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The Mallard Issue 270

March 2014

Published for the residents of Great and Little Massingham with the support of the Great Massingham Parish Council, the Parochial Church Council and Massingham Village Hall Trustees. www.greatmassingham.net e-mail: mallard.editor@btinternet.com

Editorial Committee

Editor: Bev. Randall. 6 Abbeyfields Great Massingham 01485 520899

Treasurer: David Baines 01485 520966

Deadline for April

20th March

In this issue The Swarb in Concert Coffee Evening Open Tuesdays Thanks from Sara Village Clean-up Allotment Association Thanks from Rosemary Dogwatch Toad Alert Gert & Daisy Football Final Community Cars World War 1 Village Hall Baby & Toddler Tribute to Bobby Biodiversity Project Parish Council Bus Draw Strollers Church News Church Services Dates for your Diary

The ‘Swarb’ Comes To Massingham

O n Saturday April 12th world renowned folk and fiddle player Dave Swarbrick will be playing here in Great

Massingham Village Hall as part of his tour with English Folk Trio, ‘Said the Maiden’. His mesmerising fiddle captured audiences throughout the 70’s when he was a regular on the music scene and played at gigs as big as Glastonbury. To some, the name Dave Swarbrick is synonymous with innovation and he is indeed credited with heralding the second folk revival with folk/rock band Fair-port Convention. To others, he is the fiddler’s yard stick to which they aspire. What a scoop to have him perform in our village hall! Here is the chance to not only enjoy seeing Dave perform but also to hear anecdotes and insights from his extraordinary life, as well as to ask questions. In keeping with his role as Patron of the Folk Arts Foundation, ‘Swarb’ is inviting a local solo act or duo to perform three songs at the start of the evening. Auditions for this once in a lifetime opportunity will take place on the 30th March at the Sunday Folkspot in the village hall bar. (see page 8)

Tickets available NOW on www.folkspot.co.uk or from the village hall. £10 in advance or £12.50 on the door.

Get your tickets now before it’s too late!

Coffee Morning & Table Sale Saturday 1st March, 10.30 - 12.30

at the Village Hall. Please Come and support. Organised by the Primary School PTA

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Mallard News

For that special occasion

Weddings Airports

etc. Theatre

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OPEN HOUSE TUESDAYS A Massive Thank You

At the time of writing this we will have had 6 afternoon tea parties by the fireside, with 108 guests and £480 in donations, for the Philippines Disaster Fund. My target of £1000 after 12 weeks is not looking impossible. Thanks to all you lovely people who donate cakes and items for the Bring and Buy table, as well as supporting the fun week by week. When you read this, there will only be four weeks left, so if you are able to come along and join us occasionally we will be pleased to see a few new faces as well as the old regulars. Our final total will be in the May issue. Yours, Meg.

4th, 11th, 18th & 25th March 2pm to 4.30pm, at 85, Station Road.

COFFEE EVENING FOR TAPPING HOUSE HOSPICE

16th April Massingham Village Hall, 7pm

Coffee, cakes, tombola, raffle and much more.

Everyone Welcome. Put the date in your diary and please come

and support this worthwhile cause. Chrissie Warnes

Help Wanted to Find My Uncle My uncle Joseph W. Fensom was last heard of in a residential home in Massingham. He would be long gone now with no record of his death. Does anyone remember such a home in Massingham that took in pauper single men or even a private house that took in boarders? Uncle Joseph was born in 1916 so we are probably talking about 1950-1960. He is the only sibling of my father that I cannot trace and I would love to find out where he spent his final days. Thank you. His niece Annice in Australia. Reply to Editor on 520 899

Mobile Library Visit & SNAP Meeting The next mobile library visit will be on Tuesday 18th March. The next SNAP meeting will be on 13th March at 7pm at Dersingham Infant and Nursery School

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Mallard News

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CHOOSE AT HOME

Sale of Cards Success Many thanks to those of you who

purchased the ‘Angel’ cards. Two hundred pounds was raised and shared between the

Queen Elizabeth Stroke Unit and the Stroke Association.

