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Page 12

Greenway Interiors Kitchens, Bathrooms, Plumbing, Carpentry Plastering Decorating 54, Cromwell Road, Weeting. Tel 01842 812567. Mobile 07766013485. Phone today for a free quote We're not just a company - we care Graham Smith & Sons Pest & Vermin Control for homes, farms and businesses. 24hr/7-day service. Local family business (Clover Farm, Mundford) Tel. 01842 879904, Mob. 07946 733188 D W Services Gardening and T V Aerials. Grass Cutting, Hedge trimming, Tree pruning and general garden work. Also Digital TV aerials fitted, CCTV, Signal boosters etc Tel. 01366 728403 Mobile 07752 587111 D.E.T. T.V. Service - Repairs to TV’s, VCR’s and Microwaves. Fast reliable service. John Clifford. 01842 878486.

Classified Adverts Feeling Stressed? Why not treat yourself (Or someone else) to a relaxing massage by a fully qualified Therapist. Fully BABTAC recognised and insured. Gift vouchers available. Body massage £17.50 (1 hour), Back massage, £12.50 (half hour). Contact Shelly Farrow on 01366 328835 or 07881 904099. E.G. Dack Approved Electrician, 25 years Experience. Small Jobs Electrical. Tel. 01366 728118, Mobile 07766637077 B.R. Garden Services, mini-digger hire (self-drive or with driver), holiday home maintenance, foundations and driveways, grass cutting service, turf laying and pruning. 07774 724366. Lose 2-5lbs a week using natural products. Free telephone assessment with an advisor. Dietworks (0845) 1662157 Versa - Tile, for all your tiling needs. Mosaic - natural stone - slate and all ceramics. Andrew Waters. Over 25 years experience. Tel Mobile 07767 343691.

Fund Raising project coming in the new

year T h i s i s a f a n t a s t i c f u n d r a i s i n g opportunity that Tots & Co, Little Normans Pre School and the PTFA would like to invite you to. We are having a photographer come and take family sittings on Saturday, January 19th between 9.30 and 4 at Northwold Sports and Social Club. This will make a lovely present for Mothers day or Easter! If you would like your family involved including Nans, Grandads, Aunts, Uncles, dogs, goldfish etc. let me know. Please ring me on 727759 or put the details through my letter box at 79 West End I need to know a contact name, the family name, How many people, a contact phone number and if you prefer a morning or afternoon sitting. The deadline for this is November 30th. Then I will contact you with a time for y o u r 1 0 m i n u t e s l o t . Thanks! Holly

Issue November 2007 Copy date for the next issue is;

24th November 2007 copy@northwold.net Tel. 01366 728233

For all those residents who have contact with past residents, they may be pleased to know that the www.northwold.net website has at last been updated with all the editions of Village Life since 2002 - so they can have a good old read-up on goings on in Northwold.

Local Girl Makes Good

Hello m y n a m e i s M i c h e l l e Callaby some of you in the village may already know of me. I w a s b o r n h e r e o n t h e 7 th September 1985 and lived in the middle cottage on high street with my parents and later on my two brothers. Now 22yrs later I live in the cottage again with my partner Karl two dogs and some fish. As I grew up in the village I attended first Northwold Primary then went on to Methwold High where I stayed on in the sixth form to do some A levels finally leaving in June 2003. During my time at both schools I was a regular supporter of Norwich football in which I was a season t i c k e t h o l d e r w i t h m y grandparents Brenda and Des Pa lmer . Al so whi l e the re I participated in many things such a s spo r t i ng even t s and t he

millennium volunteers, also of great pride to myself and family I did the Duke of Edinburgh awards getting my bronze in 1999 followed by the silver in 2001 I then proceeded to take on the gold award, although this was the most challenging of all it was the most rewarding. This award took me 3yrs to complete and although at times it took all my physical and mental abilities I had a wonderful time met lots of good people this helped shape me into the person I am today. After finishing school I went on to college to further my skills and education I took a level three d i p l o m a i n c h i l d c a r e a n d education which I achieved with a straight A pass in 2006. Since then I have been working at Centre Parcs with children and I really love it. I have passed my driving test and July this year I finally got to go and collect my D of E gold award from Windsor Castle this was attended by the Earl and Countess of Wessex, it was a beautiful day and my parents were with me. I now also have the opportunity to indulge in my other passion of fishing, this is something I started to do with my partner and thoroughly enjoy we have been

to many places and this year we went over to France for the week with a friend and yes guess who caught a whopper! A 42lb mirror carp whopper to be exact and that was some fish for me. I will carry on with my passion for fishing and maybe next year catch an even bigger one. So if you see a young woman walking around the village with two staffies that will be me so say hi.

