and tea and coffee. We would be very grateful for any offers of food. Do you have a favourite soup or pudding that you enjoy making? Please ring Lorna or Angela with offers.

So many people have been ill, and we send our very best wishes to everyone who is in hospital or ill at home. Get well soon.

Advance notice for Easter lilies: they will be £2 again, and Angela would like your orders in good time, please.

Edgefield Village Hall Committee (from Jim Frost)

Some important dates for your diaries re forthcoming events at the village hall: we are having an Irish Night on 16th March, with dancing to ‘Compass Moon’, an Irish stew, plus a fun Irish quiz. Tickets are £10 per head and are available from any committee member.

On 28th April, following last year’s success, we are holding another Garage Sale. Booking forms are available from Dawn Hulbert.

Finally, the village hall AGM is to be held at the coffee morning on 28th March, and we would love to see as many of you as possible.

You may have noticed the fact that we have three new doors at the hall. These cost £1,400, and so we would like to thank everyone who supports us, because it is through your support of events we can afford to maintain the hall.

Full details of times and venues are on the Benefice Planner on page13 Richard Peaver: 01263 587486, rhpeaver@btinternet.com

8

ITTERINGHAM

Eric Goodman 587278

The Village Shop - A History. Compiled and written by Maggie Vaughan-Lewis. Arranged by Mike Hemsley. An excellent local history which has provoked remarkable media interest. We are now exposed to the Russian nation courtesy of Russian Television who filmed a slot for their news channel and there are to be links on the internet which will be noted in the March issue of this magazine. The Anglia TV film can be viewed through the shop website - Itteringhamvillageshop.co.uk. The book is a ‘must have’ for all who are interested in local and national social history.... or just the curious. Orders to a shop manager on 01263 587325.

June Clarke is temporarily resident in St. Michael’s at Aylsham and would welcome visitors if you are able to spare a few minutes of your time. Visiting times are flexible! June is very entertaining and sharp as a button still. Her great niece is giving much support although she is in Essex and there are limits as to how much time she can spend in Norfolk. June has been in Itteringham Common for many years and for a long time was assistant to the Chief Exec. at Blickling Hall and many of you will recall that she was then the writer for Itteringham in this mag. for fifteen years or more. Much love and good wishes to you, June, from your Itteringham friends and admirers.

A lady of my acquaintance who resides in this parish recently enjoyed a generous helping of belly pork at the Walpole Arms. This was followed by one of her most favourite desserts, which is dangerous because great disappointment can sometimes

follow. Her report was glowing, full of praise and gratitude and adjective. She is a lady of much experience and sound in wind and limb. Your writer has heard similar words from others.Perhaps you should make a booking. Tel 01263 587258. What better in February?

The illustration is of a rich Canadian. The coat is of raccoon...but Itteringham will soon be able to offer better. Jenny Tibbs, whose garden falls away to a modest tributary of the Bure River, has a summer house and platform pitched on its bank. From there she is able to catch the comings and goings of the various water animals which

now includes a family of mink as well as otters and kingfishers, water voles and egrets and many others. Shall we soon be offering mink stoles and muffs from the back room at the shop? Better get an order in!

A raccoon coat: ideal for this weather

9

LITTLE BARNINGHAM

Debbie Love: 01263 577430

Winter is certainly here and whilst our village has looked pretty, The Street has had a good covering! Fortunately it didn’t spoil the Village Big Breakfast, about 25 villagers came out to enjoy the breakfast which was a choice of full English, even some Ramblers walked past and were tempted to come in because of the smell of bacon! We all enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with good food and good company, another date will be set to do it all again – thank you to all those that cooked, washed up and tidied away.

I think you will all agree that our Church is always kept so well and this is mainly due to the villagers who volunteer to clean it and keep the grass cut, so thank you to all those involved. Thank you also to Barbara who decorated the Christmas tree for the church, which again looked lovely.

