1

The Mallard Issue 284 May 2015

What A Clean Up! Well Done Everyone.

T he annual village clean-up took place on Saturday 28th March. With Litter

pickers issued, rubbish bags and gloves distributed and areas allocated, a

role call was made and the happy band of volunteers set off to spruce up the village

before the rain arrived and a village wedding commenced.

There was far less fly-tipping than the previous year and generally the roads, lanes

and footpaths were reasonably clear. This may be due to the regular emptying of

our litter bins, the work done over the year by residents picking up rubbish when

they see it or it may be the result of less litter being dropped in the first place.

Whatever the reason, the job was finished in just over an hour (more hands make

light work) and the bags of rubbish were taken away to await collection by the

Borough Council.

Having completed their tasks and posed for photographs the group gathered at

the Dabbling Duck for cups of tea and coffee donated by the pub. Thanks to the

following litter pickers: Phil, Vaughan, Liz, Dickie, Brian, Jackie, Keith, Mark,

Barbara, Mike, Sandy & Brian, Gill & Peter, Maggie, Tony & Jules with Sophie,

Lucy and Jemima, Rosy, Fiona and Robin. Thanks also to the pub for providing

the refreshments and Olaf for providing the trailer.

This year there were twenty-three volunteers. Amazingly twenty-three is also the

number of years we have been doing the village clean-up, as it began in 1992! A

lot of volunteers over the years. Thank you to you all. Andrew Bickerton

2

Mallard News

This parish magazine is published every month 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 the June issue

20th

May

In this issue

Village Clean Up

Historical Society

Ducklings

Parish Council

Strollers

Village Hall News

Lest We Forget CD’s

Gert & Daisy

Baby & Toddler

Vic’s Award

Community Cars

Grassroots Malawi

Trefoil Guild

Toad Report

Tennis

Gardens for Wildlife

Parish Message

Church Services

Church News

Film Club

School Coffee Morning

NNOS

Dates for your diary

Historical Society Update

We have been so overwhelmed by the sheer size and scope of

Sister Lawrence’s RAF museum that we have been sadly ne-

glecting the other 1,500 years of our village history! We aim

to put that right in the near future but, while we are doing so,

we must continue searching for safe and appropriate storage

for the mass of Sister Lawrence’s material. Much is in storage

in one of Olaf’s hangers – and many thanks to him for that.

Ideally we would like to relocate most of it to an RAF Airfield

Museum but retain enough to allow us to mount displays at

village fetes etc. Sadly, at the moment, this seems unlikely to

happen. Does anybody have any ideas about permanent storage

of this historically valuable collection? If so, please contact

Ant Robinson.

The Historical Society meets on the third Wednesday of each

month at The Barns, in School Road, from 7.30-9.00 pm. At

present we are systematically appraising all the (non-RAF)

historical material acquired over many years and are looking at

new ways to share this fascinating collection with everyone.

One of the most vital things we want to do is to record villagers’

memories of days gone by. If anybody has recording and/or

video equipment and would like to take this project on, please

contact Ant.

In addition, David Miller has agreed to write a not-too-serious

series of short monthly articles about village history called

‘Histry Bits’ for the Mallard. Watch out next month for the

first one about a lady who went to bed and didn’t get up for

sixty years. Ant Robinson 520 455

Parish Council Election

Candidates

Election 7th May

Vote for nine candidates

from the list below :

Andrew Bickerton

Olaf Brun

Vic Cross

Liz Foster

Gillian Goold

Malcolm Hipkin

Susan Nash

Karen Wadham

Jill Whitmore

Michael Wingell

Ducklings Car Treasure Hunt

Start from the Village Green

Sunday 17th May 10.00am

£5 per car

3

Mallard News

Shop window

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

Tel:

07795 958639

Local Instructor Dual Controlled Citroen DS3

Auto ‘Smart FourFour’

Pass Plus Registered

Weekly or intensive courses

PassMark Driving School Mark Large

DSA Approved Driving Instructor

West Norfolk Glass Suppliers of high quality, affordable,

double glazed windows & conservatories

Save Energy - Save Money For your free, no obligation quotation contact

your local representative Ken Johnson

on 01485 528431 or 07771 734 582

Discounted Curtain Fabric Sales Choose locally from a range of hundreds of fabrics,

all supplied at discount prices. Poles, tracks and all accessories also available

Phone/Fax - Alison 01553 840 245

Complete make up

& hanging service

Field Barn House

School Rd.