With my Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Award

At Windsor Castle to collect my gold award. I am ninth from the left of the

picture

Christmas Bingo There will be a Christmas Bingo in aid of the Little Normans Pre-School on Friday 23rd November at 7. 30 pm at the Sports and Social Club. Any donations of prizes warmly received. Please call Pre School on (01366)728804 or Angela Wort ley on (01366)728203

Winston Is Watching You

Michelle Callaby Bingo

cover

Editorial St Andrew's Church School

2

W I Cricket Club Village Hall Chairs

3

Village quiz 4 Norman School 5

Our Past According to POG

6

River Watch Care Group

7

Youth Club Bowls Club

8

Then and Now Charities Bowls Club

9

Frank Fendick Charities 10

Daves Kitchen Matt Moprley

11

Classifieds Fund raising 12

Inside this issue:

Page 2

The Village Life Team

Editor Michael Parfitt

copy@northwold.net Tel. 728233

Deputy Editor Graeme Whiting

Copy@northwold.net Tel 727425

Advertising ads@northwold.net

Circulation Manager Mark Elwes

circulation@northwold.net Tel. 728795

Committee

Chair Carol Sharp Tel. 728227

Secretary Position vacant

Treasurer Geoff Bartram

Tel. 728673

The views expressed in submitted items are not necessarily endorsed by Northwold & Whittington Village Life. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that all information contained in the newsletter is correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. The Editor reserves the right to refuse or omit items without explanation.

Derek Johnson PROPERTY & LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Interior & exterior painting, wood or UPVC facia boards Guttering repaired, cleaned, replaced

Roofing repairs, damaged tiles replaced Chimney pots & cowlings fitted

Chimney stacks and general re-pointing Blocked drains & sinks cleared General plumbing & drainage

Roof, patio & driveway pressure washing Trees & conifers trimmed or removed

Hedges, bushes and ivy trimmed Fencing & decking, landscape maintenance

TELEPHONE 01842 810816

St Andrew's Church Coffee Morning On Tuesday 9th October, despite torrential rain, the coffee morning held in Saint Andrew’s Church was a great success. In spite of thevillages arrived to enjoy coffee, home-made The money raised, £120, will help to fund the annual Christmas Tree festival.

Church Services for November and Early

December 2007

November 4th 11am Holy Communion

Rev Nicoll

11th 3pm Remembrance Day Canon Rowsell

18th 8amHoly Communion Rev Nicoll 25th 11am Matins Canon Rowsell December 2nd 11am Holy Communion Rev Blackall Friday 7th Crib and toy service Rev Nicoll Everybody Welcome!!

""School Extra"" Last Friday Mrs Ward, with the children, organised a charities sale which raised an amazing £134 for The British Legion. As you are probably aware, the Legion raises funds to help wounded soldiers and the families of soldiers who have been k i l l ed , so th i s sa le was particularly pertinent with the recent return of the Royal Anglia Regiment from Afghanistan. Many thanks to all the children and parents who helped with the sale, with a particular thank you to Mrs Ward for organising the whole thing and to Mrs Whiting for helping her.

Editors Notes First an apology to go with the previous multitude. It is understood that some people didn't get their Village Life Last month. This was due to something over which I had no control and we can only apologise. As has been well publicised on radio and Television a very nasty incident occurred involving an elderly resident of he village, and just when you begin to despair you hear of the wonderful effort made by the staff and pupils in the School to alleviate the problem. While our youngsters think and act like this there is a lot more than hope for the future, Well done! But how are these SCUM getting to know the peoples circumstances so well? One may be opportunist, two coincidence but this is the third. Answers on a post card. etc etc. If you can help I am sure there is a form to fill in somewhere that will help with statistics. . . . . . . .

Do you believe in Ghosts?

I think Village life is being haunted. These eyes keep appearing all over the place, and we don't seem to be able to stop it. H e c a l l s h i m s e l f Winston. But who is Winston. All will soon be revealed. Editor

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Page 11

01366 385885

Local Runs Airports, etc.

