The Wayland News December 2016

FREE - Issue Number 241 - Decembrrrr 2016
HAPPY CHRISTMAS - THIS PAPER IS ALWAYS FREE!!!!
An Extraordinary
Christmas Weekend
An extraordinary Free community event
is happening over Saturday 3rd
December and Sunday 4th December on
the field next to St Marys Church in
Watton IP256DQ. Mayoress Cllr Beryl
Bunning will open A Special Christmas
Weekend! at 10.00am on Saturday 3rd.
There will be mulled wine and hot
chocolate, barbecue sausages and
burgers, tea and coffee and lots of home
made cake!
There will be stalls with games the
human fruit machine, hook a duck, and
bric a brac and books and much more.
There will be generous raffle prizes given
by shops and businesses in watton, a free
1 month gymn membership at Full
Fitness Gymn to start the new year, and
many more. Santa and his elves in his
grotto will be waiting to meet you in
person, and we will have a special guest
appearance, Olaf the snowman from
Frozen, who will be in his special tent
waiting to say hello. Dress up as your
favourite Christmas character, there will
be prizes for the most Christmassy
character, Adult and Child, most
Christmassy family!
On Sunday 4th December there will be a
nativity event, with live animals, donkeys
and sheep courtesy of PACT and a
heated marquee courtesy of Weatherill
Brothers Marquees. There will be choirs
of angels, shepherds and kings and wise
people. The drama of the nativity unfolds
with the singing of carols and live
performances from Springs Dance
Company. Any who would like to join
the choir for the event can turn up for
rehearsal at St Marys Church on 30th
November at 7.00pm, all are welcome.
The Special Christmas Weekend
promises to be a fun filled joyous
occasion and is happening as a
consequence of all the goodwill of small
businesses and charitable groups in
Watton and surrounding areas, it is a
Charity event with free entry on both
days. All are welcome, Join Us! For
further information contact the event
organisers, Verity Pedlar and Revd
Deborah Hamilton-Grey on
deborah.hamiltongrey@gmail.com and
please see our website stmaryswatton.org
Festival to be held at All Saints Church,

Shipdham. This years theme is The
Colours of Christmas and it is always a
popular event with visitors from
Shipdham and neighbouring towns and
villages. The event is successful
because of the hard work and support
received by villagers and local
businesses.
It is an excellent opportunity to get
together to support many worthwhile
charities. Why not come along and
beautiful local Church and admire the

handiwork and creativity. There will be a
tombola to add to the enjoyment and
other activities from time to time. Light
refreshments are on offer
The Festival is open on Friday 2nd
December and Saturday 3rd 12-7pm and
Sunday 4th 12-4pm at which time there
will be carols among the trees with the
Salvation Army Band. There will be a
cash prize for the most popular tree, voted
for by the public.
Picture by Mark Bunning Photography

Emilia, Kaylee and Oliver in the Fire Engine at the Town Council Fireworks Extravaganza See page 3
Watton Senior Free, Fun

Conservation
Shipdham All Saints Church Citizens
Christmas
Activities
Christmas Tree Festival
for 12-19 year olds
This year is the 10th Christmas Tree browse among the lovely trees in a Party
Once again we are having a Christmas
Party for our Senior Citizens on
Saturday 10th December at Wayland
Academy in Merton Road.
The 200 FREE tickets for this are
available now at at Mullengers Estate
Agents in the High Street. First come,
First Served!
The evening will include good food,
entertainment and the opportunity to
socialise with old friends. This annual
event is funded by the community.
this Christmas
TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) are

hosting a free 3 day practical
conservation activity for 12-19 year olds
in the Watton area over the Christmas
holidays. Following a successful session
during half term, where the area next to
the Bridle Road play area in Watton was
tidied and improved, the team are back in
town to take on another practical
conservation task.
Young volunteers will get the
opportunity to learn new skills, have

fun and make a positive difference in
the community. This is a great excuse
to get outdoors over the festive period!
The first 20 young people taking part in
the scheme will get a 25 voucher to
use at Watton Sports Centre.
The activity days will run from
Monday 19th Wednesday 21st
December, 10:15am 2:15pm.
Booking is essential. For more
information or to book a place, please
contact Debbie Murray at TCV on
01603 274512 or 07740 899691 or
Email d.murray@tcv.org.uk .
This activity is funded through the
Breckland Youth Advisory Board and
is in partnership with the Wayland
Growing Together project, Watton
Sports Centre and Watton Town
Council.
The Wayland News Page 2
December 2016
December 2016
A Fireworks Extravaganza
Picture by Mark Bunning Photography

The 29th October saw the first Watton
Town
Council
funded
Firework
Extravaganza held at the Showground in
Watton by kind permission of Mr Kevin
Bowes. Gates opened early in the
afternoon for large crowds to arrive from
all over Norfolk and Suffolk. The fun
started early in the afternoon with Grays
FunFair providing adult and children
entertainment
backed
by
local
organisations providing stalls including a
wide choice of food from vegetarian to the

local scout hotdog and also the Fire
Service in attendance allowing children to
look around the fire appliance.
The grand firework display began with a
small childrens display which was warmly
received before the main event which was
a breathtaking and spectacular display
provided by Titanium Firework company.
Watton Town Council and all those
involved in bringing this event to you
would like to thank the crowds and crowds

of people who arrived from far and wide
for attending and for making this a huge
success, and look forward to seeing you in
future years.
Special thanks go to Wayland Agricultural
Society, Watton Rotary Club, Watton
Inner Wheel, Watton Fire Service, Watton
Army Cadets and Watton Air Cadets as
without their help this event could not have
gone ahead.
Carbrooke's
New Penny
News changes
Christmas Concert
in Thompson
atmospheric setting with the church lit

by candlelight we heard the story of The
Pedlar of Swaffham followed by an
interval for mulled wine, hot chocolate
and delicious food. After which we were
told some fascinating folk stories and
lastly a ghost story. It was an enjoyable
evening and if you didnt come you
missed a treat.
With the current editor standing down in

December, changes are planned with
regard to how the New Penny News is
produced and distributed in Carbrooke,
If you would still like to receive a hard
copy, please either email the parish clerk
at
carbrookeparishclerk@gmail.com
(giving your name and full address) or
write to The Parish Clerk at Oakleigh
House, Shipdham Lane, Scarning, NR19
2LB with the same information.
St. Martins church is hosting a

Christmas concert featuring The
Bellfolk, handbell ringers of note, on
18th December at 3pm. Join us for an
afternoon of music and singing. On
arrival there will be a welcome drink and
mince pie. Further refreshments will be
available to purchase. 5 entrance with
children free. For details and tickets
please ring 01953 488911.
Thompson Story Telling
In October a small audience came with

blankets and cushions for a cosy evening
of storytelling with Peter and Dave. In an
St Marys for
Coffee and Chat
Thursday 1st December 10-12noon

Thursday Chat a social coffee morning at
St Mary's, Watton. This will continue in
2017 on 1st Thursday of each month.
All are welcome.
Dance Away at The Queens Hall

Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dancing
8pm - 11pm Admission 4
December 3rd
Bingo at Ashill
Ashill Community Centre (ACC)
Tuesday 6th December
Cash Prizes - Eyes down 7.30pm in aid of ACC
December 2016
In your garden
With Lotta Potts
I had started this month's offering/space
filler/drivel when I came across a piece in
the national press headlined Got the
blues... why not try gardening? I hope
Orbiter will stay with me on this. It is a
report by some scientists and an
environment expert, Dr Ross Cameron, a
lecturer at Sheffield University. He was
delivering the RHS' annual John MacLeod
Lecture and came up with the theory that
gardening could help our mental well-being
as well as our physical. Dr Cameron
suggests that many people's modern
lifestyles, working in grey buildings with
hours spent staring at computer screens
and stuck in traffic saps our spirits. He
calls it 'nature deficit disorder': we are
less observant of the natural world and
actually doing less physically. At this
time of year it's obvious if you are at
work all day, coming home in the dark
then it rains all weekend your outdoors
activities whether gardening or going for
a walk are going to be curtailed. There
also seems to be less enthusiasm for
getting out into open spaces as previous
generations did. Green spaces make us
more relaxed. He used the term 'stressbusting'. Importantly, evidence suggests
that regular gardening may reduce the risk
of heart disease, cancer and obesity (in May
the King's Fund health think tank suggested
gardening should be prescribed on the
NHS). Gardening also improves balance,
helping to prevent falls in the elderly.
Dementia patients benefit, one trial showed
that six months of gardening at home
resulted in a slow-down of cognitive
decline over the next 18 months.
That turned out to be longer than I thought
it would but maybe we should give it a bit
of thought. After all quite a lot of
gardening does come cheap if not free as
well as having the benefits above. I have to
thank Dr MacLeod for the information I
have lifted from his lecture and I hope he
won't mind my spreading it around
Breckland.
Here we go into the festive season. I
really think that somewhere we lost a
month and it would be really helpful to
have two Octobers and one November
then December. The normal November
just gets lost in the rush so we are well
behind once the middle of the month
arrives and the list for the beginning of
December just gets longer. It also is the
darkest month with the shortest day 20th
or 21st I forget which. Ah well.
It's a great month for planning the garden,
making lists of all the plants you'd like to
see next year and another few lists aren't
going to make a lot of difference to the
ones you already have for the big shop.