Pam Daniels reports that the 2nd benefice service on 10th February will be held at Edgefield Church at 10.30 with the Archdeacon, John Ashe, there will be coffee afterwards to meet with him and have a chat. The AGM for the Church will be held on 3rd April at 7.30 in the Village Hall, all welcome to attend.

Community Sunday will be held on 3rd February at 10.30 in the village Hall, followed by a 1st birthday party for Leanne and Stuarts daughter, Chloe!

As for the village hall, our next event will be on Friday 15th February and this will be the ‘Pub Games’ night from 7.00pm, this is good fun so do come along and join us, although we have card games, pool and table football on offer, it is normally the darts which seems to be the biggest hit! If anyone living in the village wishes to join us but just doesn’t want to walk out in the dark and cold wintry evening, please do let me know and we will arrange for somebody to come and pick you up. As previously reported the AGM for the Hall will be held on Tuesday 19th February at 7.00pm and we are always looking for new Villagers to join us and come up with new ideas, we do have a good range of events on in the Hall but maybe we could have more and different ones with your help. If you cannot make the meeting but have an idea for an event please do let me know and I can pass your suggestions on.

Harry and Elly Betts have moved out of the village, but fortunately due to the farm and cheese business we can still see them most days, in view of this we do have a new resident to the village and this is Patricia who has moved into White cottage. Thelma has broken her wrist and we wish her a speedy recovery. Keep warm!

10

Hall open Fridays from late April by appointment.

Wedding ceremonies and receptions2013 programme available February

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: admin@walpoleestate.co.uk

Gardens reopen Spring 2013Open for parties all year round

Wedding receptions2013 programme available February

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 elainecdsmith@yahoo.co.uk www.

appletreetherapies.co.uk

Better broadband for the BeneficeI work from home in Little Barningham and have spent years cursing BT for

the slow speed of its broadband. In deepest south-west France or northernmost Corfu I could download

British newspapers to my IPad in seconds. In north Norfolk it took ten to twenty minutes, hours for the Sunday Times. It was futile to try using BBC I-player or to watch a film.

My life has been transformed by the Thinking Wisp team at In Touch systems (ITS), trading from Norwich (google Wisp or call 01603-425209 or 558001).

My BT broadband speed was 0.4 at best. Using the wireless mast at Bodham and by installing a small, neat aerial to our roof, ITS has given me a speed of 3-10 Mbits and five gigabytes for the competitive price of £15.99 a month or £19.99 with free installation. I have paid £1.50 a month to keep our email address.

My newspapers now download in seconds and I can use BBC I-player without constant buffering. – Brian Macarthur

11

Our Benefice churches: a brief history

Over the next seven months we are going to publish brief histories of the Benefice churches. We start this month with the “twin” village churches of Corpusty and Saxthorpe. The information is taken from Merlin Waterson’s excellent introduction to the two villages’ Community Plan and we are grateful for his permission to quote it. Next month Wickmere.

There has been a church on the present site in Saxthorpe for a thousand years. Bits of the walls and windows of the eleventh century building were retained as the church was gradually enlarged. Most of the present St Andrew’s is early 14th century (the east

window is in Decorated style giving it a date of between 1290 and 1350.)

Peter Page is credited with rebuilding the nave and he became vicar in 1482, although as noted above, the chancel and tower are thought to be earlier. The church has a 15th century screen with tracery above panels which are decorated with flowers and foliage. The beams of the north

aisle roof have a boss with a grinning lion carving. The altar rail is carved with pillars and balusters and dates from the 17th century. St Andrew’s is a Grade I listed building

The oval raised site on which St Peter’s, Corpusty stands is locally the highest point and is likely to be man-made and very ancient. The tower of St Peter is a landmark for miles around. There was originally a smaller, lower church, which was enlarged in height in the 14th century when the windows were inserted. No archaeological evidence has been found to suggest that there was ever a settlement near the church. There was, however, a track or way, which ran directly from the church to the present village. The church was left by its congregation almost forty years ago, and has only one service per year necessary to maintain it as a consecrated building.