PAUL’S TAXI’S

A.M. Stannard Stoke Ferry

Bouncy Castle Hire Suitable for Ages 1 to 10 years

Andy’s Cars Taxi Hire Tel. 01366 500675 Mob. 07748 412627

Dave's Kitchen By Our Resident Chef David Wheatley Quick potato soup This serves 4 Prep time 10 mins Cooking time 15 mins For this soup you will require 1 lb of potatoes 1 large onion 2 oz margarine 11/2 pints of stock this can be made using stock cubes Salt and pepper ¼ pint of milk ½ oz of grated cheese for the top Method Peal and grate the onion and potatoes p u t i n t o a p o t w i t h t h e margarine ,stock salt and pepper bring to the boil then simmer gently for 15 mins or until cooked stir in the milk and reheat taste and adjust the seasoning serve piping hot with bread rolls Peanut Butter Fingers Children will love these, they can also

be frozen Makes 12 2lbs of good potatoes 1 large onion chopped 2 large peppers red or green chopped 3 carrots coarsely grated 2 courgettes coarsely grated 3 tbsp of sunflower oil 4 oz of chopped mushrooms 3 oz of crunchy peanut butter 4 oz grated cheese 1tbsp dried herbs Salt and black pepper 2 eggs beaten 2oz of golden crumbs 3 tbsp of dried parmesan cheese Oil for deep frying Boil the potatoes till tender then mash put to the side Fry the onions, peppers and carrots gently till soft about 5 mins then add the courgettes and mushrooms cook for another 5 mins mix the cheese, herbs peanut butter and seasoning let cool for 30 mins then stir in one of the eggs divide the mix into 12 roll into sausage shapes put the second egg into a bowl pass the fingers through the egg and the bread crumb sand parmesan cool in the fridge for

20 mins the fry in hot oil till golden brown about 3 mins If you freeze them defrost for 1 hour before you cook in the oven or under the grill I hope that you try these

Matt Morley 1971 – 2007

Northwold Cricket Club sends their deepest sympathy to Kerry, Jack and Jessica for the sad loss of Matt. Cricket was one of many talents h e p o s s e s s e d , a t r u l y inspirational person on and off the cricket field. He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Northwold Cricket Club

Page 10

Frank Fendick Talks About His Life As A Paratrooper

BEGINNINGS How does one begin to write an essay about beginnings? Think about different types of beginning: Adam & Eve, a baby, sperm meets the egg, boy meets girl, starting at school or at a new job, meeting one's future wife, t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e e n d -- decrepitude and dying. I must choose one or more of these topics to write about. What about the beginning of a book? The importance of the first paragraph in gathering the attention of the reader. How about beginning to be a paratrooper? Let me see what I can write about that. The first problem was getting past the m e d i c a l - m y e y e s i g h t waBEGINNINGS How does one begin to write an essay about beginnings? Think about different types of beginning: Adam & Eve, a baby, sperm meets the egg, boy meets girl, starting at school or at a new job, meeting one's future wife, t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e e n d -- decrepitude and dying. I must choose one or more of these topics to write about. What about the beginning of a book? The importance of the first paragraph in gathering the attention of the reader. How about beginning to be a paratrooper? Let me see what I can write about that. The first problem was getting past the medical - my eyesight wasn't good enough. I remember lining up for the medical and listening to the guys in front of me reading the chart. I tried hard to remember the letters, but didn't succeed. The doctor said that I had failed - I could probably only read the large letter at the top and maybe the next line. I begged the doctor to let me through. He refused. I refused to leave the room. Eventually he got so fed-up with me that he said "Oh, go on then". In practice my bad eyesight was no problem until the day I was the first one out of the aircraft. For some

reason there was no smoke to indicate the direction of the wind, and, because I was first, there were no parachutes on the ground which could tell me which way the wind was blowing. One must pull on the rigging-lines on the side from which the wind is blowing. Air then spills out of the canopy on the other side and slows down one's speed over the ground. It is the speed along the ground that is dangerous, not the speed of falling - that doesn't vary. The officer was shouting "Pull down Number 1". But which side? I had no idea . When we were l ined up afterwards the officer said "Who was Number 1, Port?" "Me, Sir". "Oh, right". I was a sergeant so he couldn't tell me off in front of the men. Back to the beginning. There is a two-week selection that one must pass before going for parachute training. The first week is mainly in the gym and the second week on marches, runs and assault courses. The first week wasn't too bad as I had been to army schools, was a boxer , and knew mos t o f the exercises. The second week was a nightmare: I could hardly keep going. I remember, on the log-race, where a team of guys run with a tree-trunk, the team ended-up dragging me as well as the tree-trunk. At the end of the selection the names of those who have failed are read out t o g o a n d s e e t h e c o m p a n y commander. My name was on the list. The company commander asked me what I would say if he offered me a re-course. This meant doing the whole punishing two weeks again. I said "I would jump at the chance, Sir". He said "OK. You've passed". That was the beginning of my six years in the Para's. Frank Fendick