A.K.FABRICS

CHOOSE AT HOME

A Harpley Stroll

On Sunday 22nd March seven Massingham

strollers set off from the Well for a circular

walk around Harpley. Taking the Mad Dog

Lane route we joined Peddar’s Way, walked

past ‘Cocky Hoop’ and then took the foot-

path leading along a field to Low Road. The

weather was good and we saw groups of

hares chasing round the hillsides. We crossed

Low Road and took the track leading up the

hill. This part proved quite a challenge for

the less fit among us so we stopped for rest

and refreshment where a convenient bench

gives splendid views across the valley.

From there we continued down Brick Kiln

Lane (temporarily ‘Millers Walk’) into Har-

pley. Having safely negotiated Harpley, we

reassembled at Cross’s Grave and descended

the hill. When we eventually arrived back in

Massingham we collected cars and wives

and drove back to the Rose and Crown for a

well-earned traditional Sunday lunch.

You are welcome to join us on our next

strollers walk on Sunday 17th May.

Andrew Bickerton

Parish Council Report – April Meeting Seven councillors attended + Mr. Mike Tilbury

(Borough Councillor) and one parishioner.

Members welcomed Police Sergeant Tom

Metcalfe and P. C. Maria Lambert to the

meeting. A number of traffic and parking

concerns had previously been raised. As a

result, proposals to improve safety for

children, staff and parents at the school

have been produced by the police. In ad-

dition, a parishioner, Mr. Lodge, in con-

sultation with Councillor Bridger, has

also given a number of suggestions. This

matter will be considered by all members

after the forthcoming election.

The Toad Patrol Group had sent a report.

It showed, in common with the rest of the

County, a steady decline in the toad

population. However, the volunteers con-

tinue to rescue many. (See report page 9)

Elections (including Parish) will take place

on 7th May. Voting at the Village Hall.

Next meeting - Tuesday 19th May, 7 pm -

begins with the Annual Parish Meeting to

be followed by the usual monthly meeting.

4

Mallard News

Shop window

Sara Barns Seamstress

Dress Making Alteration

Loose Covers Curtains

The Old Swan, Gt. Massingham 01485 520151 Tel: 01328 878 871

Mobile: 07554 073 830

Over 25 years experience, 17Th Edition qualified,

Part P registered

Neil Brodie Electrical Contractor

Carol Walker MCFHP MAFHP Registered Member of the British Association of

Foot Health Professionals

Foot Health Practitioner

Foot Healthcare in Your Home

Contact: carolwalker3060@gmail.com

Tel: 07714192521 or 01485 520 187

The Window Doctor Trust The Window Doctor for your NEW

Windows - Doors - Conservatories Fascia, Soffit & Guttering.

Misted or broken glass sealed units replaced Jammed or failed windows & doors fixed Hinges, handles, letterboxes, locks etc replaced.

01945 585999 or www.thewindow-doctor.co.uk sales @ thewindow-doctor.co.uk

LIVE FOLKSPOT IN THE BAR Sundays 7 -10pm

Broadcast Live via Folkspot Radio

3rd May Features ‘Two Coats Colder’

10th May ‘Nobodaddy, Clarke &

Zuppardi’ - two duos from

Norwich.

17th May Features ‘Grace Solero’ and

‘Back Pages’.