However, St Peter has not been without friends. In 1974, local resident Roger Last wrote a letter to the Eastern Daily Press expressing his concern about the state of the church and its descent into vulnerability and vandalism. It so happened that a few miles away at Holt Rectory someone else was girding her loins for the battle to save churches. Lady Harrod, who had seen off the Brooke Report which advocated the demolition of redundant churches, contacted Roger, and their meeting led to the formation of the Committee for Country Churches, which developed into the Norfolk Churches Trust.

Corpusty’s church has now been repaired with funding from the Lottery, English Heritage and the Norfolk Churches Trust. It will in future be possible to use this prominent building for community activities.

St Andrew, Saxthorpe

St Peter, Corpusty

12

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13

The Benefice Planner

February3rd Community Sunday Little Barningham Hall 10.30 am 9th Local Police Surgery Little Barningham Hall Noon - 1 pm12th North Norfolk Knitters Corpusty Community Hall 10-12 noon15th Pub Games Lt Barningham Village Hall 7.00 pm16th Local Police Surgery Itteringham 8 - 9 am17th Local Police Surgery Wickmere Noticeboard 10 am - 11am18th Local Police Surgery Corpusty Village Green 3 - 4 pm19th Village Hall AGM Lt Barningham Village Hall 7.00 pm 20th LinC Paul Eele Corpusty Village Hall 7.30 - 9.00 pm20th Lent Course The Rectory, Itteringham 7.00 pm21st Families Together Corpusty Community Hall 3.30 - 5.30 pm24th Dixieland Jazz Crown Inn, Banningham 1.30 - 4.30 pm27th Lent Course The Rectory, Itteringham 7.00 pmMarch6th Lent Course The Rectory, Itteringham 7.00 pm9th “Soup & Sweets” Supper Edgefield Village Hall 7.00 pm13th Lent Course The Rectory, Itteringham 7.00 pm16th Quiz and Chips Wickmere Village Hall 7.00 pm16th Blickling Church AGM St Andrew, Blickling 10.30 am 16th Irish Night Edgefield Village Hall 7.00 pm17th Local History Exhibition Corpusty Community Hall 11am - 4.00 pm17th Comic Relief Football Funday Bodham Playing Field 11am - 3.00pm20th Lent Course The Rectory, Itteringham 7.00 pm22nd Quiz Night Edgefield Village Hall 7.00 pm23rd Quiz and Chips Lt Barningham Village Hall 7.00 pm 28th Edgefield Village Hall AGM Edgefield Village Hall 10.30 am29th GOOD FRIDAY31st EASTER SUNDAY31st British Summer Time startsApril1st Easter Monday Bank Holiday3rd Lt Barningham Church AGM St Andrew, Lt Barningham 1.00 pm21st St George’s Day Lunch Lt Barningham Village Hall 1.00 pm28th Edgefield Garage Sale Various Edgefield venues To be announcedMay6th Spring Bank Holiday 27th Bank HolidayJune22nd Oulton Box Day Oulton Playground 3 pm - Late

Date Event Venue Time

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16

Here is some up-to-date police advice on how to minimise the risk of your oil being stolen.

Perimeter security• Perimeter security can play a big part in reducing the risk of crime at your property.• If you have a gate keep it closed and locked when you are out.• Always arrange access for your oil delivery driver - you could use combination padlocks or, preferably, arrange deliveries when you are in.• Make sure your perimeter fence is in good condition and is not easy to climb.• Consider the use of trellis on top of any rear fencing to increase height.• Nature can provide a defence: prickly plants such as berberis and pyracantha can supplement security fencing and they look a lot more attractive!Positioning your oil tank• The tank’s position has a major effect on how much of a target it is likely to become. • Keep your tank close to the house and make sure you can see it from your windows - this coupled with the lighting will make it less of a target.• Enclosing your tank in a building which can be secured is better still.• If enclosing the tank, remember ventilation - advice should be sought from your oil company - and that access will be required for deliveries!Control switches• Switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and the electricity supply isolated when the tank is not in use.Padlocks• Thieves usually carry only a limited range of tools so it’s worth spending a little more on good quality locks. • Close shackle padlocks are the best because very little of the metal hoop is exposed and bolt croppers cannot get a good grip.Oil level gauges• Check your oil levels regularly to alert you to any loss. It will also assist any police investigation if you can narrow the crime times down. • Always check when you have had a delivery so you have a starting point. • A wireless oil monitoring gauge indoors is helpful in keeping regular track of oil levels.Security lights• Security lights help make any property a less attractive target for thieves. • It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area, a more subtle level of lighting is usually all that is needed. Low energy ‘dusk ‘til dawn’ lights close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. • Don’t let high power lights cause a nuisance to neighbours or road users.