Northwold Charities Edmund Atmere Charity The t rus tees would l ike to remind those residents in the parish of Northwold, who are seriously ill or permanently disabled and who might like some help from this ancient Charity at Christmas that they can apply to the Trus tees . Applications to be sent to the Clerk – Mrs Beryl Quil ter , “Briars Moat”, 3 Hovell’s Lane, Northwold by 24th November. St. Thomas Day Dole This year the dole will be paid on Thursday 20th December 2007 in the Northwold Church Vestry, between 10.00am and 11.00 am and in Roger Warner’s yard at Whittington Hill at 11.15am. Please collect in person, or arrange for someone else to collect it on your behalf. The Trustees will be unable to deliver cheques after distribution in Northwold and Whittington. In the case of married couples cheques are made out jointly unless otherwise previously not i f ied. Qual i f icat ion for eligibility are at least 5 years residence in the Parish and minimum age or 60 for women and 65 for men. New applicants are invited to write to Mrs Beryl Quilter, “Briars Moat”, 3 Hovell’s Lane Northwold by 24th November 2007

Northwold Spiritualists Meet in the Vilage hall every other Friday at 7. 30 pm November 9th Rachel Finbow 23rd Colin Holman December 7th Shirley Ginelli Enquiries to Eileen on (01366)728289

Page 3

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NORTHWOLD CRICKET CLUB

From Steve Freemantle

On Saturday, 13 October the Cricket Club held its Annual Dinner and Presentation Evening at the Sports and Social Club. Around 50 members and guests enjoyed a splendid four-course meal with wine. Individual awards were presented to Dominic Bunton and Steve Freemantle and Adie Seymour went home with a bag full of well-deserved trophies. The evening concluded with a very vocal Karaoke session that provided some amusing entertainment for all! A note for your diary. The Club will be holding i ts Annual General Meeting on Friday 30 November 2007, at the Sports and Social Club from 7:30pm. New and old (ie existing!) players plus any potential sponsors are invited to attend. For further details please contact Steve Freemantle on (01366) 727675.

Northwold W I The October meeting of the

Northwold WI was held in the village hall on Tuesday 9th and began at 7.15pm. The recently introduced book club was proving very popular and more books were requested. The lunch club v i s i t e d E a s t G a r d e n C h i n e s e Restaurant in Swaffham on Friday 28th September. Their fixed-price “all you can eat” lunchtime menu was excellent v a l u e a n d g r e a t l y e n j o y e d b y everyone. The WI joined forces with the Bridge Club for this year’s Worlds Largest Coffee Morning, raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Care. The event was well supported and raised a magnificent £553. This month’s birthdays were Betty Akers, Pat Coles and Teresa Waller. The AGM followed during which the bye-laws and decisions were reviewed. Jo-Ann Kidd presented the financial report and Brenda Ayres gave the committee’s annual report, reviewing the events of the past year. She pointed out that this year was the 30th school carnival and that the only adult group to have entered a float in each year was the WI! The committee will remain unchanged for the coming year. There was no speaker for this meeting, ins tead members became very competitive during a four round quiz, identifying song introductions and old t e l ev i s ion pe r sona l i t i e s , t hen answering questions on proverbs and

general knowledge. The final scores were very close but the winning team, by four points, was Glenda Burton, Rosemary Crisp, Beryl Quilter and Hilary Sharrington. Next month’s meeting will be replace by a birthday outing to the Walnut Tree Restaurant in Thetford. Ann Howarth

Why Not Join The Ever Growing List After all we all use them at some time or other!!! Northwold Village Hall “Sponsor A Chair Appeal." In our last issue you were invited to sponsor a chair for the Village Hall. The response has been good and quite a few chairs have been sponsored. The following have sponsored a chair. Dottie and Steve Adkins Bryan Cater and Family Ian Haye Patricia Haye Peter Hutchby Veronica Hutchby John Martin Monday Night dance Club Northwold Art Group Mr and Mrs Philpot The Price Family Mr Storey Mrs Storey Teresa Waller David Waller Four Sponsors wish to remain anonymous. To date donations have been received for one third of the chairs required. So excellent progress is being made perhaps you would like to join the above list. Forms are available from the Editor if you can’t get them anywhere else.

Page 4

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Sheer Class Told In The End

It was the evening of Friday 19th October and the Village Hall was the venue for the Annual Village Quiz, fast becoming recognised as the intellectual pinnacle of the Village Social Calendar. Many of the greatest brains of the neighbourhood were assembled to do battle for the trophy, grouped into teams of four with names some of which were unrecognisable. There was much apprehension in the room with the arrival of "Biggles" the defending champions hotly tipped and odds on favourites to retain their title. After a hiccup at the start, when it was feared the question master wasn’t going to turn up, prompting John Burton to rush home for a book of pub quiz questions (Just in Case), the event got going if perhaps a little late. The favourites were, apparently performing with their usual brilliance,