Andrew & Rosemary Bickerton

A THANK YOU FROM SARA Thank you to everybody who sent me cards, gifts, flowers and get well messages since I had my operation. I would also like to thank everyone that put money in the collection Sue Davies so kindly set up for me in the shop. I have been completely overwhelmed by people’s kindness and generosity. With some of the money I have bought a ticket for the musical 'Cats' which is at the Theatre Royal in Norwich in April. The rest of the money will be put away until I am fully fit and can go on a shopping trip. I am recovering really well, so hopefully it won't be long before I'm back at work and can thank you in person. Thank you once again. Sara Crisp xx

THE VILLAGE CLEAN-UP

Our annual clean up of the open spaces around the village takes place on Saturday, 29th March,

starting at 10am. This is a little earlier in the year than usual as we want to get to the litter before vegetation covers it. Most people who help at this ‘event’ find it great fun and very rewarding . If you have never taken part, why not come to the Well on the 29th and join in? High viz jackets, gloves and pickers are provided and coffee at the Dabbling Duck when we finish, rounds off the morning in a sociable way.

ALLOTMENT ASSOCIATION AGM Great Massingham

Village Hall Wednesday 19th March

at 7.30pm

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Mallard News

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Sara Barns Seamstress

Dress Making Alterations

Loose Covers Curtains The Old Swan, Gt. Massingham 01485 520151

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Windows Frames, Sills & Roofs Conservatories Guttering & Fascias Pressure Washing

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DOGWATCH You have heard of Springwatch, Autumnwatch and, if you are old enough, Baywatch. A group of walkers, tired of wading through dog excrement on the public footpaths around our village, have banded together to try and tackle the problem. In spite of the provision of several dog waste bins there are still people who fail to clear up after their dogs.

Who are these people? Well, DOGWATCH intends to find out. Armed with powerful binoculars and cameras they are out there watching. You will not see them but they will see you. If you do not pick up: you WILL be seen, you WILL be identified and you WILL be reported. You MAY pay a fine up to £1,000.

Dog waste bags are available from the village stores at a few pence per pack.

Which would you rather pay?

TOAD ALERT! BE AWARE With all our ponds, Great Massingham is an important environment for frogs, toads and newts. Help us protect these creatures as they migrate to their ponds to breed. Last year, in the Massingham area, our volunteers rescued 2,217 toads. This shows that we really can make a difference. Signs will be put up to make you aware of the important areas. A plea goes out to all of you to please drive cautiously to avoid hurting any of these creatures during the next few weeks. Volunteers will also be out in the evenings trying to save them.

New volunteers are very welcome. We have had several new people sign up already this

year. If you want to take part, please call Annie Rickets on 01485 520 719

DRIVERS PLEASE

BE AWARE OF ME

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Phone: 01485 520637 Mobile: 07780 776576

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01553 630747

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Bed & Breakfast

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TAYLOR - BARNES SERVICES LIMITED

Your locally based Gas Service Company For all your Plumbing Requirements. Natural Gas & LPG

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Mallard News

Gert & Daisy...... Well what a month thas bin. Thank God thas over. We started off OK – we went to the Abba Night up the Hall and hed a great toime. We wore our Abba costumes in case the group dint turn up - we wus ready ter step in but dint hev to and we danced awl noight. Gert’s girls hed thar platform boots on – bet thar feet dint harf hurt in the morning. Even Gert’s boy wus dancing (with his mate Charlie). Well done Mel fer organising that – we are waiting fer the next one. Gert then hed a family bereavement. Why is life so bad and sad sometimes? It just don’t seem fair. Still, we hev to carry on and stay strong fer each other. The very next day we heard that our dear Bobby had died. She wus such a wonderful person. So kind, funny and never hed a bad word about anyone. We went ter her funeral; Daisy dressed as the Queen of Hearts and Gert went as Tweedle Dee. Sitting in front of us wus Anthony Robinson dressed as the Chinese man from Chip Chop Chewy (aka Aladdin). We saw a man there dressed as a woman. Not sure if it wus panto costume as we hev heard he does cross dress. So, mention no names, but he is foreign and has bin in many pantos as an ugly sister, Queen of Clubs and a school teacher. Oh sod it – Martin Matthews. Enyol-how we send Jim, Karl, Rachel and all of Bobby’s family our love. We know Bobby will be greatly missed. Our thoughts also go to Gilly, her great friend. Told yew this wus a bad month. Someone pinched Gert’s grey food bin – it hed loads of leftovers in it. Bert put it owt on that windy Wensdy and later it hed gone. Wus going ter call the police but dint and foive days later that turned up round her neighbours from hell – Mr & Mrs Drewery. We’re not saying they pinched it but, whoever did, took awl the food owt of it. People will hev anything these days! Talking of wind, blast hint thet bin bad but then we are much luckier than a lot. We read on Facebook that them floods are nothing to do with the rain. We’ve got so many forin-nurs here now and as we are an island we are starting to sink. So if yew read this Mr Cameron – no more please! Obviously we allus read the Mallard and mek a note of important dates. We wus sorry to miss the Toads on the Roads meeting. We hed planned to go but that clashed with our night at the French restaurant so we hed to decide whether to save the toads or eat the frogs and we wus hungry. Gert read about the dog fouling but think she hev an ele-phant passing hers if the size of the poo is anything to go by! Well, we rang the Post Office to complain about the postman cos he misdelivered our Valentines agin this year – that int good enuf! The stupid man on the phone tried to mek owt we dint hev eny!