31st May ‘The Plimpies’ from Suffolk

& ‘The Tildens’ from Harpley.

There will be no broadcast on 24th May.

Listen to www.westnorfolkradio.co.uk

VILLAGE HALL

REGULAR EVENTS Keep Fit Wed.12.30 to 1.30 pm

Bingo Friday at 7.30pm

Auctions Sundays

Coronation Club (4th Wed.) 2-4pm

Baby &Toddler Thurs. 10am - 11.30am

Folk Spot Sundays 7-10pm

Please use the Village Hall Bottle Bank

Village Hall Special May Events

Be sure to get your tickets for:

May 16th West Norfolk Radio - ‘Lexie Green and The

Blue Indigo’. Tickets £7 in

advance from the Village

Hall, online or £8.50 on

the night.

30th May Village Hall - The band

‘Kenny and the Motives’

playing from 8pm till late.

Tickets £6 each available

from the Village Hall or

Store or Mel Whitmore

‘Lest We Forget’ CD’s

Thirty-five CDs of the poems & music

from ‘Lest We Forget’ have been sold (£5

each) giving a total of £175. The cost of

printing totalled £128 which leaves £47 to

be donated to the Royal British Legion.

I still have a few CDs left which can be

obtained from 9, Abbey Road.

Andrew Bickerton

5

Shop window

Phone: 01485 520637 Mobile: 07780 776576

Approved coal and solid fuel merchant

For Quality Fuels at the Best Prices

CARLTON’S SOLID FUELS

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

H. I.

General Building Work Barn Conversions Extensions Conservatories Hard Landscaping Kitchens/Bathrooms Floor & Wall Tiling Decking

S.

Tim Margereson 3 Weasenham Rd

Gt.Massingham PE32 2EY

Call 07786 618787 or

01485 520745

Reasonable Rates

Contact Andy Graham

01553 630747

GUITAR TUITION

All styles and levels

Drums and other instruments

Telephone : 01760 722 168

White Cottage, School Road, Necton (opp Rectory)

JOE SISTO

TV, Video, DVD & Satellite Sales, Set-up & Repairs

Free Estimates

All Makes & Models Qualified Engineer

30 Years Experience

Work Guaranteed Discount for OAP’s

Sales, Repairs, Installations & Tuning Services

Bed & Breakfast

Oyster House

Mrs. Veronica Prentice Phone O1485 528327

www.oysterhouse.co.uk

Lynn Road West Rudham Norfolk PE31 8RW

TERRY DOWNING

WALL & FLOOR TILING SPECIALIST 25 Years Experience

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Conservatories etc FREE measure and quotation

Home: 01328 701911

Mobile: 07976 222287

Weekdays. Mornings & Afternoons.

Call Pip Armitage

07807 185746

Ducklings Pre-School c/o Gt. Massingham Primary School

Weasenham Road

Your Local Pet Care and Gardening Service mobile : 07799258666

taylors.tails.and.turnips@gmail.com www.taylorstailsandturnips.co.uk

Taylor’s Tails & Turnips

S & R Reeve All building work undertaken

Quality assured. Renovation & newbuild

Stephen Reeve

07879 885521 15, Cross Street, Harpley, King’s Lynn PE31 6TJ

sandrreeve@gmail.com

Mole Catcher

Call Steve 01485 520142

07745 163149

No Mole, No Charge! email: steveoutthere66@gmail.com

6

Mallard News

BURROWS END HOLIDAY COTTAGE Bookings are now being taken for dates

after May 30th for this converted Shippen

in rural South Shropshire.

One bedroom, sleeps two (double or twin)

with a price range from £250 to £450 per

week and short stay £50 per night.

Enquiries to Meg & John on 01485 576 375

MOBILE LIBRARY

Next two visits

12th May and 9th June

Gert & Daisy........ How are yer awl tergether then?