and must have been confident, but unbeknown to them there was a dark horse around, or four to be exact. They were called The Care Group and was made up of Jim and Barbara Booty, Glenda Burton and secret weapon John Haylock. Perhaps it was the inclusion of this secret weapon, that caused the upset- we shall never know- but what is certain is that they slowly forged ahead and ran out winners, sending the bookmakers home happy. At the end of the quiz when the raffle was finished Brenda entertained the multitude in her inimitable role of auctioneer. An excellent buffet was provided and all credit must go to all those who helped organise the event. The next morning John was asked if he thought that his inclusion in the team was what made the difference but in his usual modest way he Said with a chuckle “No: but do you know I didn’t realise Old Booty was so clever”. Be that as it may, they didn’t win last

year, and the secret weapon wasn’t in the team so we are left to draw our own conclusions. In the end Sheer Class Told. And just over £500 was raised for Village Hall funds. Brilliant !!

Ed i tor ia l no te : I t i s no t the intention of Village Life to take the rise out of anyone connected with this event

The Care Group Winners of the quiz from left to right Glenda Burton, Jim Booty, Barbara Booty and John Haylock

Page 9

Then and Now T h i s p i c t u r e o f Northwold cricket was taken a couple of years a g o b y A d r i a n Jenkinson. It is a picture of the teams who played to celebrate the life of the late Ian McDowell, O n e o f , i f n o t t h e greatest Club Member the Cricket Club ever had.

And this is a picture of a Northwold cricket team of Yesteryear. It was o b v i o u s l y a v e r y important match judging by the amount of people who attended many of them female. No doubt someone can enlighten us as to what the occasion was. In both pictures the umpires looked outstanding.

Northwold Charities Edmund Atmere Charity The trustees would like to remind those residents in the parish of Northwold, who are seriously ill or permanently disabled and who might like some help from this ancient Charity at Christmas that they can apply to the Trustees. Applications to be sent to the Clerk – Mrs Beryl Quilter, “Briars Moat”, 3 Hovell’s Lane, Northwold by 24th November. St. Thomas Day Dole This year the dole will be paid on Thursday 20th December 2007 in the Northwold Church Vestry, between 10.00am and 11.00 am and in Roger

Warner’s yard at Whittington Hill at 11.15am. Please collect in person, or arrange for someone else to collect it on your behalf. The Trustees will be unable to deliver cheques after d is t r ibut ion in Nor thwold and Whittington. In the case of married couples cheques are made out jointly unless otherwise previously notified. Qualification for eligibility are at least 5 years residence in the Parish and minimum age or 60 for women and 65 for men. New applicants are invited to write to Mrs Beryl Quilter, “Briars Moat”, 3 Hovell’s Lane Northwold by 24th November 2007

Northwold Playgroud Project presents A Christmas 'Hall of Stalls' Evening Friday 16th November 2007. 7pm-9pm Northwold Sports & Socal Club Come and enjoy the opportunity for a social evening & to do your Christmas Shopping in Northwold. S t a l l s t o i n c l u d e : - Exce l l en t Crafts,Gifts, Jewellery, IQ Books, Phionex Cards, Thornton Chocolates and more. Limited numbers so tickets sold in advance @ £3.00 per ticket (includes a Glass of Wine, Mince Pie and a d e m o n s t r a t i o n b y T h o r n t o n s Chocolates). Possible door entry on the night. For ticket sales please telephone:

Page 8

Established over 19 years

Northwold Youth Club

From Ann Howarth and Steve

Freemantle On Wednesday 5th October the club enjoyed a visit from PGA golf coach Karl Spurrier. The Sports and Social Club was filled with soft-play golf equipment and targets and after a short period of instruction on safety and technique the fun began. Four teams of youngsters competed in a variety of games and races. The team results were very close and every player received a prize of sweets. The individual with the best score was George Burton, one of the youngest competitors, who received a medal from Karl. The evening was a great success and hopefully some of the children will be inspired to try regular golf in the future. The next Youth Club evening was even busier than normal. Gary H o d d e r , t h e p o p u l a r R u r a l

Community Sports Coach from King’s Lynn Borough Council, organised the club members into teams to play a variety of games using soft-play cricket equipment. As usual, the hall was filled with the excited shouts from the participants. As well as the sports games a group of youngs ters , l ed by Ben Wel ls , entertained everyone with a lively puppet show of “Jack and the Beanstalk”. Ben and his fellow actors and stagehands made all props, including the puppet theatre. There was also a carved pumpkin competition, judged by Gary Hodder. It was not an easy task for him as all the pumpkins cleverly showed eerie c rea tures and faces , ready for Halloween. The joint winners were Kitty and Amber Harris. We will be making tree decorations (for the Church Christmas Tree) – so if anyone has any spare craft materials that can be used by the members we would love to hear from you!