They might get mixed up and that could be
interesting: pudding, turkey, potato sets,
custard, cuddly toys you see, much more
fun. Reading catalogues and making yet
another list of seeds for next year is
uplifting for the wetter days. Then the next
wet day reduce the wish list by half with
respect to the area available and the budget.
Eventually order about a quarter of what
you started with. I always, always get too
many onion sets and seed potatoes as I
want to try new varieties of both and it's not
always possible to buy small quantities. If
you are a fellow traveller on this front and
find a way round it let me know.
I'm having a quick look at my RHS book
for December advice and guess what?
Back on the snow! They are obsessed with
the stuff. The best part of it is that your
garden looks no worse than everyone else's
and the whole thing looks rather pretty. If
we get any don't tread on the garden at all.
The downside is you'll probably need to
clear paths and the drive. Invest in a wide
plastic shovel. They work heaps better than
a normal metal spade.
Normally it will be just wet and probably
dank so we can get outside. The next
section is on trees, shrubs and climbers.
First thing shake snow off trees and
shrubs! They're at it again. Continue to
plant new trees and shrubs and check after
windy or frosty weather to make sure they
haven't lifted. If there are cracks around the
root area tread the earth down so that the
roots are in contact with the soil and are
firmly in. If the plant has lifted too far it's
probably worth taking it out and re-planting
it properly You won't find that in any
advice books but honestly it does happen.
If you didn't half-prune roses earlier in the
autumn it should be done now to prevent
wind-rock. Don't do it if it's frosty as this
will get in through the wounds and kill
the stems. Now's the time to prune
overgrown deciduous hedges. They will
be dormant now so take them back to
manageable sizes. Make the hedges
tapered so that the top is narrower than
the bottom to prevent damage from, you
guessed, snow! This is called a 'batter'
for some reason. You can prune just
about any decidous tree or bush to keep
it within bounds, raise the canopy or
correct the direction of growth. Don't
overdo it. Step back every now and
again to make sure you are achieving the
right effect. Also remember that growth
follows the knife so try to spot a dormant
bud that faces the right way and prune to
that. It's unlikely you'll kill anything by
pruning it. The results might not be what
you wanted but nine times out of ten
they'll grow away again.
Clear fallen leaves from the lawn and the
crowns of perennials. Wet leaves cause rot.
The Growing
Together
Project
Acorn Fair
In conjunction with The Wayland Partnership,

funded by the peoples postcode lottery. A date
for the diary!
January always seems such a quiet time of the
year after all the frenetic happenings of the
Festive Season, not so in 2017 with the Acorn
Fair happening at the Queens Hall, Watton.
To complement the aims of the community
Growing Together Project the theme of the fair
will be Nurture. Nature. Future
and will
encompass and promote all aspects of
conservation, wildlife and the natural world.
Come along and see which project your
community is taking part in with local maps,
However, wet leaves make wonderful leaf

mould so bag them up. If you don't have
enough to make a decent bag full mix them
in with the regular compost. Leaves
compost more slowly than the rest of the
contents of the bin or heap but mixed in
thoroughly they shouldn't be a problem.
Any that have fallen on the soil can be left.
The worms will take them down to
condition the soil and you can plant bulbs
and container-grown plants though them.
The layer of red and gold fallen leaves can
look really pretty on the soil and will
(hopefully) smother the weeds.
There are plants that are at their best this
month and it's a good idea to have one or
two to sustain any bees that have come out
on a mild day and, of course, the birds.
Most of these plants have either scented or
showy flowers or berries. Holly is the
obvious one that will grow in any fertile
well-drained soil. You may need two to get
a good show of berries. Spotted laurel is a
varigated evergreen which produces bright
red berries on female varieties. The plain
laurel to me looks extremely gloomy,
reminiscent of Victorian shrubberies. A
brighter sight is Mahonia with long spikes
of fragrant, deep yellow flowers. There are
many varieties but it's best at the back of
a border as most of them have vicious
thorns. The same goes for pyracantha. A
beautiful species with lovely white
blossom in spring and red, orange or
yellow berries in autumn/winter. It has
to be pruned with loppers at arm's length
and the gardener needs thick clothing and
heavy-duty gloves.
Chimonanthus
praecox or wintersweet flowers this
month. I believe I mentioned a while
back that I planted one some years ago
and after six years it flowered. It's
supposed to be 'fragrant'. It does have a
scent but if your idea of fragrant is along
the lines of lily-of-the-valley or roses,
wintersweet isn't it. It produces this
enormous straggly bush and I fear that
this might be its last year. I hate killing
anything green (except weeds obviously)
but eventually some things outlive their
usefulness or novelty. In a small garden
one has to be ruthless about mistakes. I
think I'll swap it for a lonicera purpusii,
the shrubby honeysuckle. This grows to
6' x 6' with white flowers in winter.
Should keep the odd bee happy. There
are some winter-flowering clematis
'Freckles' and 'Winter Beauty' spring to
mind but will need a bit of shelter. With
luck some of the earliest crocus and
hellebores will put in an appearance, not
forgetting the glorious snowdrop.
Merry Christmas to all and don't forget on
mild days to keep weeding as one plant that
will appear whatever the weather is hairy
bittercress with tiny white flowers that
spread thousands of seeds.
photographs and information. There will also be a

display of Julian Horns excellent archive
photographs entitled Loch Neaton Nostalgia.
There will be lots of activities for young and old
alike including workshops to encourage children
to go wild in the great outdoors and connect
with nature. Come along and learn about such
diverse subjects as the wonders of wormeries,
and the art of composting. Discover all about the
natural habitat of The Brecks and its diverse
wildlife, including a photographic exhibition and
stands from all the major wildlife and
conservation charities.
All the old favourites of tombola, lucky dips, arts
and crafts will be on offer plus the chance to plant
a daffodil and make a wish, or Grow an Oak Tree
from our acorns. If the January weather brings a
lovely crisp, chilly day bacon rolls and steaming
mugs of hot chocolate, tea and coffee will be on
sale.
So, put the date of Saturday 21st January 2017,
10am til 2pm in your diary now and we look
forward to seeing you there.
Pam Morgan
Growing Together Project Worker
December 2016
The Pictures
By Ken Knowles
When I was about eight years old my mother

introduced me to a new world of entertainment.
Up till then I had, no doubt, been taken to
pantomimes or circuses, although I dont recall
much about them. But I have no trouble
remembering my first visit to a cinema, for even
at that young age I was so impressed that even
today I can bring the image to mind in vivid
detail.
The film that so took my attention was called
Gold Diggers of 1933, and was one of the first of
the many glorious musicals that Hollywood has
produced over the years, with all the lavish dance
scenes that have defined the genre, and it may
well have been the first really great film of the
talking picture era, since
the first real talkie, the Jazz Singer, had
appeared only a few years before.
Where I lived (Stoke Newington, in north
London) we were probably more well provided
with cinemas than anywhere else, as the main
road forming its eastern boundary, from Stamford
Hill to Dalston, gave access to as many as ten
picture houses, while on the parade of shops near
my house there was another small one, which like
all such small outlets, was referred to, most
unkindly, as the fleapit.
Naturally, as a small boy, I normally only got the
chance to visit any of these unless my mother
could find the odd afternoon in my school
holidays to take me, so my involvement with the
movies was mainly confined to what we knew
as the Tuppeny Rush (soon the price became
three- pence) which was a Saturday morning
special programme at a leading cinema, for
children only. This popular show could have well
been named the Mad House, for to deal with a
thousand or more screaming kids must have been
a terrible ordeal for the staff, order of a sort only
being restored when the program actually began.
This consisted of about half a dozen short films,
one of which would be a Western, then a comedy
(probably a Laurel & Hardy, The Three Stooges
or Charlie Chaplin) then an episode of some cliffhanging serial to entice the audience back the
following week, while the biggest cheer of the
morning would be when the face of Mickey
Mouse, Donald Duck or Goofy heralded a Walt
Shipdham & District

Book Group
The Book discussed on 19th October was The
Visitors by Sally Beauman. The book is told
through the eyes of Lucy as a child and as an
elderly lady looking back on her life. Her mother
died when she was 11 through the typhoid which
she also contracted and her acadmic, disinterested,
father sent her to Egypt to recover in the care of an
American governess. This coincides with the
excitement around the archeological digs and and
intrigues leading to the discovery of
Tutankhamuns tomb. Lucy found a friend in
Frances and the children eavesdrop on adult
conversations and activities. Inevitably Howard
Carter, Lord Canarvon and other well known
characters are interwoven with the wholly
fictitious. As an old lady Lucy thinks over her
secrets from the past, mistakes she made and the
people involved and tries to make sense of it all.
It was a coincidence that the discussion took place
in the same week as ITVs new drama based on
Are You a Carer?

West Norfolk Carers Can Help
If you are looking after a family member or a
friend because they struggle to look after
themselves, and you are not paid for doing so,
then you are a carer. And the chances are you will
need some help and support. West Norfolk Carers
is here to support unpaid family carers because
we understand the stresses and strains you may
face. We run Carers Groups in Downham
Market, Swaffham, Kings Lynn and Hunstanton
and we run Young Carers groups (from as young
as 7 years old up to 18 years). We can visit carers
to help assess your needs and advise on grants,
benefits, activities, which organisations you

Disney cartoon.
My personal involvement in real films didnt
come until I had left school, and by that time the
Second World War was well under way, when
surprisingly, in spite of the dangers brought by
the blitz and the difficulties caused by the
blackout, the cinema became more popular than
ever, though no-one referred to it other than the
pictures. Going to the pictures was the most
popular (and available) pastime for folks of all
ages, and also was the platform for most first
dates for young couples.
Most films in those wartime days were American
because their involvement in the hostilities did
not occur until later, but nevertheless British ones
did still appear from time to time, and although
often they were of a poor standard, the good ones
were first class.
Those films frequently reflected the war, and
featured most of our leading male actors, with
support from well-known female stars, though the
glamorous side of things was mainly left to
Hollywood.
Naturally, as visiting the cinema was the main
recreation for the whole nation, the film industry
took every opportunity to advertise their products,
and the press packed their inner pages with
articles about the stars and their private lives, and
many fans made certain that they purchased the
Picture-goer magazine, which became their hand
-book containing all the facts and figures on the
subject, as well as a good supply of pin-up
photos of the favourites.
As many of these were actors and actresses who
were already established before the outbreak of
war, their salient details had been well publicised
in the issues of cigarette cards that had flooded
the country in the late thirties, so names such as
George Arliss, Richard Arlen, Errol Flynn,
Barbara Stanwyck, Marlene Dietrich and
Constance Cummings, were only a tiny few of
the many that were in continual use. As the war
progressed the popularity of male stars increased,
usually in military roles, so that we came to know
and admire the likes of John Mills, Kenneth
More, Eric Portman, Bernard Miles and Richard
Attenborough among scores of others.
Although the British produced some excellent
comedy films from time to time, the lighter side
of the business was mainly left to Hollywood,
where they specialised in such enterprises as the
Road films, with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby,