Well, we’re glad ter report that Daisy hev hed her gallbladder owt and is nearly back ter

normal. She managed ter git ter the ‘Wedding of the Year’ but wus very tired and hed ter

go ter bed early. That wus a gud day and of course the bride looked bootiful. Awl the

grandchildren tuk part in one way or another and really enjoyed themselves. Sid driv the

bride ter the church and then the bride and groom ter the wedding breakfast (posh) in his

old car. Bride and groom hed a luvly honeymoon in Mauritius – don’t know what’s

wrong with Yarmouth but there yew go.

Did yew hear abowt the ‘great fire of Massingham’ at the pub? That wus a grut ol’ fire

apparently and stopped them cooking food. There wus four engines and the Chief Fire

Officer and miles of hose. But the Massingham hero Firemen brought out the still smoul-

dering linen which nearly set fire to the hul village but someone managed to put it out

with a garden hose.

We wus sorry to hear Mrs Knox hed a fall in Swaffham and fractured her leg. She is

hum now and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Daisy hev got new neighbours down Weasenham Road – we hope they settle in alright

but hev heard they are furriners from Hertfordshire. The Bridgers hev moved on to Hun-

stanton – we wud go and see them but that takes too long on the bus as yew hev to go ter

Lynn fust but we wish them awl the best anyoldhow.

Yew must hev heard abowt the elections – there are a lot this toime including one fer the

Parish Council. As we are gud at putting the world ter roights we hev both stood for the

Parish Council so mek your vote count on 7th May (we hev to say that as other people

are also standing). Gert is offering to show her manifesto to anyone who is interested but

that’ll hev to be behind the bike shed. Daisy is keeping hers in her drawers.

By the toime yew read this we shud hev a new prince or princess. We think Princess

Daisy Gert Windsor or Prince Bert Sid Windsor wud be gud and as they will be living in

Anmer (not Amner loike they keep saying on the telly) they cud pop in and see us awl.

Thought of the month,

There is nothing so annoying as to have two people who keep on talking

while you are interrupting . Gert & Daisy

Great Massingham Baby and Toddler

EVERY THURSDAY

10 - 11.30 at the Village Hall

Come and enjoy toys, craft activities

and meet new faces.

Special themed session

14th May

‘We’re Going On a

Bug Hunt’

Bring Outdoor Clothes.

We will be searching

the local

area for

Snack

for

kids

£1.50

Tea

and

Cake

7

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 that special occasion

Weddings Airports

etc. Theatre

A professional & reliable service at a price you can afford.

Brian Connolly 01485 520938

Silverlink Painter & Decorator

Free Estimates

N.Davies

32 Walcups Lane Gt. Massingham 01485 520768

MOB. 07768 384 305

Shop window

For all your

gardening

Requirements

telephone

Patrick Jacques

07976981270

FUN FRIENDLY ZUMBA CLASSES

Harpley Village Hall Mon. 7 - 8 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

8

Mallard News

Victor Receives His Well Earned Award

As mentioned in April’s Mallard, Vic, as we

all know him, received the ‘Mayor’s Civic

Award for Voluntary Service’ at a special

ceremony on Wednesday, 1st April, held at

King’s Lynn Town Hall.

The picture, left, records the event and shows

Vic receiving his award from the Mayor,

Councillor Colin Manning.

Vic was one of eighteen recipients of the

Award. The ceremony was attended by many

councillors, the judges and supporters of all

the recipients. There to celebrate with Vic

were his son, Martin, Arthur and Irene Allen,

Peter Wadham and Andrew Bickerton.

Well done, Vic. Very well deserved and a

huge thank you from all our residents.

‘COMMUNITY CARS’ CASH CONFIRMED Approximately 40% of the Car Scheme’s total income is provided by

Norfolk County Council. But, with the NCC’s own finances under

considerable pressure and reductions of £189K required over three

years a big question mark was placed over our future.