Tek care awl on yer. Gert and Daisy Thought of the month:-

If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

Great Massingham Vs

Ingoldisthorpe A Wednesday 2nd April

kick-off 7:30pm Wells Town Football Club

DIVISION 4 LEAGUE CUP 4

FINAL

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Jo Lovegrove Childminding Service

Ofsted registered childcare service

1 Mill Lane Great Massingham PE32 2HT 01485 520091

jimjo_070@fsmail.net

Sue and Mark would like to welcome you to West Heath Barn

www.westheathbarn.com

Brand new luxury B & B and Holiday Lets

available 01485 521 748

The Dabbling Duck A warm welcome guaranteed from all the staff at the Dabbling Duck.

Open all day every day Coffee from 12 noon daily

Food served Monday to Sunday from 12 midday to 2.30pm & 6.30pm to 9.00pm. Take Away Menu available at same times.

Real ales and full wine list Locally sourced, seasonal weekly menus

Children’s choices available.

For all bookings phone 01485 520827

DOGS AT HOME Boarding for dogs in the comfort of our home Your dogs will be treated as one of the family for the duration of their stay. Daily walks & spacious

grounds for your dog to play in. Love and cuddles guaranteed!

The Paddocks, Station Road, Little Massingham

Contact Donna on 07793 737 312

For all your gardening

Requirements

telephone Patrick Jacques

Lynn Lane 07976981270

FUN FRIENDLY ZUMBA CLASSES

Harpley Village Hall Mon. 6.30 - 7.30 pm Mon. 7.30 - 8.30 pm Wed. 9.30 - 10.30 am Pott Row Village Hall Wed. 7 - 8 pm Leziate Village Hall Thurs. 6.30 - 7.30 pm

Classes £3.50 each. For further information please contact Julie Austin on 07721 774 198

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Mallard News

WEEKLY VILLAGE HALL REGULAR EVENTS

Keep Fit Wed.12.30-1.30pm Bingo Friday at 7.30pm Auctions Sundays Coronation Club (4th Wed. ) 2-4pm Baby &Toddler Fri.10am - 11.30am Indoor Bowls Monday 2-4 pm Competitions: Wed. evenings Pyjama Drama Tuesdays 1-2pm Folk Spot Sundays 7-10pm

GREAT MASSINGHAM AREA COMMUNITY CAR SCHEME NEWS

The Community Car Scheme was started about eleven years ago and continues to increase the amount of work it does for those in need of personal transport to shops hospitals, doctors etc. In 2013, the Scheme made 4372 trips, an increase of 7.7 % com-pared to 2012 and 18 % more than in 2011. Of the trips, almost half were health related while just under a third were for essential shopping. Our Office Co-ordinators Diane Browne, Angie Durrant & Christine Warnes and our team of over 50 drivers have clearly done a magnificent job. Some of our drivers have shown amazing commitment by clocking up several hundred trips in the year. The Parish Council and The Trustees of our Village Hall have also given dependable support either financially or by providing office facilities. Thanks are due to all in-volved in these ways, helping to make 2013 another successful year. The Scheme will hold its AGM in the Village Hall at East Rudham on Tuesday 4th March starting at 6.30 pm. Drivers, pas-sengers and indeed anyone interested in Community Cars are warmly invited. If you are tempted to become a driver or even to look into possibly joining the Com-mittee you will be doubly welcome. After the business meeting there will be a buffet and the chance to socialise. A ‘phone call to 01485 520 823 to say you are coming would be helpful but not essential. Mike Jackson (Chairman) 01485 520 056

Great Massingham’s World War I Commemoration.