while Abbott and Costello were typical headliners
of the era.
Of course there were serious and often highly
dramatic offerings, and these often proved the
most successful of all, and often a really sad
ending to a story would find the audience leaving
at the end of a performance with tears still
streaming down their faces. Those films were
popularly known as weepies.
At the other end of the spectrum were the many
fine musicals, that have formed a major part of
my memories, such as My Fair Lady, Singing in
the Rain, West Side Story , Oliver, An American
in Paris, Oklahoma, Annie Get Your Gun and so
many more.
One aspect of the film world which has changed
enormously, just like our everyday lifestyles, is
the lowering of standards in regard to morals and
language. I have an indelible memory of the film
Pygmalion in 1938, in which a famous scene ends
with the words Not bloody likely, a phrase that
would hardly be the cause of a raised eyebrow
today, but which, at the time, caused the audience
to gasp in horror, so that it was difficult to hear
the following dialogue for several minutes.
Going to the cinema has completely changed
from my days as for one thing the air was always
thick with cigarette smoke, since 95 per cent of
the population were smokers. But the main
change was in the make-up of the shows, which
were continuous throughout the afternoon and
evening, and usually consisted of a newsreel
followed by a B picture, a short ( maybe a
travelogue) and then the main feature film.
Probably there would then be a very short break,
and then the whole show would be repeated.
Since the majority of the audience would find it
expedient to go there straight from their
workplace this meant that would most likely
arrive in time to see the last twenty minutes or
so of the big picture, so that, if was a crime
film, they would find out whodunit without
really knowing what they had dun. This was
the origin of the expression This is where we
came in, which we oldies use whenever a
friend starts to repeat him-self. These days it
seems a bit of a swindle when we pay good
money just to see one film only, with no Full
supporting programme.
But thats show business.
Tutankhamun which crept in despite valiant

attempts to ignore it, not all present having
watched it. The book had a mixed reception within
the group with reactions varying from those who
couldnt stand it and didnt finish it, through some
approval peppered with several adverse comments
to the ecstatic enthusiasm of its main proponents.
Criitcisms were based on the books length; the
unrealistic views and expressions used by the
children aged 8 and 12 in 1922; the large number
of characters and sub-plots and comments
included dull, dreary and tedious. The enthusiasts
accepted the characters real and fictional, enjoyed
the background and thought it an interesting well
written novel with a story constantly unfolding and
fascinating background. A suggestion was made
that it could well have made more thasn one book
with the observation that the author was at the end
of her life and may have had more material than
she could deal with in the time left.
The book for discussion at the November meeting
was The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson.
This is an attempt to revisit some of the places,
plus a few more, depicted in his original, Notes
From a Small Island, after twenty years, much of

which has been spent in the United Kingdom.
This book had a very mixed reception with some
members disliking the author anyway and others
finding it too long for a continuous read.
Someone compared it with Bradshaw meeting
Wainright but it never set out to be a guide book.
All agreed it is funny in parts, sometimes
hilarious but this is not sufficient to keep the
interest. One suggested that it seems more
popular with male readers. There was a feeling
from some that Bryson had tried to be funny by
being critical which raised the question of why he
has chosen to live here for such long periods. On
the whole most found the best chapters depicting
parts of the country with which they are familiar
whilst not appreciating some of his derogatory
comments on the inhabitants of Norfolk and
negative assessment of other areas.
The meeting in December will take the form of
passages of prose or poetry chosen by members
with possible seasonal nibbles. For discussion
in January we are reading Go Set a Watchman
by Harper Lee
should approach and so on. Were here to give

you a friendly shoulder to lean on.
Recently WNC was awarded funding to run a
TRANSFORMING LIVES project targeted at
young adult carers 35 years and under. Here we
can offer all the above support plus free training
to improve your personal wellbeing. Training
and workshops can help you in areas such as
stress management, self-confidence, life and
parenting skills, career planning, job ready skills,
opportunities to access volunteering and work
plus give you the chance to have some time for
yourself on something you enjoy, eg cooking
tuition, nutrition, relaxation classes, drama, music
or activity sessions.
Interested? For an informal chat and to gain more
information call West Norfolk Carers on:
01553
768155
or
email
on
info@westnorfolkcarers.org.uk or go to http://
www.westnorfolkcarers.org.uk/.
Were here to help you.
Defibrillator installed
Carbrooke at the
Aerolite Garage
The Parish Council is pleased to announce that

it has installed a Defibrillator at the Aerolite
Garage on Norwich Road. The equipment has
been installed with the support of the owners of
the garage and in conjunction with the
Community Heartbeat Trust.
Great Hockham
Gardening Club
Arboriculture: Sometimes the weather
just makes you want to draw the
curtains and hunker down, so it was
encouraging to have twenty-one brave
souls attend our November meeting.
Also braving the conditions was our
speaker, Tom West (pictured). It was
soon evident that the effort of turning
out was well rewarded as we had a
most interesting and enlightening talk at
a level not usually encountered in dayto-day gardening.
Tom started by outlining his journey
with trees from a boy working in
Somerset with his father, working as a
sub-contractor for various people for
about five or six years before starting
his own business in Norfolk. During
this time Tom has worked in Mauritius
and also spent a couple of years in New
Zealand, staying on for an extra six
weeks to help clear up after a
particularly severe storm. He has
always had an interest in conservation
December 2016
and had considered this as a career
option, but events led him to specialise
in arboriculture which is, as he pointed
out, a form of conservation.
What is arboriculture? It is not just
about cutting down trees. It covers the
care and maintenance of trees and
hedges, understanding the pests and
diseases that affect them and providing
a suitable remedy. This requires the
appropriate qualifications, particularly
if you expect to get work with some of
the
larger
institutions.
Toms
qualifications include the National
Diploma in Conservation, City and
Guilds in Arboriculture, Level 4
Diploma in Arboriculture (in progress)
and Lantra Professional Tree Inspection
(in progress).
Tom bought in a large range of
equipment and took us through their
correct use. There was the pit harness,
which always included a small first aid
kit. If you have a problem with a
chainsaw there might not be ample time
to descend the tree to receive treatment.
How do you get up a tree? In addition
to a ladder there was the inevitable rope

method. In order to get a rope around a
high branch he had a device called a
throw pod, a small weight. This was
attached to a light low friction line. The
throw pod was then fired over the
branch by what can only be described
as an industrial catapult. Crossbows are
often used for this purpose, but the
modern piece of kit was described as an
American gas gun. Tom showed us
various pieces of rope related
equipment, most of which originated
from mountaineering and caving. There
were some big boys toys: a selection of
chainsaws. One of them was rather
small and, interestingly, legally not
permitted to be sold to the general
public. This was because, being so
small, it would lend itself to one-handed
use: somewhat dangerous.
Tom then moved on to some of the
literature relevant to his profession. He
had bought along a veritable library and
gave us a brief description of the
specialised information they contained.
Topics included tree physiology,
biomechanics, diseases and many other

tree related subjects. Tom then
expanded on a couple of well-known
pathogens including Dutch elm disease
and ash dieback. Toms talk concluded
with a look at some tree related
sculptural morphologies produced by
the tree in response to physical or
biological injury.
The talk was well received by all and
afterwards we had the
chance to examine the items
described above in some
detail. Should anyone have
the need to rectify any tree
related problems, help is at
hand. Tom can be reached at
Treecreeper Arboriculture,
01953 498339. More details
at http://treecreeperarb.co.uk.
This months competition
results
Floral:
First:
Sue
Cunningham. Second: Jane
Dalton. Third: Sue Thomas.
Fruit / Vegetables: First:
Hazel Dunn. Second: Matt
Cunningham. Third: Sue Cunningham.

Seasonal Photograph: First: Hazel
Dunn. Second: Patrick Alzetto. Third:
Jane Dalton.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday
14th of December at Hockham village
hall. This will be a social and will
consist of a Christmas themed quiz.
Doors open at 13:30. Hilarity will
commence almost immediately.
Busy times for Air Cadets
Once again cadets from 864 Watton Squadron have been rushed
off their feet with plenty of events to prepare for and attend.
October saw our last events to celebrate the Air Training Corps
75th Anniversary. Two cadets from Watton attended the
prestigious Regional Parade at Lincoln Cathedral and Castle to
join 600 cadets and staff from the six Wings in Central and
Eastern Region. Attending the service was Commandant Air
Cadets Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, the Lord Lieutenant
of Lincolnshire, Mr Toby Dennis, His Grace the Duke of
Rutland, Air Commodore Jon Ford RAF (Retd), Group Captain
Nigel Gorman the Regional Commandant, Group Captain
Graham Bowerman and other distinguished guests.
At the end of the month
Cadet Emily Cox
(right) and Cadet Flight
Sergeant Helenor Cox
together with their
Commanding Officer,
Flight
Lieutenant
Matthew Miller and
Squadron Chair Mrs
Carol Cox represented
the Squadron at the
burial of the Norfolk &
Suffolk Wing time
capsule. The time
capsule has spent a
week
with
each
Squadron in the Wing and has been filled with mementos to be
retrieved in 25 years. The time capsule has been buried at the
Wing HQ in Norwich to be recovered on 5th February 2041.
November started with a bang at the Watton Town Council
firework display. The cadets from our Squadron worked together
with the Army Cadets to help park cars. It was a fantastic
evening that was enjoyed by all. On the 11th of November, our
cadets attended the Armistice Day Ceremony in Chaston Place to
remember the fallen and on the 12th they proudly stood for the
service, during which they helped place a poppy cross at each of
the Commonwealth War Graves in St Marys Church yard.
On Sunday, the 13th our cadets joined with other local
organisations, the Mayor of Watton and the local public for the
Remembrance Parade. Cadet F/S Cox carried the Standard for
864 Watton Squadron, Cadet Cpl Joshua Reynolds placed the
wreath at the War Memorial and Cdt Emily Cox had the honour
of reading the lesson at St. Marys Church.
During this busy time, our cadets have been practising their drill
and continuing to enjoy the Air Cadet Experience at parade
evenings. Congratulations to Cadet F/S Helenor Cox on her
recent promotion from Sergeant to Flight Sergeant. 864
Squadron parades on Mon and Wed evenings at the Drill Hall,
Watton Airfield, Watton from 7pm to 9:30pm and welcomes all
young people aged between 12 (year 8) and 18 years. They are
currently recruiting. For further information, please email
oc.864@aircadets.org
Letter to the Editor
My sincere thanks to the kind person who picked my hearing

aid up from the car park at Tescos in Watton on Wednesday
November 9th. Thank you for taking it into the shop and I
was able to pick it an hour later.
Pauline Hardy, Ashill.
The Inner Wheel
As usual the month has passed quickly and

the members of Inner wheel have had
plenty of diverse activities to keep them
occupied. Several ladies were able to join
members of the Rotary Club in October for
their Annual Charter Night at which
President Heather Hewson was one of the
guests. Later that month, and in rather
different attire (florescent jackets, no less!)
some Inner Wheel ladies joined with Rotary
again, this time to help as marshals for the
magnificent town Firework Display. A
team of four made its annual appearance in
the town quiz organised by the Watton
Society where, to the great astonishment of
all concerned, the quizzers acquitted
themselves reasonably well by finishing
second! And then there was the Pudding
Evening how scrumptious was that?
Organised by Brenda Davis this took place
at her home where over 30 people were
able to indulge in a huge variety of
delicious desserts, preceded by a
Ploughmans Platter and accompanied by
a little tipple. This evening spent in
December 2016
convivial company raised 222.00 for the
Presidents Charity which this year seeks to
support the Norfolk and Norwich
University Hospital.
The speaker at the November monthly
meeting was Gay Skipper who gave a very
informative talk about the origins and
continued work of the Thursday Club. This
remarkable organisation has, for many
years, provided a special space for adults
who suffer from various forms of handicap.
Founded by the late Nell Horn, the Club is
run entirely by volunteers and its activities
range from quizzes and discos to craft
evenings and outings, and lots more beside.
As long term supporters of the Thursday
Club it was very good to hear, at first hand,
something of the amazing work which the
group is able to do. At the end of her talk,
Pam Challand expressed the thanks of the
meeting and Mrs Skipper was presented
with a cheque by the President (pictured).
As Christmas approaches, IW members are
gearing up for another busy time: first is the
Pretty Parcels stall to look out for at the
Town Festive Market (November 27th ),
then do come and join us for coffee and
cakes at Queens Hall between 9:30 and