A few months ago we were required by NCC to justify our case for future support. Many

details concerning how we work, the numbers of trips we make, what they are for and

the measures we take to work fairly and safely were submitted, followed by an anxious

wait of several months. However, I am pleased to report that our submission was suc-

cessful. Despite the county-wide cuts, NCC has promised to provide us with more or less

our current level funding for each of the next three years. I interpret that to mean that our

community car scheme is very well thought-of in County Hall – thanks to the good work

of our drivers and co-ordinators. The NCC decision means we can continue with our car

service much as before and accommodate the approximately 12 % increase in demand

we are currently experiencing. As always, we are very happy to enrol new drivers to the

Scheme. Please ring 01485 520 056 if you are interested. Mike Jackson (Chairman)

Picture courtesy of

Michael Fysh

C

G

Great Massingham Area

Community Car Scheme

M A

C SC

G

Great Massingham Area

Community Car Scheme

M A

C S

G

Great Massingham Area

Community Car Scheme

M A

C S

GRASSROOTS MALAWI

Saturday, 23rd May at 9am

Stalls On The Green

Please come and support our

Grassroots Malawi fund

raising. Cancelled if wet.

Many thanks.

Jenny Borley (520 542)

TREFOIL GUILD COFFEE EVENING

Thursday May 14th at 7pm Games, stall and quizzes for you to enjoy

This year the usual entrance fee of £1.50 will include

coffee and cake and a lucky ticket for a prize to be drawn

during the evening. Please come and support this very

enjoyable annual event at the Village Hall.

Your Support will be much appreciated

9

Mallard News

Toad Patrol Report for 2015 Season

Where Have the Toads Gone?

Despite the best efforts of many helpful and

very considerate drivers, residents and the

Toad Patrollers, numbers are down this year

at all three sites we patrol – Great Mass-

ingham, Little Massingham and Tythe Farm.

At least all the toad populations are healthy,

with no sign of disease and in good condition

after a mild winter.

Various factors played their part. The season

was split, starting 1st March and ending 10th

April with a break in between. Predation by

brown rats in Little Massingham and at

Tythe Farm also contributed to the drop in

numbers. But, the most significant factor in

Great Massingham was continued loss of

habitat. The toads visit the ponds en masse

during the migration season and then return

to their home ranges in hedgerows, gardens

and on the land for the rest of the year.

They are seldom seen, especially in winter,

when they bury themselves to escape the

cold.

Habitat has been destroyed over several

years due to disturbance of the grounds,

leading to a 54% drop in the recorded

population since 2012. There are no

longer streams of toads along Weasenham

Road, possibly as a result of site develop-

ment.

We can only hope that this year’s breeding

season is a successful one and the toadlets

manage to leave the ponds safely in July,

that developers are aware and avoid de-

stroying toad habitat and that everyone

with a garden continues to allow space for

the toads. Annie Ricketts

‘Mixed’ Doubles Tournament There was plenty of action, if not sunshine

and warmth, at the tennis courts on Easter

Monday, with a mixed doubles tournament.

Ten keen couples, including novices and old-

hands, kept warm by playing four matches

before most were able to relax with a well-

deserved hotdog and drink, whilst watching

the best two couples battle it out in the final.

Although it was supposed to be mixed dou-

bles, due to a slight imbalance in numbers of

male/female entrants, the final was be-

tween Toby Andersson/Toby Bernardin v

Lu Andersson/Julian Kerkham. Competi-

tiveness between siblings ensured an ex-

citing match resulting in a ‘Two Toby’

victory of 6:3 and the winners receiving

some very posh Easter eggs!

Many thanks to Penny Andersson for slav-

ing over the sausages and John Andersson

for keeping us warm... with his patio

heater, before the sun finally came out!

Also, a big thank you to Annie Lawton for

organising the event. Ali Ward

Some of the entrants

The winning pair.

10

Mallard News

A company specialising in will writing and

estate planning has continued its expansion

by opening a new office in King’s Lynn.