Membership of the Youth Club continues to grow (with over 35 members to date). Further details can be obtained from Sharron on 727675 or Jane on 728921.

Northwold Bowls Club 100 Club Draw September 2007 J. Jones £20 T. Fern £15 J Langley £10 October 2007 J Proctor £20 W Ison £15 Lesley Eyles £10 Sylvia

Page 5

The Woodland Inn

Half-t e r m i s almost upon us, and what a busy seven weeks we have had here at t h e v i l l a g e school. In the previous article I mentioned how hard we were practising for a rounders compet i t ion and how complex we found the modern rules of rounders. Unfortunately, due to the v a g a r i e s o f t h e w e a t h e r , t h e competition had to be postponed initially and then eventually cancelled, much to the disappointment of all the children and staff involved. We he ld ou r Harves t Fes t iva l celebration in St Andrew’s Church and what a lovely occasion it turned out to be. The children sang harvest songs, read out the harvest poems they had written and displayed their lovely harvest art-work. I was amazed by the huge amount of produce that the children brought in to be displayed in the church prior to it being divided between a local nursing home and Quidenham Hospice. Many thanks to the parents, for their generosity, to Angela Nicholl, for her sermon and blessing, to Janet Deacon, for playing the organ, to Jane Luckman, for organising the distribution of the produce, and to all the staff here at school for their patience and hard work. Classes 3 and 4 thoroughly enjoyed the visits of Eugene ferret and Evie 2, the baby ferret, to their respective classrooms. Being a “townie” myself, I was under the impression that ferrets were quite wild little beasties with an overwhelming desire to launch

themselves at gentlemen’s trousers. Having tightened my belt, therefore, and strapped on my bicycle clips, I was very pleasantly surprised to meet Eugene, who was hugely sociable and friendly and not at all interested in my nether gear. I was so taken by him that I tried to persuade my wife that we had to have one, but the lady’s not for persuading! We’re very grateful to Julia Thomas for bringing in Eugene and Evie 2 to meet the children. Class 4 have thoroughly enjoyed two village walks led by Jim Booty, our next-door neighbour and Headteacher of the school from 1960 until 1990. I was able to accompany the class on the first walk, and what a fascinating time we had. As I’m sure most of you know, Jim has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the village a n d s h a r e s h i s k n o w l e d g e s o eloquently. Only the previous week I had been working with Class 3 on properties of rocks, and when a child suggested chalk could be used for buildings I replied that I thought it unlikely because the class had already deduced that chalk is porous. I was somewhat horrified, then, when Jim explained to Class 4 that not only is his own house built of chalk, but so are many other houses in the village, as well as the church! The buildings are constantly damp but, as it’s the local stone, it’s what had to be used when importing less porous stone from o u t s i d e t h e l o c a l a r e a w a s prohibitively expensive. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to apologise in print to that pupil in Class 3 whose suggestion I somewhat decried. It goes to show that you’re never too old to make a mistake or to learn something new. In mid-September, the whole school

was thoroughly entertained for a whole afternoon by Tony Parkinson, a percussionist who worked for many years at The London Palladium and has accompanied many famous stars, including Tom Jones and Elton John (there’s an interesting contrast). Tony was also the percussionist on the theme tune to “Dad’s Army”, recorded many years ago, and despite his age (79) Tony still puts on a memorable, amusing, educational and entertaining performance. Last week Class 4 took part in Cathedral Day at Ely Cathedral, with children from many other schools. The theme for the day was the abolition of slavery and the children tho rough ly en joyed a s ing ing workshop, making a prayer chain and one of our Year 6 girls represented the school in a dance performed in front of all the other schools. Well done, Kasey. Although it is still just mid-October, the staff now have to turn their thoughts to Christmas activities and performances. The trick is to find performances that are exciting and entertaining but which don’t eat too much into the normal day-to-day c u r r i c u l u m . W e a l s o w a n t performances which enable every child in the school to take part, so watch this space. All the best, Richard Ogilvie Acting Headteacher Thanks again Richard for another outs tanding repor t . I t i s much appreciated. Ed.