How to help prevent fuel theft

17

God: Noun? Verb? Both?

Revelatory moments are mercifully few and far between.

If they weren’t they would exhaust us; and they come, if they come at all, when we least expect them. They just sneak up and then dazzle us.

If you read Isaiah 44 in a version of the Bible that’s not often used, “The Message”, you find these words, “All those who make no-god idols don’t amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing – they’re total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can’t do anything, that can’t ‘god’?”

“The Message” is a transliteration and so can be easily dismissed. It doesn’t pretend to be an academic translation from an original text. The result is that it delivers occasional howlers but it also offers gems and this is one. “Who would bother making gods that can’t do anything, that can’t ‘god’?”

The revelation is that God is a verb. God is not just a noun. God is a verb.

But then we knew it all along. We knew God is the great “I am”. Moses is recorded as being told by God, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say… I AM has sent me to you”.

God is a verb.

Of course God is a noun too and ultimately it’s impossible to comprehend that – but now God is a verb. Good heavens, what are the implications of that in our prayer life? How might this affect the way we live?

Answers, not on a postcard, please.Rev. Andy Windross

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Your Local BoilermanService and Repairs to Oil Fired Boilers.

New and Replacement Oil Tanks. Oftec Registered, all work guaranteed and insured.

Call Rodger on

01263 768 944 or

07909 186 405 Email: rodger.ramjet@hotmail.com

R. WELLS

M E M O R I A L S

Your Independent Memorial Mason Memorials in marble, stone and various

coloured granites Brochures upon request

Workshop: 01603 755524 Office: 01603 485691

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

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We knew it was too good to be true. The New Year came in with unseasonally mild temperatures and then came the big freeze and all the disruption that snow causes. It’s always good to know that whatever weather comes our way in February, at least the days are lengthening and the buds are swelling.

Did you take part in the RSPB bird count at the end of January? As an alternative I have for several years documented the number of flowers out in my garden at this time. It’s a very unscientific exercise but nevertheless very interesting given the huge variations of weather and temperatures we get.

Christmas 2012

The merry band of carol singers once again trod their weary way around the village on a wet and murky but thankfully mild evening a few days before Christmas and raised a splendid £102 . 82p for The St. Martin’s Housing Trust. At our journey’s end we were again very kindly received by Dick and Marion, who revived us with mulled wine and delicious nibbles. A very big thank you to them for their warm hospitality.

The Crib Service on Christmas Eve afternoon was kindly officiated by Rev. Michael Banks and very well attended by all ages. As usual the children helped to decorate the church first, before taking part in the service and placing all the ceramic figures into the stable. Of course we sang lots of traditional carols too and enjoyed the mince pies.

Open Gardens.

Preliminary discussions are taking place regarding date and format. More information next month. Please contact Sue Hall if you would like to take part or help in any way. Meanwhile keep on top of those weeds.

Advance Diary Date: Please keep Saturday 22nd June free and come out to play on our Midsummer Box Day 2013. Keep a lookout for more details in the spring. Volunteers, as always, will be very welcome. Phone Antonia on 734324

OULTON

Sue Hall: 01263 734245

Oulton snow scene. Photo: Sue Hall

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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

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SAXTHORPE WITH CORPUSTY

Recently travelling about has been a bit difficult because of the snow. Many village activities and benefice meetings have been cancelled for safety’s sake.