Inheritance Legal Services, a family-run business with offices in Ely, Cambridge and

Kettering, has opened its fourth branch office at 118 London Road, King’s Lynn. The

firm, which will be creating new jobs, offers a fresh approach to legal services and low

cost fixed fees including home visits - day or evening - and Saturday appointments.

Business development manager Ryan Taylor says, “We are making legal services more

affordable and easier to understand by offering a free estate review, reducing the jargon,

producing plain English wills and having fixed low cost fees for our service. We special-

ise in estate planning and all our legal documents are produced by qualified solicitors.”

Estate planning involves assessing the family make up and the wider situation, review-

ing the total value of all assets making up the estate and putting safeguards into place,

often via protective trusts. These trusts preserve the assets during someone’s lifetime,

ensuring they are still in the estate at death, and can benefit a family and others in the

future.

The business also sets out wills for people wanting to ensure their wishes are met and

assets passed on to their chosen beneficiaries after death. Without a will, this may not

happen and can cause lengthy delays in the distribution of the estate.

Inheritance Legal Services will also give advice on a Lasting Power of Attorney.

For further information on the services available contact Ryan Taylor on 01553 860123.

Wildlife Friendly Gardens

Gardens can be a fantastic habitat for wild-

life and provide a wonderful safety net for

many of our endangered species. Is your

garden part of a living landscape or merely

a sterile area where insects, birds and ani-

mals are unable to thrive? Below are some

tips to turn your garden into a home for

wildlife, courtesy of the

EDP.

Plant traditional nectar-rich

species not showy hybrids

for butterflies and bees.

Create a well-sited log pile.

More than 1,000 species of invertebrates

depend on dead wood for survival and a log

pile will attract fungi and provide shelter

for small mammals.

Let some of your grass grow and flower.

Long grass is beautiful and an important

habitat for many species.

Ensure wildlife can travel to and from your

garden by creating a gap at the bottom of

your fence so that hedgehogs, frogs and

toads can get through.

Provide homes such as bird boxes or insect

homes for ladybirds and other invertebrates.

Plant night-scented

flowers such as honey-

suckle and tobacco

plants for nocturnal

visitors such as moths.

Make a compost heap.

This will provide shelter

for many creatures such as grass snakes

and hedgehogs.

By just doing some of these simple things

you will benefit a multitude of creatures

and turn your garden into part of our living

landscape Andrew Bickerton

11

Shop window

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

Natural Healing

Effective relief of ailments such as:

Cancer, Muscle & Joint Pain,

Arthritis and much more.

For more information call Amanda on

07584 665 742 or www.healingbyamanda.co.uk

Wood Floor Sanding & Fitting Specialist Floor Boards, Wood Block/Parquet,

Engineered & Laminate Floors Sealing Staining Waxing Oiling

Moisture Issues, Floor levelling

Free advice & Quotes, Contact Chris on 01945 780166 or 01485 521707 or 07894791723

www.crgibbsflooring.co.uk

Digital and print photography Portrait - Wedding Commercial - Private 01485 520413

marcellophotographic@gmail.com

12

To all parishioners from Rev’d Judith Pollard

The ways in which we communicate with one another are

constantly changing and evolving. It has become so compli-

cated. Take a step back into the past... Offices had typing

pools (what are they?) and typewriters, now obsolete, once

ruled the world! Fountain pens and ink bottles aside, a hand-

written personal letter is now a rarity where once it was the

only way to exchange views and information. What will con-

stitute the archive of the future, I wonder? Not a packet of

love letters tied with ribbon in the bottom of a drawer... Let-

ters seem to be coming obsolete too as technology allows ever more immediate forms of

communication and picture sharing to become the norm.