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O u r P a s t According To POG Aka Mike Coley

Host Crisp was jus t one o f the memorable characters this village has spawned over the years, he taught woodwork at Methwold and built the smart house just beyond the old chalkpit on the top road. It’s said he planted trees and tall shrubs all round his property to hide it from invasion in the war when he was said to have been be a conscientious objector.(not a popular thing to be at that time) Black Jack is said to have lived in a hole in the ground on the allotments behind those old cottages that were once Alms houses down Church Lane. There was a lways an old black chimney to be seen sticking out through the roof, puffing away merrily to prove the old boy was as snug as a bug in a rug. Butcher Reid lived In a shed behind Vine House ( West End Manor now ) He was an itinerant, coming and going as the work demanded. He left for good when he went back to Ireland to live, some say to get married Jack Lister was the baker that lived opposite me in the high street.( Billy Shipp’s bakery was at the other end of the village ) but to add to Jacks appeal, not only was he a fine tradesman, but he let his local customers use his bread oven on Christmas morning to cook whatever celebratory fair they may be having for the festive season. He was a man that always made you smile as he had an in-exhaustible supply of the most wicked rhymes and limericks. I rather think that it was from him that I gained my own special liking for poetry. ( not that awful stuff that doesn’t rhyme, which some pretend is poetry ) Billy Sear, the archetypal village idiot that wasn’t as simple as he liked to make out. Old Billy had the inevitable protruding bottom lip, but he could throw darts like a good’n, using an extraordinary style ( which was shared by Frank, one of the Osborn boys I understand ) He used to play at the White Hart at Foulden where, if s t rangers dropped in he would regularly have a line of pints waiting for him on the bar, and I for one never saw him dive into his pocket to buy

one in return. He always wore a big old black coat and like the rest of us, b iked everywhere . I t was th is ( combined with the beer I expect ) that probably led to his demise. He was knocked off his bike and killed one dark night, down through the Drifts when he was making his way home to Dilton. One can’t help thinking that some people had really wicked senses of humour years ago and that they weren’t nearly as coy as we may have been led to suppose. You only have to look at the names that some of their children were landed with. Take these unfortunate Brother and sister acts E.G – Roley Balls had a sister cal led Ophelia Balls and a daughter called Nora Balls. No doubt theirs would have been a pretty tough childhood to cope with. And The Dye siblings had middle names that couldn’t actually be turned into something Naughty but I bet they made the parson chuckle at the Christening They revelled in the names ‘Walter Wil Dye’ and ‘Beris May Dye. A mistake?? Jacko Bryant was a Shepherd and never used plasters If he cut himself,( as people that worked with scythes and bill hooks often did ) he would go into the garden and dig a hole 2 spades deep and rub what he believed to be virgin soil into the wound. In a high tetanus area like ours, that was really like dicing with death but amazingly he lived to a ripe old age and never took harm f rom his outlandish brand of first aid. Another of his major claims to fame that few would dare to copy, was that he would thrust his bare hand and arm into a wasps nest in order to pull it out and destroy it. The extraordinary thing is that apparently he never got stung. Mrs Wittle Dye was something of an eccentric and amongst her other claims to fame was her ability to collect wayward swarms of bees. I remember when a huge swarm had settled in the fir tree, opposite the Top Shop, which made many people wary, even afraid to walk past. I saw her rid the street of that great buzzing menace by charming them, using a tin tray and a metal spoon. Alice Chapman ( Pim Bryants mother in law ) took runt pigs to bed.

They, like many others at that time kept pigs in their yard. They were well looked after being housed in purpose built sty’s, but usually there would be a small one ( the Runt ) in each litter. This is where old Alice took over and kept them in her bedroom till they began to thrive, which they invariably did. Shuck Horn had a house reckoned to be haunted as a result of there having been a murder there at one time. Perhaps it was from this that the old boy got his nickname, ( Old Shuck being the legendary ghostly black dog that prowls the lanes at night.) The old man certainly prowled the lanes, but for no more sinister reason than to sell wood from his ‘dickey cart’ ( donkey cart ) Bob Goymour who stapled his thumb at the butchers ( whist nosing around as he was wont to do ) tricked a lot of people out of their hard earned cash and was widely kept at arms length as a result. He was killed along with his wife ( a really nice person ) in a car crash at the crossroads at Beckfield. Albert Goymour who was the spitting image of Charley Chaplin, faced down Traddy Askew when he attempted to interfere during a particularly loud contra-tent between husband and wife. Old Albert, all fired up by this time and with hands on hips boldly said, “I’m not a fighting man, but if you interfere you’ll be sorry” at which Traddy chose the better part of valour and left. Extraordinarily enough Albert died in a similar way to his brother, at the wheel of his car. He suffered a heart attack whilst travelling through Stoke with his wife Florry. Though badly cut about the old girl survived the crash. Despite having lived opposite the couple all my life at that time, my Mum and I went to visit her in the hospital a few days later only to walk right past her a number of times before finding her bed. You see having gone through the windscreen during the impact, she lived through it but was quite unrecognisable for a time. Well my bewties, apart from saying h o w m u c h I s h a l l b e Looking Forward to Looking Back with you again ‘next time’, that’s about it for ‘this time’, Who knows you may just become a village character by then. best wishes Pog