11:30 on December 3rd. Rehearsals for the
much anticipated Lunchtime Concert on
December 7th are in full swing and we look
forward to welcoming you to this festive
treat. (Remember the new start time is
11:30) Thank you for all the support you
give to our IW and the members all join in
sending you very best wishes for Christmas
and the New Year. Lesley Cowling Club
Correspondent.
breakers. Specially trained staff travelled

abroad to decrypt signals.
Despatch riders came to Bletchley from all
over the country to collect and deliver
encrypted messages which were in many
languages.
There was an exhibition about the film

called The Imitation Game, which was
filmed at Bletchley Park. We saw the room
where many of the scenes were filmed.
Today Bletchley Park work still goes on at
GCHQ in Cheltenham.
U3A visit to
Bletchley Park
A group of U3A members visited Bletchley

Park, home of the World War 2 code
breakers, on Thursday 3rd November. We
learnt that the code breakers came from all
walks of life, and they all had to sign the
Official Secrets Act on arrival.
Alan Turing was the head code breaker, and
Gordon Welchman was another important
code breaker. The initial machines that were
developed were called the Enigma
machines, followed at a later date by the
Bombe, which was designed to aid the code
breaking method used by Turing and his
colleagues at Bletchley Park. Turing was
responsible for breaking Germanys most
secret codes. Listening stations paid a key
part in the intelligence gathering story.
Radio amateurs were recruited as secret
listeners in 1938, and played an important
part in passing on messages to the code
Local villagers
remember the
fallen
A gathering of about 45 people from
Hockham, Larling, Shropham and
Wretham gathered at St Ethelbert, East
Wretham, on Remembrance Sunday to

remember the dead of two world wars
and other conflicts.
The Rev Tony Heywood led prayers
outside the church at the war memorial,
before Wretham and Hockham branch
Royal British Legion secretary and
treasurer Miles Howard read the
Exhortation and names of the fallen,
followed a two minute silence.

Wreaths were laid from representatives
of the four villages before the
congregation moved into the church for
the remainder of the service, during
which the Legion standard was laid upon
the altar, readings were by Mr Howard
and Rebecca Leech and a collection was
taken for the Earl Haig Fund.
Presentation of Bible
Watton Society Annual Quiz
At a special service held recently a new pulpit Bible, in a modern

translation, was presented to Watton Methodist church. It was
received by the Minister Rev. Eleanor Reddington. This gift, suitably
inscribed, was from the members of the Tuesday Afternoon
Fellowship in celebration of their 80th Anniversary which they
marked with a number of events earlier in the year. It was also given
in loving memory of Margaret Fitzgerald by members of her family
Margaret was a loyal and well respected part of the Fellowship
group. Grace Rumsby had the privilege of being the first person to
deliver the reading from this new Bible which will remain on the
lectern in the church and be used regularly during services.
The Watton Society held their ever popular annual quiz on

2nd Nov in the Queens Hall. 12 highly competitive teams of
four competed.
The winners by a good margin were the U3A1. They are
shown receiving the trophy from Chairman John Kerr.
Certificates are being prepared for presentation to M/s Susan
Shepherd Page, Janet Cox, Marion Smith and Arthur
Rawbone who made up the successful team.
The Caston Camera Club kindly accepted the booby prize for
supporting the remaining teams.
December 2016
Christmas Bingo
Tuesday 20th December
Wells Cole Community Centre Saham Toney
Doors 6.30pm Eyes Down 7.30pm
Prizes and Cash Raffle
Sonyas Christmas Cake.
If you havent already done so, there is still time

to make this delicious cake ready for the festive
season. Sonya says its easy and fool proof and
very moist sounds like my kind of baking so
maybe I should get busy.
Ingredients: 8oz butter or soft Margarine, 8oz
soft brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 10oz flour (plain
or self-raising), box glace cherries (washed
and cut in half), 1 jar mincemeat, Ilb mixed fruit,
1 teaspoon mixed spice.
Method: Cream fat and sugar together until
fluffy and then add in the three beaten eggs. Fold
in the dried fruit, mincemeat and cherries.
Line the sides and base of an 8 tin with 4 layers
of greaseproof paper, place mixture in tin and
level the top. Make a collar of 3 folds of
newspaper to wrap round the outside of the tin to
prevent burning. Bake at 170 degrees C, gas
mark 3 for one hour then test with skewer. Bake
for a further 2 hours, testing every hour until
skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool overnight
and turn out. Sonya Thompson
Watton U3A and

Weatherquest
At our October meeting, Jim Bacon a TV

Weatherquest presenter, gave a talk on how they
compile the weather forecasts for the UK. He
started off by telling us, that when he was young
he worked in the Fens in West Norfolk on a
farm, which started his interest in the weather.
There are many people that rely on the weather
forecasts to enable them to run their businesses
successfully. For example, ports, oil rigs, wind
farms,
racecourses,
farmers
and the
construction industry. Also, the economy
saves fortunes by receiving forecasts. He gave
us an example. When we get daytime storms
and it becomes dark, this makes the street
lights come on and the electricity companies
need to boost the electric supply. He told us
that 25% more power stations would be
needed if there were no weather forecasts.
Jim told us that a lot of our weather comes from
the west. They rely on instruments all over the
world to enable them to give accurate forecasts
for several days. They buy in data from a model
that runs 50 forecasts. This is known as
Ensemble forecasting. He spoke in laymans
terms enabling us to follow everything he was
saying. Jim ended his talk by telling us that when
he retires he is going to write a couple of weather
books. A thoroughly interesting and educational
talk enjoyed by everyone.
In October we entered two teams in the quiz run
by The Watton Society. One team came about
half way in the points table but the other team
came first winning the shield. Congratulations to
Marion, Susan, Janet and Arthur.
The speaker for November will be John
Newmeir with Why do we say that?
There are still places available for our Christmas
lunch at Richmond Park Golf Club on Friday
2nd December. The price is 16 per person. We
will be holding our Christmas party at The
Watton Sports Centre on Friday 9th December.
The No 2 Pub Lunch Group will be meeting at
The Windmill at Necton on Tuesday 29th
November. There will be no more pub lunches
until February next year. Please contact our
Membership Secretary, Anita Taylor on 01953
881110 if you would like to become a member of
the Watton U3A, or would like further details.
For further details on the National U3A, go to
www.u3a.org.uk
Thank You
The Macmillan coffee morning held at 95,

Nelson Court raised 426 which was our biggest
total to date. Thank you so much to all our
friends who donated or attended and raised such
a magnificent sum for this worthwhile cause.
Special thanks to our helpers Jill Beech, Trevor
and Sue Bunce, Pam Challand, Lesley Cowling,
Brenda Davis, Carol Haythorpe, Stella Langford
and Stella Leonard.
The money raised goes to help people in Norfolk
so thank you all for your generosity. Dave and
Jenny Simons.
Unique an example of
Norfolk Eccentricity . . .
Such was the description given by guests at an event held at the Watton Christian
Community Centre recently. Attended by the Bishop of Norwich, Rt. Rev
Graham James (below right), and the Chairman of the East Anglia District of the
Methodist Church, Rev. Julian Pursehouse (left), a lunch party for about 80
people was held to celebrate 30 + 1 years since the two congregations of St
Marys Church and Watton Methodist Church signed a Sharing Agreement to
work together to provide and maintain the Hall in the centre of Watton which
could be used by church and community for many differing events.
Mr. Pursehouse urged those present to treasure this unique enterprise while the
Bishop commented on the eccentric nature of a 30 + 1 celebration! The hall was
dressed to impress for lunch with the most amazing and delicious buffet
supplied by church members and attractively served for all to enjoy. During a
short service which followed the lunch, Rev. James referred to the vision of those
who had the original idea and the perseverance to carry it through to a
successful conclusion. To these men, Cecil Chapman and Charles Cooper, the
Centre stands as a lasting legacy in the town. At the close of the event the guests
of honour cut a celebration cake made by Gail Adcock and tea was served.
The Centre is administered by a joint Council and is used regularly by a wide
range of organisations and individuals: more people are always needed to help
with its maintenance and upkeep if there is anyone willing to join in with this
project the Ministerial Team (01953 881439 and (01760 720858) or the
Administrator ( 01953 881451) will be delighted to hear from you. Lesley Cowling
The HAPPY Project
Another month has flown by and The HAPPY Project has once again been busy.
The games group in the Library continues to thrive and those attending the group
enjoy themselves enormously, so much so that they are known to overrun the
supposed time slot that they have. John said that they were having so much fun
they forget the time, which is good.
The social group had its second evening meeting at The Willow House and
decided on some events that they thought folks would enjoy. They booked to go
on a Ghost Walk in Norwich, havent heard how spooked they were, Ill keep you
informed on that one! There is also going to be a Bowls night at Dereham very
soon at the time of writing a date was yet to be decided.
The next evening meeting will be on Tuesday 21st November at The Hare and
Barrel, which unfortunately will have been and gone by the time you read this.
Keep an eye out on Social Media and in the local papers for further information.
You can of course, always contact me and I can let you know what has been
planned or point you in the direction of someone who may know!
The Family Art and Craft Group that has been operating on some Saturday
mornings at Great Cressingham Village Hall have had some lovely times recently.
At the end of October, we carved Pumpkins, made masks and iced cupcakes. (we
also ate cupcakes and we all enjoyed that too)!
Last weekend we enjoyed making and decorating Gingerbread Men, making
shapes out of new lolly sticks and decorating them as well as bead threading and
drawing, we were very busy and had lots of fun. Did you know that if you turn a
Gingerbread Man upside down you can make a stunning Rudolph?
The next Family Art and Craft Group will be on Saturday 17th December 2016,
the activities on offer have yet to be decided, but I guess they will be seasonal and
could involve glue, glitter and all crafts messy, might even include some cooking.
Bring the children you wont have to clear the mess up we do all that for you and
it is free! If you would like to know more about the HAPPY Project and its
happenings contact me: Jean Williams on 01953 880235 or 07586 876920 or
email jean@wayland.org.uk
Town Carol Service