However, a recent anthology: ‘Letters of Note’, edited by Shaun Usher, has become a

best seller; subtitled ‘Correspondence deserving a wider audience’ it celebrates the

power of letter writing and includes hugely varied treasures such as Leonardo da Vinci’s

job application letter, a pop star’s letter of advice to a troubled fan and Queen Elizabeth

II’s recipe for drop scones sent to President Eisenhower.

There is, however, one method of communication that is perennially popular: to ‘say it

with flowers!’ Whether it’s thank you, congratulations, commiserations, birthday greet-

ings or any other occasion, flowers do it best of all. April showers bring forth May flow-

ers, it is said and so true. Everywhere we look we can see the natural beauty of flowers

with their promise of sunny days ahead. The Rose of England will have been in our

minds as we recently celebrated St. George’s Day and, of course, the Blessed Virgin

Mary, mother of Our Lord Jesus, is sometimes known as the ‘mystic rose’. We have our

Easter tradition of lilies of remembrance for our loved ones at this time of year and the

flowers in our churches look particularly beautiful in Eastertide, admired by all who visit

our churches. We are hugely grateful for the commitment of the talented and creative

flower arrangers who decorate our churches throughout the year: thank you to you all.

So perhaps we can take time this May to show someone we care about that we are think-

ing of them by being rebelliously counter-cultural and sending them a handwritten letter.

Or, perhaps, it’s the right time of year for saying it with flowers? Reverend Judith

WEDDING

CONGRATULATIONS

The wedding took place at

St Mary’s, Great Massingham

on Saturday 23rd March

between

Robert Nash and Rebecca Frazer.

Many congratulations to you both.

MESSY CHURCH

No Messy Church in May. Back again on 25th June

at the Jubilee Hall, Gayton.

Looking ahead to our annual trip to the beach!

Messy Church on the Beach!

Thursday 16thJuly, 2015 leaving from Gayton -

outside the Social Club at 4pm-ish, by coach.

Cost (per person adult or child) £3 includes a seat

on the coach and a simple picnic. Children must be

accompanied by an adult. There will be a booking

list at Messy Church in June.

Or just give me a call - Revd Jane 01553 636227

Make sure you book your seat!

13

Church Services

Date Time Service Location

3rd May 9.30 am

9.30 am

11.00 am

Sung Holy Communion

Morning Prayer

Holy Communion

Harpley

Little Massingham

Great Massingham

6th May (Wed.) 9.00 am Holy Communion Harpley

10th May 10.30 am Group Holy Communion Great Massingham

14th May (Thurs.)

Ascension Day

10.00 am Sung Holy Communion Great Massingham

17th May 9.30 am

11.00 am

11.00 am

Holy Communion

Holy Communion

Family Service

Little Massingham

Harpley

Great Massingham

24th May 9.30 am

11.00 am

Morning Prayer

Holy Communion

Little Massingham

Great Massingham

31st May 10.30 am Group Family Service Grimston

Monthly Benefice Prayer Meeting - 3rd May, 6pm, All Saints Church, Ashwicken

CHURCH NEWS

Easter Day Service

Special thanks to all who donated the lilies,

decorated the church so splendidly and all

who helped to make our Easter Day service

so joyous. Special thanks also to our young

readers Rhiannan, Hannah and Alice. They

read splendidly.

Also, special thanks to Jack Bernardine for

playing the hymns for our recent Family

Praise. This was much appreciated and a

fine effort from such a young person.

Well done Jack, you are a star!

Wednesday Teas Please join us for a chat, cuppa and cake in

St Mary's Church, Great Massingham on

Wednesday afternoons form 3 - 4.30 pm.

Donations of home baked cakes are always

welcome.

Church Cleaning

On the Saturdays before our services. For

May. This will be 2nd, 9th 16th 23rd. Thank

you for your help.

Produce Stalls Our first monthly Produce Stall this year

will be on Saturday 2nd May, commencing

9.30 am on the green outside the Dabbling

Duck or in St Mary's Church if weather is

inclement. This is an opportunity to buy

home baked pies, flans, cakes, jars of jams

or pickles and possibly garden/greenhouse

produce. All donations would be gratefully

received. We look forward to seeing you.