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DIDLINGTON NURSERIES

Why not visit our walled in garden Nursery for all your trees, shrubs perennials, winter pansies

and bulbs Aquatic Plants and much more

Winter hanging baskets available now Cut Flowers available

Free range eggs Trees and hedging available form November

Tel. (01842) 878288

Prime Quality Barley Beef which has been matured for a minimum of 3 weeks. Dingley Dell Pork which has been reared outside in a natural

environment. Best British lamb also reared in open fields. All meat is direct from local farms Norfolk /Suffolk) and prepared to the

highest standard cut to each individual customers requirements All our St Georges poultry is also local and RSPCA inspected

Home made pork sausages and chipolatas, flavoured sausages and beef sausages. Home made 100% Beef burgers, Pork and Apple, Lamb

Deli Counter with traditional cooked meats, cooked on the premises Large variety of cheeses both British and Continental.

Dry-cure bacon smoked & unsmoked Our policy is to buy as much locally as possible

We also offer an extensive range of preserves, spices and pickles. Range of home cooked pastries, fresh bread and fruit and veg. daily, freezer orders taken.

Opening times Tues, Thurs, Fri, 8am - 1pm and 2pm - 5.30pm

Mon 8.30am - 1pm Sat 7.30am - 1pm

Est. 1962

GARY BOYCE Traditional Quality Butcher and Delicatessen 25a High Street Methwold (next to Fire Station)

Telephone 01366 728512

River Watch By Ivor Hook

Autumn colours are all around. Browns and reds have replaced the predominant green. The days are shortening and not just the nights are becoming colder. The change of seasons is bringing new and different things to see and enjoy. Today the wind is fresh and spent golden leaves float down from the trees to settle on the surface of the water. The current is flowing one way and the direction of the wind the other so the leaves remain positioned in front of me. Some have become waterlogged and have already begun their descent to the bottom of the river. All my attention is focussed on the red tip of my float. It proudly rides the waves and every few minutes disappears to produce another fine roach. Despite the wind I am nice and cosy in the shelter of a towering reed bed. I am oblivious to everything but fishing! Unbeknown to me several hundred geese are quietly grazing in the stubble fields the other side of the river. A high bank hides them from view. Suddenly with great gusto and a thrashing of wings a large flight takes off. They head up the river but at the bend continue onward with the wind and just clear a line of trees. The V shaped skein then disappears into the morning brightness. A second mass take-off follows in the same pattern and direct ion as before. A few stragglers follow along behind, perhaps those slow of instinct, and

you wonder if they will ever catch up! Then all is quiet again. The interruption is a welcome break and quite a spectacle to witness. Yet again a few hours alongside the river W i s s e y i s p r o v i n g h i g h l y entertaining. However before I continue fishing an unexpected third wave appears over the far riverbank and instead of following the others they head immediately towards me and maintain their low flightpath r ight over my head. They are obviously unaware of my presence. The loud honking and the beating of wings of such a multitude of birds at really close quarters is amazing. Had I s tood up I could easi ly have grabbed a pair of legs! There must have been 50 or more geese and I guess such a happening is every wildfowlers dream. The rough water looks dark and murky but under the surface there is surprisingly good visibility. On the very bed of the river on top of a carpet of autumn leaves several grains of yellow sweetcorn shine like pearls. They certainly attract the curiosity of all the fish. The smaller fish almost stand on their heads to investigate them. Unsuccessfully they mouth away but the sweet smelling morsels are much too big for them to eat. Even smaller fish arrive but they quickly realise the impossible task and continue on their way to look for more sensible sized food. Then through a curtain of weeds appear a shoal of much larger fish - the majest ic roach have arrived. They swim slowly and gracefully and look really important. They turn away but decide to return and circle round and round. They glide effortlessly propelled by only

the merest movement of their fins. The fins are bright red and stand out in the clear water. Their silver flanks glitter and flash as they manoeuvre for position. A few more grains of corn float down through the water and the roach commence feeding. With their bigger mouths they can comfortably eat the different but highly appetising offerings. The bait is working again! Ivor

Northwold care Group Annual Report By Jim Booty

Thanks to our wil l ing group of volunteers, our three activities have completed another good year The car scheme drivers have carried 206 passengers 5,231 miles mostly to hospital or surgery. The longest journey was to Papworth. The total expenses paid by the Parish and district Councils was £856. More drivers are always welcome. The Lunch Club (Second Monday in the hall) has been enjoyed by about 20 regulars. Many thanks to the volunteer cooks. We would welcome a few more customers. The nursing equipment store is well used. Contact Jim Booty if you need anything – Zimmer, Wheelchair, Bath Aid, Shower Seat etc. No waiting! We have been delighted to welcome new helpers, but there is always room for more.