We are planning to commemorate the 100 year’s anniversary of the start of the ‘Great War’ and need your help. Below is the list of those who gave their lives and whose names appear on our war memorial. If these were your relatives or you know of anyone who was involved in that war and survived, please contact: David Miller on 01485 520988 or myself,

Andrew Bickerton on 01485 520307. We are particularly interested in any surviving letters, diaries or photographs of Massingham people effected by the war. Charles Allcock George Barnes Frank Beck Herbert Bird Sidney Gage Albert George John Goll Horace Holsey Robert W Howard Ernest Jarvis Thomas R Moore Ernest Powley Peter Powley Charles E Reader Harry Sillis John W Skipper Aubone Tooke Horace Warnes Arthur G Whitby Albert Whitby The war affected all aspects of life in villages and any evidence you may have from family records related to this time would be most helpful. Thank you.

Andrew Bickerton

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Mallard News

New Sessions - 1st Friday of every month Litcham Children's Centre will be hosting a STORY CAFE and ACTIVITY SESSION!

at Great Massingham. March - The Gingerbread Man

Last month’s session was based on 'Rosie's Hat'. The children and adults had great fun with the indoor 'beach', enjoyed water play,

made their own hat & and dressed up! We are open every Friday 10am-11:30

at the village hall where we always have craft activity going on (wear old clothes!).

£1.50 per family includes tea/coffee for adults and snacks for the children.

Why not pop in to see what it is all about? Plenty of new faces are waiting to meet you. Email: playgroup@danandgem.co.uk for info

The Film Club Thursday 20th March 7pm for 7.30pm,

Great Massingham Village Hall ‘Philomena’

Judi Dench stars as the Irish woman searching for the son taken from her when a baby. Funny. A must see film.

Please come and support.

WHAT’S ON IN MARCH AT OUR VILLAGE HALL?

FOLKSPOT, Alternate Sunday evenings, 7 to 10pm, live in the bar

2 March Three guests: Natalie Lake from Norwich, Datty Shud - mostly 60’s pop & Jessica Aspinall also from Norwich. 16 March Banjaxed - from E. Norfolk 30th March Auditions for support act for the Dave Swarbrick show.

Other March events 25 March Snooker League semi-final and final.

ABBA’S ANGELS DANCE WAS A

GREAT SUCCESS The Abba’s Angels dance held on the 1st February at the Village Hall was very popular and nobody was disap-pointed. Well done to Mel for organising it. Let’s hope there’s another one soon. From the picture right you can see that Chrissie is in her element really getting in the ‘Abba’ mood.

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Painter and Decorator CLIVE S. GIBSON

‘Gladonia’, 94, Chapel Road, Pott Row, King’s Lynn, PE32 1BP Telephone: 01485 601 002

Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen

CARPET, RUG, UPHOLSTERY & LEATHER FURNITURE CLEANING CURTAINS CLEANED AS THEY HANG IN THE WINDOW,

OVEN CLEANING Tea, Coffee & Red Wine Stains & Spills totally/100% removed.

Clean Tech Your local preferred specialist cleaner. Payment by all Credit & Debit cards welcome

Call Mike Barrett on 01485 609223 for a FREE, no obligation, VAT FREE quotation. The price we quote is the price you pay – NO HIDDEN EXTRAS!

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GARY KNIGHT DOMESTIC ENERGY ASSESSOR QUIDOS ACCREDITED

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES HOME ENERGY ADVICE

40 Sunnyside Road, Great Massingham, Norfolk Garyknight6@btinternet.com

01485 520 186 or 07557 436 411

Contemporary plays Classic plays Youth Drama

Music Exhibitions

WESTACRE THEATRE

Further details: westacretheatre.com

or 01760 755800

Entertaining People — all year round

Next Move Marketing Thinking about putting your house on the market or curious about its current value? Please contact Robert for a free market appraisal on your residential property today! We also offer a ‘Search & Find’ service to help you locate your next home or investment.