Watton Town Carol Service will take place at the
Queens Hall on Sunday 11th December at 4pm
The collection this year will be for Watton
Childrens Centre Sure Start. Do come and join us
December 2016
Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Breckland Local Group
Earlier this year we reformed Norfolk Wildlife
Trust Breckland Local Group. We are certainly not
all experts, but we all have a keen interest in the
amazing diversity of wildlife which can be found in
the Breckland area, many species being unique to
this part of Norfolk.
From early summer onwards we organised a
number of well supported events on local NWT
wildlife reserves in the area, including a guided
walk at Weeting Heath, and walks led by the
reserves manager, Matt Blissett, at Thompson
Common and East Wretham. We have all learned a
lot, Matt has an amazing knowledge of local
wildlife and, under his leadership, we have been
able to gain access to parts of reserves not normally
accessible to the public. It was a delight to have a
behind the scenes view of the reserves, and to see
in detail the improvements being made to habitat
by the staff and volunteers at NWT. We have also
held a number of talks. As Breckland is such a
large geographical area, we have tried to make our
talks as accessible as possible, and so far have held
them in Watton, Thetford and East Harling. We are
keen to hear of any suggestions for alternative
venues for evening events in the Breckland area.
Let us know if you would like a talk close to you
and well see what we can do.
On Wednesday 14th December Carole and Rae
Herries, from our Local Group committee, are
giving an illustrated talk called A Photographer's
View of Wildlife Safaris in Africa. This is an
informal event, accompanied by seasonal
refreshments and should be a lot of fun! Its 7.30pm
at Watton Christian Community Centre, High
Street, Watton, IP25 6AB. All welcome, we would
love to see you there.
Our first event for the New Year is of particular
local interest. On Wednesday 8th February we are
hosting a talk by Robert Hawkes of the RSPB on
the Stone Curlew, at Watton Christian Community
Centre. It starts at 7.30pm, please be there if you
can, it promises to be a very informative event
about one of our more unusual local species. Look
out for our other events for 2017. You can find
them on the NWT website
(norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/whatson).
All our events are open to everyone; you dont
have to be a NWT member to come along.
NWT celebrated its 90th Anniversary in 2016 and
is the go-to place for anyone interested in our
local wildlife. If youre not a member, why not
think about joining us? Breckland Local Group is a
small friendly bunch of people with varied
backgrounds and levels of knowledge. Youll be
assured of a warm welcome. For more information
email breckland@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk or
phone Lesley Southwood on 01953 717227
Pets at Christmas
Although at Breckland Cats Protection we have

lots of lovely cats and kitten in our care at the
moment who are looking for homes, we do not
allow any cat or kitten to be homed during the
Christmas period. It is not a good time to
introduce a new cat or kitten to a household that

is likely to be noisy, with lots of guests arriving
and leaving. Therefore we keep all our cats and
kittens in our care between 19th December until
2nd January. They can be reserved beforehand,
but we do not allow cats or kittens to be given as
Christmas gifts.
We have our Christmas Bazaar on Saturday 3rd
December, at St.Cuthberts Church Hall in
Thetford between 9.30am and 1.30 pm. Books,
bric-a-brac, tombola, Cat Protection Christmas
cards and calendars and lots lots more. Hope to
see you there.
For help or advice or if you need assistance with
the cost of neutering, please call us on 01842
810018. See our website for cats and kittens
available - cats.org.uk/breckland and our
Facebook page. Rita Thompson.
Ashill & Holme Hale

Garden Club
Unfortunately in October Julia Srigley was

unable to give us her talk 'Increasing Colour all
the Year Round'. However, at Julia's suggestion,
we were able to secure the services of Sally Bate
who is Vice-Chairman of the Norfolk Gardens
Trust and editor of their new publication
'Capability Brown in Norfolk'. She also compiles
the well known yellow booklet of 'Open
Gardens' for this area under the National Garden
Scheme.
The Norfolk Gardens Trust is a charity which
promotes the enjoyment, education and
conservation of historic parks and gardens, of
which there are 320 in Norfolk. Their 500+
members enjoy not only talks but the opportunity
to visit gardens not usually open to the public
and Sally showed us several photographs of
these.
The latest book, published on the exact 300th
anniversary of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown's
birth, was the result of a study by the Trust's 12
member research group into the three sites that
Brown is known to have worked at in Norfolk,
namely Kimberley, Langley and Melton
Constable. Many plans and drawings survive and
show that, contrary to popular belief, he did not
remove all trees but was selective in order to
provide wonderful views and interesting aspects
of the landscape. He also planted a wide range of
flowers. At Kimberley Park he even built a
hollow heated wall across the kitchen garden and
also one of the first heated greenhouses.
Our thanks to Sally for stepping in at such short
notice and providing a delightful and informative
talk. Coming next: December 8th Christmas Party
January 18th Annual Lunch
West Norfolk Aviation

Society
On Tuesday 1st November the West Norfolk

Aviation Society met again in the cosy
surroundings of the Mundford bowls club where
we were treated to a buffet and a presentation
from a highland bag-piper. Richard Dawsons
rendition was as colourful as his regalia and
entertained a record attendance of members and
guests, with humorous stories from his extensive

visits abroad. He has played a big part in a
variety of celebrations in Europe and America:
birthdays, weddings and tributes to the famous
and departed, Rabbie Burns to name but one.
Richard gave a short rendition which was sadly
curtailed by the base drone being too high for the
low ceiling. To compensate for the handicap he
decided to turn the evening into a science lesson,
dismantling the instrument and giving a blow by
blow account of some of its internal intricacies
and how the movement of air can be useful in so
many ways.
For more information about Richard you can
find him online or contact him either at
probagpipes@gmail.com or 07956495613.
The speaker for next month, 6th December, will
be our very own high ranking society member,
Alan Badgery, whose involvement with aviation
spans from the age of 15 to - well, hes getting
on a bit now retirement we think. His duties in
the RAF were paramount to ensuring that pilots
had the wherewithal to get off the ground and
return safely.
Guests are always welcome to sample our wares.
For more information see our website:
www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.org.uk
Little Acorns Playgroup

Little Acorns is a well established, friendly
playgroup situated at the Youth & Community
Centre, Harvey Street, Watton. We are open
Monday to Friday 8.45am to 11.45am, term time
only. We cater for children from 2 years to
compulsory school age and are registered for up
to a maximum of 26 children per day. Little
Acorns has 3 permanent staff and one part time
who work with children, of these, three of them
hold appropriate Early Years qualifications with
many years experience. Our last Ofsted
inspection we were rated as Good.
We offer a range of activities and follow the
Early Years Statutory Framework. Our secure
outside area has quite recently been extended,
and after receiving a Quality & Inclusion grant,
have purchased many resources to enhance,
support and extend the childrens learning and
development in the natural environment. Little
Acorns receives government funding for children
the term after their third birthday as well as
funding for eligible 2 years olds. We promote
free play and are a child led environment where
play and learning take place through exploration
and investigation.
We have experience with children with EAL as
well as special needs and work closely with
other professionals to support and meet their
individual needs and requirements. Little Acorns
has close links with the local Sure Start Centre
and Westfield School as well as some of the
surrounding schools in the villages where some
of our children transition onto.
At present we have vacancies for children from 2
years and anyone interested in joining our
friendly playgroup please either call in at the
Youth & Community Centre or alternatively
phone 07843772712 or 01953 883233 or 01953
881382 and speak to one of the managers.
December 2016
St Mary's
'cinema' time
The big screen is coming to Watton

via "flicks in the sticks" at St Marys
Church Watton IP25 6DQ! New
Releases and classics in the form of
12A and 15 certificated films.
We aim to have our first screening on
the weekend of 27th January, and
monthly thereafter. Let us know what
time of screening would best suit
you! Friday or Saturday matinee or
evening performance. Comments to
stmaryswatton.org. Films will be
released for booking from January 1st
2017. We will screen box office films
in our modern heated building with
all the appropriate technology for a
super blue ray experience!
Only refreshments purchased on site
will be available. Price of tickets will
be subsidised and all screenings will
be raising money for Watton P.C.C.
Country Market
News
Christmas is coming the geese are

getting fat, please put a penny in the
old mans hat.
If you haven't got a penny a farthing
will do, if you haven't got a farthing
then God bless you.
And on that note all the producers at
the Watton Norfolk Country Market
are now prparing and making things
for Christmas. Our cooks and
bakers are busy making Christmas
fare,
like
Christmas
cakes,
puddings, mince pies etc. If you
don't like to bake then you can
place orders now. If you prefer to
cook yourself then don't forget we
have a producer of fresh farm eggs.
All sizes, sometimes they have
ducks eggs too. The card designers
are busy with making Christmas
cards. Some are designed from
Watton , some from other villages
as Ashill, Carbrooke etc. But hurry
they are going fast.
The market has a nice range of
handmade gifts, so if you want
something different why not pay us
a visit to see what's on offer. Now
the cold weather is with us, our

knitters are busy making hats,
scarves and woolly jumpers. We
will soon be doing our free raffle,
where all customers will be given a
free raffle ticket, to win a voucher
to spend in the market. So why not
come and browse at what we
produce. Watton Indoor Country
Market is situated inside the
Methodist Church Hall, on the High
Street in Watton. Opposite the
Dentist. We are open from 8.30am 11.30am every Wednesday. Tea and
coffee is always served in the next
room by the Methodist ladies. We
welcome you all.
We will have this years last market
on 21st December. We reopen on
1st February 2017. We wish you all
a Happy Christmas.
Parking in
Watton
We are very fortunate in Breckland
to still have free parking which
gives our market towns the edge
over towns in some of the
neighbouring districts. We are
approaching the time of year when
our free car parks become very busy
and that can make life very difficult
for us at Wayland House as people
shopping and parents with school
children dive into an empty space
on the Wayland House Car Park.
The Car Park at Wayland House
however, is not a public car park; its
use is restricted to the staff,
volunteers, tenants and the wide
range of visitors, including tourists,
who need access to the businesses,
the art gallery and the services
provided at Wayland House. Signs
are displayed around the car park
making this clear.
We appreciate that parking in the
town is difficult at any time and
especially at Christmas, but
creating problems for other
organisations is not the answer
and we would appreciate it if
people shopping in the town,
collecting take-away food or
delivering children to school
would not assume that parking is
available at Wayland House.
Watton Twinning
Association
On Friday 14th and Saturday 15th
October we held our 2nd
Oktoberfest at The Old Bell in
Saham Toney, last years event with
Debbie was an absolutely great time
for us but this year was even better,
perhaps more people knew about it
this year, for us it was just brilliant.
A huge Thank You to Cindy and
Graham for hosting such a
wonderful event for us.
Stan Hebborn (Watton Deputy
Mayor) officially opened the event
for us and the whole place was
buzzing with full steins of beer and
a menu of bratwurst, mashed potato
and sourkraut among other things
on offer, also a German themed
raffle.
With terrific live music on the
Friday night and from lunchtime on
the Saturday the place was full to
capacity, we look forward to
holding another Oktoberfest next
year. Thank you to my members
and everyone that helped to make it