LinC’s speaker couldn’t get out of his drive in Costessey, and Families Together’s celebration of Grandparents was postponed until April. The schools have had four days off and the children have enjoyed the old railway embankment by the village hall for tobogganing. They don’t seem to feel the cold; four or five hours of fun, so they call it! The villages have provided some spectacular views of snow-

covered hedges, and fields, with hoar frost against a clear blue sky, completing an alpine picture.

Returning to life before the snow, a return visitor to the villages remarked that the church flowers at Christmas were the best they have ever been, and so say the regular worshippers too. Thank you to anyone who helped create such a wonderful display. The Christmas services were well attended and enjoyed, especially The Candlelight Service. Someone else commented on the delightful way the church tower was lit up over the Christmas period, thank you whoever thought of that.

LinC’s speaker this month has been booked for 2 years, his expertise is so much in demand. Mr Paul Eele is the warden of Titchwell and Snettisham Nature Reserve. All are welcome to hear him.

Families Together are celebrating Lent with another Pancake Party, if last year is anything to go by it will be very well supported. Children 5-11+ with parent or guardian are welcome. Savoury and sweet pancakes are for supper, no charge, but a donation bowl. See the Monthly Planner on page 13 for details of times and venues. Judith Banks: 01263 587319

Our garden under snowPhoto: Judith Banks

The River Bure in snow. Photo: Judith Banks

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WICKMERE WITH WOLTERTON

Helen Goulty: 01263 570043

Dominic Boddington01263 577300

The village has been awarded a video camera, digital projector, screen, and blackout blinds by Tesco. We want to start a film club to film village events and also encourage people to make their own films. There has been a lot of excitement about this but we could do with someone who has some experience of film making to take the lead. Is there anyone out there who might at least show us how to use the camera and give us some help to get started? When the equipment arrives – and it won’t be long -we’ll have a Saturday morning meeting to discuss what we are going to do. If you are interested please give Lesley Ash a call, tel: 577566.

Helen writes: The Benefice Christingle Service took place at the church on 30 December, a beautiful sunny day. Marion provided a lovely service and many thanks to Paddy Seligman and Helen McKenzie for their help in building the christingles. Amazingly no one was singed in the process and even more surprisingly the sweets made it through to the end of the service!

The Carol Service was held in the village hall on 2 January. The young readers, Ellie and Cameron Bray, Ben Withers, Charlie and Edward Goulty, needed only a little persuading from Paddy to take part! They all performed brilliantly! A raffle was organised by Ted and Jenny Slapp, and Phillida supplied delicious mulled wine and mince pies. Marion’s service was hugely enjoyable and we had a most interesting final carol – The twelve HOURS of Christmas.

The Double Dragon party in the village hall made £87 for village hall funds. Many thanks to all who contributed. Please remember that the hall is now available for hire for meetings, functions and parties. Charges are very reasonable!

As many will know our bottle banks have been overflowing since the New Year parties (did we really drink so much?). There have been problems in getting the contractor to empty them but these have now been resolved and normal service resumed. Please do not leave empty boxes or anything beside the bins. These can quickly develop into eyesores that go away only when someone from the village takes responsibility for clearing up. Also please prevent dogs fouling the village green and Regent Street where so many of us walk and play.

This newsletter, the posters that get put up on Regent Street and most importantly word of mouth are the ways the latest news about what’s happening in the village gets out.

The newsletter is available on line but if you would like to receive emails reminding you about village events please send an email to the address below and ask to be added to the Wickmere emailing list: dom@churchfarmbarnsnorfolk.co.uk

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Nature Notes

Recent news reports told of some innovative Liverpool artist’s and composer’s musical composition. Laying huge musical manuscript paper on the ground, they invited the birds above to,” do their worst,” each dropping’s position on the paper below denoting a different note. The result? - A twenty minute creation worthy of performance at Tate Liverpool! Twenty minutes?? Had the creators ventured to my garden, where all manner

of birds have been smothering the feeders throughout the recent cold snap, I am sure they would have gathered enough....er....,”material,” to produce an hour long concerto!!