Make your best move your next move! 0778825 1665 info@nextmovemarketing.co.uk

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Mallard News

THE VILLAGE LOSES A VERY SPECIAL STAR We received the very sad news on 5th February of the death of our beloved ‘Bobby’ Boeckeler at the age of 63 years. Her funeral and interment were held at St. Mary’s on Thursday 13th February which would have been her 64th birthday. No seats were vacant in the Church as people came along to pay their respects and wonder, no doubt, what life will be like in Massingham without Bobby. Co-performers of the many music hall and pantomime productions came in costume in memory of good times and Andrew Bickerton and Paul Miller gave the obituaries. Bobby (formerly Robina Winner) was sister to Denys, Ginny and Christine and leaves behind her husband Jim, two children Karl and Rachel and three grandsons Brian, Kieron and Fenton. She attended our local primary and secondary schools and then was a nanny for three years and trained as a cook. She met Jim in 1969 - he was in the RAF at West Raynham - and they were married. They then left for a posting in Germany where their two children were born, returning in 1976 to the house that has remained their family home ever since. Andrew recalled, in his address, that perhaps Bobby’s happiest years were from 1976 to 1999 when she was involved with the village playgroup. So many people have memories of the loving fun she provided when they, as a child, had attended the playgroup. She was renowned for her imaginative stories and the children were regularly spellbound at Bobby’s story time. Bobby contributed so much to our village life, whether it was performing on stage in music halls or pantos, running quizzes, acting as compère at village fetes, captaining the women’s darts team or founding and supporting the Friends of Mass-ingham Surgery. Besides all these village activities, Bobby enjoyed crosswords, knitting, reading and in later years her computer, especially gambling games. She loved going to car boots sporting her ‘lucky’ cowboy hat, in search for that special treasure. Often she’d forget what item she had bought and she would send Gilly back to find and retrieve it! Most of all she enjoyed being with her family and friends for a good old gossip but I doubt whether she ever had a bad word for anyone. Our gloriously funny Bobby performed regularly in our Music Halls and pantomimes. She was funny! She was not an actor she was a per-former. Give Bobby an audience and you were sure of a lot of fun. However, no matter what part she played, she was always Bobby and we adored her! Bobby is often described as a ‘larger than life’ character. She brought a smile to our faces and put warmth in our hearts.

Robina Boeckeler, our Bobby, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you. Look out for notices of a special event to remember Bobby in the next Mallard.

‘MagicalMadcap Miller’ (Paul Miller) with Bobby as his assistant.

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Mallard News

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Debbie Woodhouse Holistic Massage Practitioner MTI & CNHC Registered

Suitable for all ages and body types, holistic massage can relieve tension, aid sleep, relieve anxiety & stress, improve mood & promote a general sense of well-being. Deep tissue and clothed seated massage available.

Massingham Chiropractic Clinic 01485 520123

ALL ON YOUR DOORSTEP A Warm Welcome Awaits

at Heath Farm, Lynn Lane, Great Massingham

01485 520828 www.lingscountrygoods.com

School Pond Biodiversity Project March working party

Last year, the March weather was so wet that we needed to postpone our first working party until April. Here’s hoping for better conditions this spring. Our first working party for 2014 is planned for Saturday 8th March, starting at 10 am. After last year’s intensive programme of planting and sowing, much of this year’s work will be more about encouraging what we already have in place. This first working party will concentrate on the wildflower meadow. The dozen or so heaps of hay need removing to mulch the new hedge. The areas of bare earth created by the heaps can then be sown with cornfield annuals. Marking-out the water meadow to help ensure it is not mown-off by the village green contractors is another priority task. Establishing some bluebells beneath our newly planted mountain ash trees is one of our goals and seed was sown in numerous large pots last year. Germination has been

good and it is hoped that the seedlings will be large enough to plant this time next year. You are cordially invited to join us. A rake and possibly a strong gardening fork would be useful but not essential. There will be tea, coffee and biscuits at half time. Mike Jackson

FITNESS FOR HEALTH EXERCISE MOBILITY SESSIONS

For people with limited Mobility DOCKING SURGERY

EVERY THURSDAY 11.30 to 12.30 Contact Jakky on 07920297773

Available to people at Great Massingham and Docking Surgeries

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Mallard News

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Rachael Spooner MCFHP MAFHP Foot Health Professional

Treatments include: Nail cutting, Corn Removal, Callus Reduction,

Diabetic Foot Care, Verruca Treatment. Call 01485 601128 or 07754 947 408

for advice or an appointment. Caring for your feet in your own home.

Member of British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer, Children's Fitness Instructor, GP Exercise Referral Instructor

Nutrition and Weight Management, Level 2 ASA Swimming Teacher, First Aid Qualified.