the success it was.
Watton Twinning Association will
be
celebrating our
Thirtieth
Anniversary next year at the
beginning of June and it is the turn
of Weeze our twin town in
Germany to host the celebrations
and as in the past it will be
something well worth looking
forward too.
Like many other clubs in Watton
that have been going for many
years, our member numbers have
dwindled somewhat,
due
to
members age, illness, passing away,
families and children growing up
and moving away etc.
We have a small committee and
hold six meetings a year to decide
what we would like to do at the five
or six events we like to run per
year, we are always looking for new
ideas and places to visit when our
twinning guests visit Watton.
Some of our events are just social
like our New Year Get-together and
our annual Anniversary Meal in
February and some are to increase
our funds. These funds are needed

to give our visiting friends an
enjoyable and memorable time
when they visit us every other year.
Twinning is about nurturing new
friendships and learning about new
cultures.
We have a twin family that visit
us in our homes and become our
friends and enjoy our way of life
and we then visit them in their
homes to do the same. Twinning
membership is just 10 per year for
a family and 7 for a single adult,
which isnt a huge amount but is
necessary to pay our public liability
insurance, stationery costs etc.
If you are interested in joining us
and making a link with a German
family in Weeze or just becoming a
member to meet our other members
socially please contact me by
telephone or e.mail below for a chat
and more information.
Tel:- 01953 883317
or magsdevine@tiscali.co.uk or
visit attontwinning.wordpress.com
Margaret Devine (Chair)
December 2016
A Medieval Christmas
Hexachordia are at St Nicholas Church, Ashill. Friday 9th Dec 7pm.

Tickets 8 to include mulled wine and mince pies, available from
Colin Pearson 01760 440718, Marcia Forsyth 01760 440134 or
Maureen Sheffield-Parker 01760 440604
Hexachordia (www.hexachordia.com) is a trio of musicians who play
a wide range of early instruments as well as sing. A Medieval
Christmas takes you on a musical journey from the onset of winter
through Christmas and into the hope of the new year to come. The
Medieval and Renaissance music that accompanies this journey
comes mainly from England with a sprinkling of pieces from further
across Europe. Interspersed with readings related to the experience of
winter and the Nativity, Christmas celebrations and old traditions,
Hexachordia captures in music and words the joy that is to be found
at this time of the year.
December 2016
Tha Ovington Crower

Har yew gitten on tergitha, thas tunned
suffin cowld o leart hent it, my missus
rekkun were tunned sorft with orl that
warm wethar we hed larst munth.
I see tha ole soopa markits hev got orl tha
Chrismus stuff in so I sorta think thetll be
tha nex thing we shall hafta start searvin up
for. My missus hent sed wot she want tha
year so I shall jest hold my palava jist in
cearse I give har enny idees.
Thar wos a bit in tha pearpa last week, wot
said the ole cowncil are goonta tun orf tha
street lights at night tew searve munny. I
wos hevvin a chat wi our Cowncil
chairwummen along tha rud, when up
comes this mawtha orl huffin an puffin an
sez Are either of you on the Parish
council? She torked ever so posh. Why
yis I say This hares tha Chair of tha
cowncil Ah good she say I have a
complaint an I want it sorted Oh sez our
cowncillor Wos yore trubble my good
women? Whats this I read about the
street lights being turned off, what are the
Watton Evening WI
Christmas is appearing in our shops
and in preparation for the Festive
Market the Craft Group put the
finishing touches to the items which
will be on our stall this year. It was
good to have a chat over a cuppa
putting the world to rights but also a
little sad as this was the last session
until we resume in the new year.
Lunch club was held at Cockers Bistro,
Dereham and this was a new venue for
us and was well received by those
members attending.
Congratulations were given to Watton
Wonders our team in the WI
Federation Quiz who gave a good
account of themselves and who
thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
As this months meeting was our
AGM, we began with a Fish&Chip
supper and were delighted to be joined
by our WI Advisor, Meg Dorling who
is also a member of the Norfolk
Federation Board of Trustees.
Meg adjudicated our voting for our
Committee elections. As always we
try to bring a little jollity alongside the
formal elements so a quiz was held
once all voting slips for the Committee
had been collected and we all awaited
the results. Many of the previous
Committee were happy to stand again
and were duly re-elected along with
Gill and Leigh who will be joining
them for the forthcoming year.
Grateful Thanks were given to Karen
and Ruth who had served on this years
committee but who were not looking
for re-election. Our President Anita
people going to do when it gets dark, it

wont be safe to drive around and people
are likely to fall in these old deep ditches
you have, I want something done about it
The chairwummen an me looked at each
otha, an I gi har a wink. Well missus I
say Hev yew bin owt of a nite since yew
mooved har? Good lord no sha say Its
not safe to wander around here after dark,
this is the country and you never know who
is wandering loose, might be murderers
and wild animals. So I say tew har Yew
hent sin our street lights then? Well no
she say, so I say tew har I say Yew hent
likely tew see em missus, cos we hent got
none Cor blarst she went orl red an shot
orf hoom. Tha ole chairwummen sed
Thas the trubble wi these peepal wot cum
in, thar nivva luk rownd afore thar move in,
shell want a bus an post orfice nex.
We hed tha yewshul membrence sarvis in
tha Chuch larst Sunda an cos Horry tunned
up in his sewt, tha Wicar say tew him she
say. Well bless me Horry yew dew luk
like an owld solja, thort yewd hev orl yor
medals on today Well missus Horry sed
I wud but thar soo hevvy thet meark my

coot hang orl on tha huh I hent nivva sin
enny medals o hissen so I dunt think he hev
enny, if he did, heed be wearin em orl day.
Mind yew he wos in tha Hoom Gard an I
rekkun tha got a medal, cos my granfer hed
wun thet went wi his fust World Wore
wuns, wot he corled Pip Squeek an
Wilfred.
Boy Julian hev sed tew me he say Sid ole
partna, thisl be tha larst bit o squit afore
Chrismus, so yewd betta wish both yore
readas orl the compliments of tha season
afore tha orl go an git stuck inta tha
Chrismus spirit, if yew git my meanin
Rite I say Ile dew my bestFust orf Id
like tew say a Happy Chrismus tew our
Parish Cowncil Chairwummen, cos I giv
har a bit o stick moost o tha yare, but she
hent harf as bad as I meark owt. But dont
tell har I sed so. Mind yew she hent dun
northin bowt tha street lights yit. I mustnt
fergit tha rest of my reedas, so thank yew
fer reading this load o ole squit and Hoop
yew hev a merry Chrismus. Dont fergit,
Dew yew kip a troshin. Boy Sid.
handed out gifts in appreciation of

their support and our present Secretary
Hazel gave a gift to Anita in thanks for
her leadership. Sue, our Treasurer
provided a Financial Statement which
was duly accepted and showed a good
profit.
Thanks were also given to
those Members who provide help in
supportive roles throughout the year to
make our WI special.
During the less formal part of the
evening, menus were collected and we
eagerly
await
our
Christmas
celebration meal at Broome Hall which
will take the place of our usual meeting
in December. This year we decided to
support charities in place of giving
each other Christmas cards and over
47 was collected and will be
distributed between two charities
nominated of Air Ambulance and The
Big C.
A skilfully crafted solid ash
noticeboard was presented to the
meeting which had been made and
donated by Gills husband. This will
be erected in the High Street close to
Adcocks.
Three ladies had attended Denman, our
Training Centre, and each spoke
eloquently of the courses in which they
participated. The diversity is amazing,
one following the history of Belgravia
and Kensington Palace, another on the
lives of Audrey Hepburn and Grace
Kelly and finally a paper-cutting
course where our Member produced
intricate designs which are to be used
in the process of making cards.
Another enjoyable time and skills
learned. On the theme of learning new
skills, some of our Members had

attended the first of two Stain Glass
Workshops held at Karens beautiful
home along with a tasty lunch. We
were shown a display of the fantastic
items they had produced. The
workshops
had
been
arranged
following interest shown after one of
our speakers in the Summer.
Meg gave a talk on what it is to be a
WI Advisor which we found most
informative.
Refreshments were
provided and Raffle prizes were
distributed and another good evening
had been enjoyed by all. It had been a
full packed programme and this all
with the usual information on
forthcoming clubs such as the Lunch
Club, Walking Group and the
formation of a Cycling Group along
with news on the forthcoming event of
Watton Festive Market.
Why not come and see us at the Market
and have a go at the Tombola, always
brilliant prizes along with the Craft
Section where handmade cards and
gifts may also be purchased and a
childrens Bran Tub . . . Wonder what
festive costumes the ladies will be
wearing this time!
All in all another brilliant month for
the WI. if you are interested to find out
more please give Gill Sands a call on
07789990827 or email
gill.sands@outlook.com. Alternatively,
please come and chat to us at the
Festive Market. Our next meeting for
guests/new members (guest fee) will be
2nd Thursday in January held in the
Watton Christian Community Centre at
7.30pm.
Watton Rotary Roundup

Our biannual Jazz at the Queens Hall on 21st
October was really something rather special. Firstly,
Roy Ivory set up the first Brecks FM 106.9 outside
broadcast trial from the Queens Hall. The system
worked well and the first 45 minutes of the
performance was on air through Brecks FM, as well
as being streamed on the internet. The latter elicited an
email from a listener in Australia! [Yes, there are those
who search the internet for interesting local radio
activities].
The second facet of the evening was the surprise
appearance of 3 more jazzmen experienced chaps
who had all played with leading internationally known
bands. For the whole of the second half of the concert,
we had 2 cornet, 2 clarinet and 2 trombone players;
DixieMix suddenly went from a sextet to a nonet a
real treat for our jazz aficionados. Not only that but,
including an excellent raffle, we made a profit of 592
for our Trust Fund which supports charities and good
causes, locally and internationally.
Our member Pat Murphy (ex-Para & Rhodesian
Army) took command of the Remembrance Parade at
the Watton War Memorial on Sunday 13th November.