Ascension Day Services

Services for Ascension Day on Thursday

14th May will be a sung Holy Communion

at 10am, at St Mary’s Great Massingham

and a service of prayer and meditation, at

7pm, at All Saints, Ashwicken.

NEW!

An exciting new Family Praise service is

to be held four times a year, specifically

for families who are looking for a relaxed

and exciting new way to learn about

church and God. Come and give it a go!

Sunday 31st May 10.30am at Grimston.

14

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

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

ALL ON YOUR DOORSTEP A Warm Welcome Awaits

at Heath Farm, Lynn Lane, Great Massingham

01485 520828 www.lingscountrygoods.com

Annual Membership Subscriptions Adult Couple £15 Individual Adult £10 Over 65 years £ 8 Juniors (14 –17yrs) £ 5

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

CALL TODAY

01485 521888

High quality fitted and free-standing

furniture. Individually designed,

traditionally hand-crafted and

personally installed by experts from

our Great Massingham workshops.

www.tenacityinteriors.com

Shop window

15

Award winning ham and bacon.

Car Insurance & Home Phone Package

Money Grams

National Lottery

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

OVEN CLEANING

CARPET CLEANING

SOFA CLEANING

Call the local experts now

Clean Tech

01485 609223 Card, cheque and cash

payments accepted

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

Church Contacts Revd Judith Pollard (In first instance but not Fridays) Revd Jane Holmes (Fridays)

01485 601 251 01553 636227

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 Nigel Yates 520844/07527866055

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

16

Dates for your Diary-May

Date Event Time Place

7 May Elections 7am to 10pm Village Hall

9 May Coffee Morning/Craft Fair 10.30 - 12.30 Village Hall

14 May Trefoil Guild Coffee Evening 7pm Village Hall

16 May Lexie Green & The Blue Indigo 7.30pm Village Hall

17 May Ducklings Treasure Hunt 10am The Green

17 May Strollers Walk 9.30 am At the Well

19 May Parish Council AGM & Meeting 7pm Village Hall

21 May Film Club 7 for 7.30pm Village Hall

23 May Grassroots Malawi Stall 9am The Green

23,24,25 May NNOS begins 10am to 5pm As per brochure

30 May Kenny & The Motives 8pm Village Hall

North Norfolk Open Studios (NNOS)

Great Massingham Art Trail A group of local artists is putting Great

Massingham on the map this year for the

NNOS. Studios will be open from10am-5pm,

over three weekends, commencing the bank

holiday weekend of 23rd,24th,25th May.

A flier will be available in the local shop

and brochures detailing individual studio

opening times and dates will be available from

the shop, the Dabbling Duck or the NNOS

website, as well as from various other outlets

including the artists.

Rosemary Bickerton, Sue Kingston, Peter

Lawton, Baz Pratt and Karen Wadham form

the Great Massingham Art Trail which will

be part of North Norfolk Open Studios. The

artists create a variety of art work including

cards featuring mosaic work, ceramics,

sculpture and painting using various mediums.

This will be a

chance to view

the work of local

artists and an

opportunity, if

people wish, to

purchase original

artwork.

Please support the event

Great Massingham School PFA

Coffee Morning and Table Top/Craft Sale

at Great Massingham Village Hall

Saturday 9th May 10.30 - 12.30

Please come and enjoy the delicious cakes,

have a chat and join in the fun.

Your support will be really appreciated.

The Film Club Thurs. May 21st, 7pm for 7.30pm, Village Hall

£3.50 entry. Refreshments provided.

‘Selma’ The story of

Martin Luther

King’s

campaign for

black voting

rights in

Alabama, in

1965.

Coming Soon...... June 18th Testament of Youth July 16th Still Alice August 20th Suite Francaise