Tel: 07825 371 381 - www.krosstraining.co.uk

Annual Membership Subscriptions Family or Couple 2 adults+children £10 Individual £8 Seniors Over 60 years £6 Juniors 14 & at School £4

Excellent facilities and a friendly atmosphere.

Good beer, real ale, wines and spirits all at competitive prices. Separate snooker room.

Satellite, large screen TV. Outside drinking area.

Entertainment throughout the year.

Membership applications can be obtained from the club bar

Book the Village Hall for your function – 01485 520588

Welcomes old & new members

Parish Council Report – February Meeting Nine councillors attended the February meeting. Also present was Borough Councillor Mike Tilbury, the Clerk and PCSO Debbie Pearson. Mr. Wingell was co-opted on to the Parish Council as a new member and welcomed by the Chairman. Mr. Tilbury said there was no further news on the incinerator and the feeling was that the decision on planning permission would not be made by the Minister of State until late May, at the earliest. A number of planning applications had been received and the majority of these received support. There was general concern, how-ever, regarding the Borough Council’s plans to erect properties on existing informal parking areas on the Summerwood Estate. The Parish Council’s views on the unsuit-ability of these proposals will be conveyed to the Borough Council. The activities of the Toad Patrol were dis-cussed and the excellent work they have done over a number of years was recognised. The safety of members is paramount and it

was suggested that warning triangles be used in addition to the normal signs. All motorists passing through the village are requested to be aware of the problems that exist at this time of year and to proceed with caution. The annual village spring clean will take place on 29th March.

Next meeting, Mon. 17th March 7.30 pm. Your Parish Councillors are:

Chair: Olaf Brun Vice-Chair: Vic Cross Other Councillors are: Tina Andrew, John Bridger, Gillian Goold, Liz Foster, Malcolm Hipkin, Sue Nash and Mick Wingell.

ALLOTMENT HOLDERS Rents for your allotments are now due.

The Parish Clerk will be at the Village Hall from 7 - 8pm on Monday 24th March to collect your rent which remains at

£5 per year for a whole plot.

PHOENIX GROUP Harpley Village Hall, 7.30pm, March 12th

Talk to be arranged Free to members. £2 for visitors.

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Mallard News

MOT Service Station

Servicing all makes and models

All work under warranty

Free courtesy car

Repairs

Used Cars at Competitive prices

Telephone : 01485 601 362 Lynn Road, Hillington, King’s Lynn, PE31 6BJ

Your Local Garage

AUTO TECNICS

Fresh Bread Daily from Ridouts Bakery

Holiday Insurance & Foreign Currency

Take Away Food Menu

Fresh Fruit and vegetables

FREE local deliveries every Thursday !

Village Store Great Massingham

The Village Store & Post Office

Ray and staff welcome you to your local shop,

7days a week. Mon. to Sat.

8am to 5.30pm Sun. 9.30 -12.30

Tel: 520 272

CHURCH SPRING FAYRE

Sat. 22nd March 11am - 2pm in the Village Hall

There will be the usual stalls including cakes, bric-a- brac, tombola, raffle, books , light refreshments and more. Any donations for the raffle, tombola, cakes or the refreshments will be much appreciated. We will be pleased to receive any offers of help on the day to prepare the stalls and help us get nearer to our target. Proceeds raised will be added to our fund for the toilets.

Elastic Band We have recently formed a children’s band in Church. Thanks to Kim Frazer for the instru-ments and her work organising the band. The children play at every service and are much enjoyed. There are no age restraints or any musical skills required. Training is given. As the name suggests, the size of the band can stretch and stretch. We have a membership card which is stamped for every appearance with a prize after ten appearances. Please help us to grow this band and get our children involved. Stephen Hudson

BUS DRAW RESULTS 1st prize Elizabeth O’Neill 2nd Prize Sophie Grint 3rd Prize Linda Brown 4th Prize Shawna Burrell

Strollers.... A Windy Walk After a gloriously sunny spring-like Satur-day, Sunday 23rd February was blustery and cloudy. Undeterred, the magnificent seven set off for a five and a half mile walk to the Crown Inn at Gayton. There were moments when we had to lean Pisa-like as the wind blew over exposed parts of Massingham Heath but for most of our stroll we were sheltered by hedges and woods. Skylarks rising above us, a herd of roe deer and brown hares bounding across open fields were compensation enough for facing the wind. We made good time, arrived at the Crown earlier than expected and were soon enjoying a hearty buffet once the three non-strollers had joined us. The next Strollers is on Sunday 23rd March. You are welcome to come along with us for ‘a stroll in the spring’.