Some contributors to my version would have been a group of Long Tailed Tits which have been visiting daily. Lighter than a £1 coin, a petite, poorly insulated frame and lack of suitable food for these insectivores, mean that in harsh winters, numbers can fall by 80%. No wonder then that, whilst once uncommon at bird tables, they have now learned to supplement their diet with our

offerings. Whilst their tiny beaks struggle with peanuts, suet balls are accessible once softened by other birds.

In late winter these little flocks of family groups disperse into breeding pairs. Each pair begins constructing a tennis ball sized nest, totally enclosed, save for a small entrance hole at the top. The structure can contain up to 6000 pieces of lichen on the outside for camouflage, and 2000 feathers on the inside for warmth, amounts so great that they can easily clock up seven hundred air miles in the three weeks that it takes to complete! The whole thing is woven together with spider’s web, giving an elasticity that enables it to stretch as the chicks inside grow. Even so, conditions inside the nest are so cramped the adults can only join the throng by folding their tails up over their backs.

If, after all this hard work, the pair fail to successfully rear young, they often help out at the nests of relatives, caring for their nieces and nephews. After the breeding season, families stay together, keeping in touch with one another with a constant, ”tsirrup,” call, and doubling back for any stragglers as they travel from tree to tree.

Such close bonds are key to their survival on winter nights as they huddle together side by side, sharing each other’s body heat, the males always in the middle where it’s warmest.

Hmmm ..... husband .... duvet .... ring any bells?!! Sue Appleby

Long Tailed Tits by Sue Appleby

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Local Arts News25 January to 14 April: Magic Worlds:Fantasy, Illusion & Enchantment Norwich Castle & Art Gallery 10am -4.30 pm (exc Sunday 1-4.30pm) Norwich Castle and Art Gallery has an extensive & fascinating loan exhibition from

V& A Museum of Childhood from Shakespeare to Harry Potter, from Flower Fairies to Frodo Baggins Also check out the ‘Magic’ Half Term events at the Castle

28th January to 8th February, Effstopeyes: Photographic Exhibition The Forum Norwich 9am to 5pm Effstopeyes is a group of visually impaired photographers working in Norfolk

and this exhibition of photographs taken by members of the group is on now at the exhibition space in The Forum. The work shows the breadth of skill and vision shown by people struggling with one of the most difficult things a person could face, loss of sight. From abstract fine art pictures to local scenes, macro to landscape, there are pictures reflecting the interest of a widely diverse set of people, drawn together by a common interest.

Tuesday 26 February, A talk by Neal French, Norfolk-based sculptor The Curve The Forum Norwich 7.30 **Neal French trained at the Royal College of Art and taught for

many years at Hornsey College of Art, latterly Middlesex University, where he is still an Emeritus Professor. He is a fellow of the Royal British Society of Sculptors and an elected member of the Society of Portrait Sculptors. He produced the head of Charles Clarke MP for the NCAS exhibition Making Faces. NCAS Members £2.50, non-members £4.00 visit www.n-cas.org.uk for details.

Tuesday 12 February, Working with John Berger NUCA Lecture Theatre Duke Street Norwich 7.30pm. John Christie in conversation

with Martin BattyeJohn Christie is a maker of artists’ books for both the renowned Circle Press and his

own imprint Objectif, and a founder of the East Anglian publisher Full Circle Editions, and an artist and printmaker, documentary director and cameraman.

John Berger is interntionally-known; a Booker prize-winning novelist, art critic, screenwriter, poet, essayist and artist. In the early 1980s John Christie and John Berger began a friendship and collaborative partnership and John Christie will describe what it is like to work in close collaboration with his friend, discussing their recent projects, including a trip to Le Corbusier’s chapel at Ronchamp and their latest work-in-progress, a correspondence centred on key works from the Sainsbury Collection at UEA.

This major event is being organized in partnership with the Norwich 20 Group and Norwich University College of the Arts. NUCA Lecture Theatre, Duke Street, Norwich 7.30 pm £2.00 (members and non-members).