His initiative in arranging for a young person from the
various participating organisations to step forward as
each name on the memorial was called by the vicar
was very well received. The resulting flank of 47
young people representing the fallen was moving and
evocative.
We are not planning any activities at Christmastime
this year. Ivan Chubbock is very disappointed that,
after nearly 30 years being Watton Rotary Clubs
Father Christmas and doing the rounds with parcels in
Watton and district on Christmas Day, the scheme is
not in operation this year. The main reason is that
demand for the service has been falling year on year.
That does not mean we will not consider re-instating it
next year if we can be assured of sufficient support.
WATTON ROTARY CLUB MEMBERS WOULD
LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY HAPPY
CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
Thinking of 1017, readers may like to note the
following dates: Rotary Grand Quiz: 18th March at
Wells Cole Community Centre, and Jazz at the
Queens Hall with DixieMix on 24th March & 6th
October. Martin Anscombe
December 2016
Watton Churches Together

St. Marys Church, Watton
www.stmaryswatton.org Follow us on @StMarysWatton
If I can be of help to you please do not hesitate to contact me,
on 01953 881439, I shall be available at church on Tuesdays
between 10.30am and 12 noon - Gerry Foster
1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion 2nd
Wednesday Morning Worship. Tuesdays 7.30am - 8am,
Thursdays 5pm - 5.30pm Saturdays 9.30am - 10am Parish
Prayers. 5pm - 6pm Pray & Praise
Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm
Tel: 01953 881252 margaret@churchadm.freeserve.co.uk
Sun 4th
8.00am
Holy Communion
3.00pm
Nativity Event in a marquee on the
Church Green. Stable & live animals, come and join the choir
singing well known carols
Sun 11th 8.00am
Holy Communion
10.00am Informal Holy Communion
4.00pm
Town Carol Service at The Queens Hall
Sun 18th 8.00am
Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion
6.30pm
Carol Service
Sat 24th Christmas Eve
4.00pm
Christingle Service especially
for children and families
11.30pm Holy Communion
Sun 25th Christmas Day
10.30am Family Holy Communion
Sun 1st Jan 10.30am Covenant Service at
Watton Methodist Church
Watton Methodist Church
www.wattonmethodist.btck.co.uk
Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection and
prayer between 10.15am & 11.30am. Its your quiet place. At
10.30 there is a half-hour Midweek Service in the Large Vestry
led by the Minister or a Church Member.
Sun 4th
10.30am Mrs E Wright
6.30pm
Rev E Reddington
Sun 11th 10.30am Mr A Warby
4.00pm
Town Carol Service at Queens Hall
Sun 18th 10.30am Rev E Reddington
6.30pm
Mr A Warby
7.00pm
Carols by Candlelight
with Watton Silver Band
10.30am Rev E Reddington
6.30pm No Service
Sun 1st Jan 10.30am Covenant Service with St Marys Church
6.30pm
No Service
Roman Catholic Community
Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church
4.30pm
First Mass of Christmas at Watton MC
11.30pm Midnight Mass with Carols at Our
Lady of Pity Catholic Church, Swaffham
9.30am
Morning Mass, at Swaffham
St. Nicholas Church, Ashill
Tuesdays at 10.00am Holy Communion
Sun 4th
9.30am
Lay Led Worship
Sun 11th 9.30am
Family Holy Communion
Sun 18th 9.30am
All Age Worship
4.oopm
Carols, Crib and Christingle Service
Tues 20th 7.00pm
Carol Service
9.30pm
Holy Communion
9.30am
All Age Worship
St. Georges Church, Saham Toney
11.00am Lay Led Worship
11.00am All Age Worship
Christmas Eve
3.30pm
Family Christingle, Crib & Carol Service
11.00pm Holy Communion
There will be no service at St Georges on Christmas Day
Sun 4th
Sun 11th
Sun 18th
Sat 24th
S.S. Peter & Pauls Church, Carbrooke

10.30am Holy Communion
6.00pm
Carol Service with Chanters Jigge.
Readings, & music using their traditional instruments
Sun 1st Jan 10.30am Benefice Service Family Holy Communion
Sun 4th
Sun 11th
Sun 18th
Sun 4th
Sun 18th
Sun 25th
St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington

9.30am
Holy Communion
6.00pm
Carol Service
Christmas Day
Thought for the Month

By Rev. Eleanor Reddington, Watton Methodist Church
November is the time when we have 2 very different forms of Remembrance.
Theres November 5th, when we remember that Guido Fawkes and several
others plotted to blow up the Houses of Parliament, and were caught just in time.
It seems strange that we should remember that plot, and celebrate it every year
with a bonfire and fireworks. The other event, of course, is November 11th and
Remembrance Sunday, when we remember those whove given their lives so that
we might be free. As I said, 2 very different forms of Remembrance, and Ive
been trying to turn my thoughts from those events to Christmas, and find a link
between them.
Then it clicked Christmas is another act of Remembrance: we remember Jesus
birth at Bethlehem. Once again its a very special act of remembrance, as we
thank God for sending his Son to earth. Jesus came into this world as a little baby,
and grew up in a family, knowing all the ups and downs of family life so he
understands all that we go through. His birth was announced in an extraordinary
way to both ordinary people, the shepherds, and to a very different group of
people, the Wise Men.
As we share in Carol services, we will be reminded of the fact that Jesus is for
everyone colour, race, age and gender do not matter. On Remembrance
Sunday we think of all those whove died in conflicts throughout the world, and
then we take up our daily lives again. Many people take the same attitude to
Christmas they celebrate Jesus birth and then they carry on with their lives as
though nothing has happened.
But something did happen that first Christmas: Gods Son came into our world,
not just all those years ago, but He wants to be reborn in our lives today. He
knows what its like to be human, and He reaches out to us whatever our need
and whatever mood we are in. Jesus isnt just for Christmas, Hes forever and
millions of people arent ashamed to worship Him and rely on Him for help in
their daily lives.
So, will you be glad when Christmas is over this year, or will you join those
of us who know Jesus help day by day and have a truly Happy Christmas?
A Quick Look Round

By ORBITER
Well, here we are again on the last lap before Christmas, the time of silly songs no I
dont mean carols, but those about Rudolf and snowmen etc., which are all very nice
to hear occasionally, but which modern life throws at us throughout every December
with hardly a pause.
As I look round I cannot miss the fact that there was an election in America, since
our national newspapers have been crammed with the details, which have taken
preference even over Strictly and Bake Off, while even photographs of Mary
Berry have been supplanted by those of Mr.Trump.
It seems that his election has triggered far more comment than even our own
referendum did, possibly because the result high-lighted the fact that the so-called
experts in political matters arent so expert after all.
Back in England we have the sorry prospect of Brexit facing strong opposition
from many sides, despite it being the will of the people, though Mrs. May
appears determined to abide by our wishes, but she has also been on the wrong
end of the debate about whether a new run-way should be built at Heathrow.
I know it may be said that the matter is none of our business here in Norfolk, but
it is our money that will pay for it, so our views ought to count, and it does seem
a tragedy if 250 homes have to be demolished simply to accommodate more
people flying to and from our country. The airport authority says full capacity has
been reached, so surely that means that any further development should take
place elsewhere. Consider the plight of those who chose to make their homes in
Harmondsworth and neighbouring villages, many of whom did so in order to
work at the airport, and now find their life-plans ruined.
It seems ironic that while these plans are being finalised, in other parts existing
airfields, no longer needed by the R.A.F., are to be sold off to provide housing.
On the subject of housing, the old topic of pre-fabricated modular housing
has been raised again, as it is every three or four years. Only recently our
local TV news showed some of these units, pre-constructed in sections, being
erected in about two days on prepared sites, ready for occupation. Unlike
those pre-fabs that relieved the strain in the 1950s (some of which are still
doing a good job) the latest ones meet every modern standard and immediate
adoption should surely be encouraged.
As for a new airport, if the proposed HS2 railway has to destroy much of the
countryside throughout Buckinghamshire, why not site it en route, thus
making what many consider to be a white elephant more acceptable ?
Unfortunately any proposals always take years of discussion, feasibility
studies and inquiries, so I may not live to know the outcomes.
One forecast that will almost certainly come true is that of a leading expert, who
has suggested that the traffic on the motorways at Christmas is likely to be very
heavy, and considerable delays may be expected. No doubt he earns quite a high
salary, and he certainly deserves it for his perspicacity.
Looking around it seems we are entering the Close Season, though I do not
refer to hunting or to game shooting, but to the fact that the current trend is for the
government to impose closures in most important areas. For instance it has been
decided to close several more Police Stations, to close various Post Offices, and
even to close Courts of Justice, the latter being possibly the most serious of all,
for already we have to read about cases of crimes or legal disputes that refer to
months or even years back, and fewer courts will cause even further delays.
Moreover, consider witnesses, jurors, and so on, who may now have to travel up
to seventy miles to attend, often on several days, where previously justice could
be dispensed fairly locally. The closure of Police Stations follows the now
WATTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH

Sunday 4th December 10.30am: Guest speakerFredrick Anthuraj
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:
11th December 10.30am: Family Carol Service
18th December 6.00pm: Carol Service
25th December 11.00am: Christmas Day Celebration
All Saints Church, Threxton