Andrew Bickerton

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Date Time Service Location

2nd March 10 am Holy Communion led by Rev’d Canon B. Cole

Little Massingham

5th March Ash Wednesday

10 am Ash Wednesday Service Harpley

9th March 1st Sunday of Lent.

10 am

10 am

Family Praise led by Peter Brown Morning Prayer - Lay led.

Great Massingham Little Massingham

16th March 2nd Sunday of Lent

10 am

10 am

Family Communion led by Rev’d Julian Thomson Morning Prayer - Lay led.

Great Massingham Little Massingham

23rd March 3rd Sunday of Lent

10 am

10 am

Family Communion led by Rev’d Canon M. Paddison Holy Communion led by Rev’d Canon B. Cole

Great Massingham Little Massingham

30th March Mothering Sunday 4th Sunday of Lent

10 am Group Benefice Service Led by Rev’d James Nash, The Rural Dean. A family Service with the traditional presentation of flowers to mothers.

Weasenham St Peter

Church Services

CHURCH NEWS Annual Parochial Church Meeting St Mary’s, Great Massingham The meeting is in Church at 7pm, Tuesday 25th March. There will be a vestry meeting for the election of churchwardens followed by the APCM for the election of officers and members of the PCC. The annual Par-ish and financial reports will be presented. Everyone is welcome to attend. St Andrew’s, Little Massingham This meeting is in Church at 3pm, Monday 7th April. It will include election of churchwardens, officers and members of the PCC. Everyone welcome.

Toilet and Kitchen Outline plans are being prepared to be submitted for planning permission etc. We will then start applying for grants - target £60,000. We have already raised £1,100.

Lent Lunch for Christian Aid

29th March from 12 noon St Lawrence’s Church,

Harpley Activities for children

~ bring your family to lunch and get ready for

Mothering Sunday (30th March)

Church cleaning at St Mary’s We will be cleaning the Church on Saturdays 8th and 15th March at 10am. Please help us by giving a small amount of time to help us clean our beautiful church.

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Dates for your Diary-March Date Event Time Place

1 March Coffee Morning & Table Sale 10.30am - 12.30pm Village Hall

4,11,18,25 Open Tuesdays 2pm - 4.30pm 85 Station Road 8 March Biodiversity Working Party 10am School Pond

17 March Parish Council Meeting 7.30 pm Village Hall 18 March Mobile Library From 11.40 am As per timetable

19 March Allotments Assn. AGM 7.30pm Village Hall 20 March Film Club 7pm for 7.30 Village Hall 22 March Church Spring Fayre 11am - 2pm Village Hall 23 March Strollers Walk 9.30 am At the Well 29 March Village Clean-Up 10am At the Well

2,16,30 Folk Spot 7pm - 10pm Village Hall Bar

Useful Numbers Organisation Contact Phone No.

Allotment Association Gill Goold 07513125964 Borough Council Mike Tilbury 520340 British Legion & Bell Ringing Denys Winner 520598

Bowls Club Peter Wadham 520796

Community Car Scheme Office 520823 Coronation Club Pam Hales 520236

County Council John Dobson 534989 Doctors Massingham Surgery 520521

The Film Club Arthur Allen/Barry Talbot 520628/0781 880 7738

Fishing Warden George Thorogood Contact PC Clerk

Football Club Barry Talbot (seniors) 520653

Guide Trefoil Guild Shirley Rae 520259

Massingham Historical Society Anthony Robinson 520455

Tennis and Multi-Sports Club Arthur Allen 520628

Parish Council Kevin Webb (Clerk) Olaf Brun (Chair)

01328 855046 520257

Pre-School Pip Armitage 07807 185746

Police Non-emergency 101 School Ann Beardall 520362

Village Hall Hall & Bar & Vic Cross 520588/520387

Church Contacts Stephen Hudson & Adrian Loft Eric Bothamley The Rural Dean, Rev’d James Nash

520450/520197 520258 01553 671381

A WORLD OF RAPTORS Steve Cale, bird artist and photographer, looks at a wide selection of raptors from around the

world, their biology, hunting techniques, migration, aerodynamics and more. Thursday 27th March, 7.30pm £2 members/£2.50 visitors incl. Refreshments

Methodist Church Hall, Austin Street, Hunstanton