Rock 2 by Neal French

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February Groans 2Reading the label on the box the other day I was interested to discover Tesco

hamburgers have been proved to be really quite low in fat but surprisingly high in Shergar. And their vegi-burgers contain Uniquorn.

Where are we?

Here are seven photographs, each one taken in a different parish of our Benefice. But do you know in which parish each one was taken?

See if you can get all seven correct. No prizes but answers next month.

1. __________________

5. __________________

6. _________________

3. _______________

4. _________________

2. _______________

7. _________________

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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

February Groans 3I was driving this morning when I saw an RAC van parked up. The driver was

sobbing uncontrollably and looking very miserable. I thought to myself, ‘That guy’s heading for a breakdown!’

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Village People

Richard Brooks of Edgefield - who went to Charterhouse School - has donated a rare, if not unique 17th century book to Charterhouse in London. It details accounts and the founding of Sutton’s Hospital there. An enthusiastic Carthusian indeed.

Another school has another pupil: we wish especially good luck to Wickmere’s Grace Baker who has startied school this term.

Itteringham’s Penny Blake regrets to tell her partner (and our correspondent)Eric Goodman that she will be unable to commune with cooker or sink for six weeks because of an ice-fall induced crack in her wrist. However, she is staying well plastered.

Speaking of which, Richard Peaver of Edgefield and Andy Windross of Oulton were seen singing Auld Lang Syne together very lustily if not tunefully on New Year’s Eve and they continued right into New Year’s Day!

Professor Tony Barnett of Corpusty was the media voice for the protest against the Strawberry Lane Solar Farm and he (and we!) are delighted to announce that the plan has now been withdrawn. Thanks should go to him, Aubrey Poberefsky, Merlin and Imogen Waterson and all the ad hoc committee for their hard work in saving a valuable piece of our local farmland for farming.

Roger Hughes and Sue Pollard, who moved into Little Barningham only in December have taken the community to heart, making much valued visits to see that snow-bound people are OK in the cold. The good neighbours award should be theirs this month!

It’s all change with regards to stock control in Wickmere. Tony Hurn’s previous stockman Pat Beginn and his wife Sue have moved from Wickmere to Grimsby while we offer a very warm welcome to Ruby Wright who has taken over as the new stock-person!

Kirsty Cotgrove of Corpusty has led the team converting the old Corpusty Railway Station into an a creative classroom space for use by the local Primary School. Corpusty-based builder Andrew Dawes has helped create the space too!

Little Barningham’s Gareth Daniels has turned into a cross between the AA and the Good Samaritan - he and his tractor have so far retrieved two stuck motorists from the snow on the lane near Green Farm.

Thanks to the dedication of, and a huge amount of hard work by Wickmere’s Lesley Ash, the village hall committee has received a grant of £10,000 from Norfolk Community Foundation to complete the hall’s kitchen. Not only that, Lesley also took our cover photograph this month - where does this Superwoman find the time?

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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

Happy Birthdays and Anniversaries

If you or someone you know has a birthday or anniversary coming up then please do let us know. There is also an opportunity for you to add a very short message if you wish (see below for the sort of thing). Phone or email details to the Editor, Richard Lynam, on 07831 639196 or richardlynam@btinternet.com.

Jan 21st Karen Macdonald-Thomas (Corpusty) Happy Birthday KarenJan 22nd The Editor (Corpusty) Birthday Age not for publicationJan 29th Charlie Goulty (Wickmere) 13th Birthday Have a lovely day!Jan 29th Chloe Lewis (Lt Barningham) 1st Birthday Ah! Many happy returnsFeb 14th Chelsie Goulty (Wickmere) 16th Birthday Happy 16th, ChelsieFeb 22nd Eleanor Fowell (Itteringham) 13th Birthday Greetings Eleanor. Have a lovely year.Feb 23rd Louis Piggott (Itteringham) 10th Birthday Ten is such a good number. Happy returns Louis.