Join us for Christmas Carols with Watton Silver
Band at 3p.m. on Sunday 18th December
prevalent pattern of cuts, cuts and more cuts, which is now spreading to some
of the smaller hospitals and care homes. Post Office closures, while causing
some hardships, have, in some cases been offset by mobile units, which visit
localities at fixed times, offering quite comprehensive facilities, while in
many villages the local residents have formed voluntary groups to re-open
shops with combined postal sections, which seem to be meeting with
considerable success.
If you are getting used to the new five-pound notes, you will soon be finding
new-style one pound coins in your change, and initial reports suggest that
their anti-forgery design will make them unsuitable for use in current slot
machines, so that parking meters, supermarket trolleys and vending machines
will all have to be fitted with new locking devices, which should cause quite
a few headaches as well as lost tempers next year. Early reports suggest that
the new coins will be issued next April, when April Fools Day will take on a
new meaning !
But good news on the weather front ! The new forecasting system will be
able to tell what is in store up to a year ahead, which is great provided they
can still manage to tell us what to expect tomorrow.
Apropos of nothing at all, are you old like me and get annoyed when the
modern age say that they are bored of something ? What happened to
bored with?
There are all sorts of changes in the way people say things, but this particular
case really gets to me. (Yes, miserable old . . . may be right, I admit it ). Now
nearly every week I read some report indicating that in a few years our roads
will be full of driverless cars, and this intrigues me. Do they really mean
drivers will not be required or will the cars be like the driverless trains that
run on such lines as the Dockland Light Railway, where an actual driver has
to sit in the cab to take charge if things go wrong ?
In my imagination the term driverless means no human input would be
necessary, and thus there would be no clutter inside the car no pedals,
steering wheel, gear levers, and so on, so that the interior would be one large
space, suitable to contain chairs facing all ways, (handy for card games and
other social contact), while the car could be sent alone to collect take-away
meals and other shopping. Presumably it could be programmed to recognise
yellow or double yellow lines, or prohibited parking areas and traffic lights,
but what would be its response if waved down by one of your mates or a
policeman ?
The mind boggles, but will these things actually arrive ? When I was a boy
we were assured that by about 1965 every one would be travelling in pods
similar to mini-space ships, and would wear wrist watches that showed
pictures of people we were talking to in distant places.
Well the last part came true . . . Good afternoon.
News from our Diabetes UK group

Our November meeting was our A G M. The group has had another
successful year, with a variety of speakers and more new members joining
us. We have attended the Carnival and will be at the Christmas market too.
The Chair and committee was voted back in en masse, with the addition of a
new member to it. The AGM was successfully brought to a close at 11.15
am. We then took part in a quiz, arranged by one of our committee
members, then we enjoyed a ploughmans lunch before the meeting closed
just before 1 pm.
Our next meeting is a really special occasion for us. It is our 10th
anniversary, so we are having our normal Christmas party as well as a
celebration of the past 10 years of the Watton Diabetic Group. We have
invited some of our past speakers and former members to celebrate with the
committee and the present members. It is a momentous achievement for any
group to celebrate 10 years, and we are very proud of our little group and our
fantastic members.
This special meeting will be on Monday 12th December, 11am - 3pm, at the
Pentecostal Church (who we thank for the generous use of their facilities).
For details of any of our meetings, please phone 01953 884713, or email
rjwhrt56@btinternet.com Come and see us at the Christmas Market on
Sunday 27th November and say hello.
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship

It may seem strange to read that a Tuesday Fellowship should be writing
about Watton Thursday Club. Perhaps one should be grateful that there are
only seven days in a week!
Helen Robertson was our guest speaker on November 1st giving us an
interesting overview of the contribution Watton Thursday Club makes to the
welfare of residents not only of Watton, but also those living at a distance.
The club has it roots going back to the late 1960s when a small group of
local residents came together to assist those with some form of handicap.
The gestation period, for want of a more accurate term, was around two
years before things really got going in the early 1970s.Helen has been
involved with the Club since 1985, but her talk mainly concentrated on the
current activities and explained how they now are able to help around 40
members and friends. They meet once a month at Wayland Academy
Merton Road on the third Thursday in the month 7pm until 9pm..The
membership is widely dispersed, coming from the surrounding area, some
of the members come from Attleborough. for example. The current activities
are mainly of a social nature. These include various table games, or it could
be taking part in some sort of craft, card making, cross stitch. Sometimes the
members enjoy a Bingo session or a beetle drive, dice games, and quiz times
are also popular.Not all the activities are sitting down, some members really
enjoy a dancing and that includes those with wheel chairs! Yes, if there ever
was an organisation that can make the impossible, POSSIBLE, the Tuesday
Club members are ready to give it a go. Did you know that this group were
finalists in the "Pride of Breckland" Group Award last year? That proves it!
The organisers also arrange outdoor visits, and these have included Dereham
Bowling Alley, and Circus visits. Helen did point out that all these activities
need people like you to help. For example, transport can be a bit of a
problem. As outlined earlier, the Club serves a wide area. There is another
case where volunteers will be welcomed, (men in particular), and that is to
help with games and crafts. You don? have to be an expert, just to be around
for those who need a little help to enjoy themselves. Helen concluded her
talk by mentioning that anyone who has a couple of hours to spare each
month might like to pick up the telephone and call 881580 and Mrs Skipper
will be pleased to hear from you.This was just one of the many interesting
afternoons we have at the Tuesday Fellowship. If You would like to come
along to see what we do, we meet at WCCC twice a month 2.30pm On Dec
6th we will be having "A Traveller's Tale", and Dec 20*' will be our annual
Carol Service See you there??
December 2016
Whats
on this month
Holme Hale
Village Hall
Christmas
Bazaar
Sunday 4th
December
11am - 4pm
Tombola, Cakes,
lots of stalls. Grand
Draw, refreshments.
December 2016
Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu

Well the weather is getting colder and the
nights are getting darker (Caston Jiu Jitsu
club is definitely chilly before the kids start
running around- run faster!!)
As usual a busy month at the British
Headquarters of Ishin Ryu Ju Jitsu - a
special mention of note was the awarding
of a 6 year loyalty award to Joe Kemp of
the teenage class. As stated this award is
given to a student who has trained
consistently for 6 years and Joe joined us as
a little boy and progressing well in the
teenage class - despite a couple of nasty
injuries and broken bones (not Martial Arts
related I hasten to add, Joe is into BMXing!!)
Anyway, well done Joe, you are a pleasure
to have in the club. Its always important to
reward such commitment and enthusiasm.
Another blast from the past this month saw
the return of Jon Fitzgerald, a yellow belt
of old who occasionally blows the dust off
his Jiu Jitsu kit and stumbles back into the
dojo welcome back Jon!
Some other new additions, we welcome
Watton Bowls Club

At the AGM held in October there was a
good turnout of club members. There were
some changes in the club officers for 2017
with the following names and positions for
the full committee: President and Chairman
Ron Hurrell, new Secretary Kevin
Simpson, Treasurer Malcolm Hamilton,
Captain and Match Secretary John Hunter,
new Vice Captain Kevin Wilson, Minute
Secretary Tracey Wilson, E.B.A. Delegate
John Walkling, Greenkeeper Richard
Exley, and new Watton Sports Association
Representative Kevin Abbott.
New Doctor at
Shipdham Surgery
Shipdham Surgery has a new doctor. Dr

Scott Turner (52) joined the practice in
October as a partner alongside Dr Rachel
Hahn and Dr Josh Harrison. Dr Turner was
born in Ipswich and spent his formative
years in Lowestoft where his father was a
doctor in the area. He qualified at
Edinburgh Medical School (Edinburgh
University) and practised for a short period
in Scotland before beginning his GP
training in and around Norwich where he
also first met Dr Hahn. Dr Turner became a
partner in Dereham for 12 years and then
spent some time with the Norfolk
Ambulance Services as an out-of-hours GP

Harley to the infant class and Sophie and
Jack to the junior classes all are keen as
mustard and getting involved. Great to
have such enthusiastic kids on the matt.
This months social event was a special
Scottish treat, what with Scott at the
Waggon and Horses being from that part of
the world we were treated to Square
Scottish Sausage, haggis and Scottish
bread. Its fair to say we were all stuffed to
brim with lovely food and a special shout
out to The Waggon and Horses who not
only fed us all like kings but also donated
all the profits to Macmillan Cancer
Charity.
Also this month has seen our chief
instructor, Kevin Pell celebrate a
birthday and as usual has been too busy
to notice his special day so the senior
grades secretly arranged a surprise party
for him at a Japanese restaurant nearby.
He was suitably surprised!!
All in all another busy month in the life of
Caston Martial Arts Club
If you are interested please contact our
headquarters on 01953 483795 or visit
www.ishinryu.com
Sensei Andy Herbert & Joe Kemp
In recognition of his seventeen years

service to the bowls club including two
periods as President (six years) and
Chairman (nine years) as well as his time
as the Greenkeeper, Ron was duly elected
as an honorary life member of Watton
Bowls Club.
The presentation dinner was held at Broom
Hall on Saturday 29th October. The
photograph is of Ron Hurrell presenting the
award to Malcolm Hamilton, being the
winner of the mens singles.
The regular Saturday coffee mornings at
10.00 am in the club room will continue
through to April. This enables the members
to keep in touch with each other during the

closed season. Anyone is welcome
especially if interested in bowling.
before moving into medical management

within the Service. During this time, he
flew on the Air Ambulance as part of his
medical duties. In 2009, he also became a
part-time partner in a Norwich GP practice.
Two years ago, Dr Turner left the
Ambulance Trust and became a locum GP
in the local area during which time he had
several spells in Shipdham. He is married
to Sarah, a practice nurse specialising as a
diabetes nurse based at the N & N U
Hospital; his three children are all now
fledged. The couple live in Dereham from
where Dr Turner finds commuting to
Shipdham much less stressful than to
Norwich. In his spare time, he likes to
keep fit by running and, to a lesser extent
now, canoeing; moreover, the framed
photographs in the surgery are testament to
his skill and artistry in that hobby. By

coming to Shipdham, Dr Turner has
satisfied his wish to get back into General
Practice and is touched by the friendly
welcome he has received from staff and
patients. Bob Lomas
3rd Watton Brownies
3rd Watton Brownies have been very busy recently. As the final
part of the One Hundred Years of Senior Section badge we
decided to make and sell 100 cupcakes at Watton Carnival to
raise money for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the Norfolk
and Norwich university hospital. We decided on this charity as
Snowy Owls baby was cared for there last year. We managed
to raise 40.00. During the half term holiday, Snowy and I were
invited to the hospital to hand over the cheque. The hospital
staff explained to me that it would be used for the parents and
children in the NICU unit! Caitlin Skipper, 3rd Watton
Brownies. Pictured Adele and Caitlin with baby Emily
Ovington Bazaar
Saturday 10 December 12-2pm Dont miss this annual event,

guaranteed to get you in the mood for the festive season. There
will be plenty of home-cooking to tempt you: lots of delicious
soups and rolls for lunch, cakes, sausage rolls and probably the
odd mince pie or two! The craft stalls will have an abundance
of presents and unusual decorations. Try your luck on the
tombola and raffle, guess the weight of the Christmas cake or
win a hamper. Proceeds from the bazaar are split between St
Johns Church, Ovington and the Village Hall. John Hardy will
hopefully have some good news about the Churchs Heritage
Lottery Fund bid and will be available to outline progress to
date. He is also looking for volunteers to assist with the very
exciting schools project scheduled to begin in the New Year.
Watton Sports Centre

The recent article in the local and
county press with reference to Watton
Sport Centre has generated a great
deal of interest, confusion and indeed
support for the complex. This article
will hopefully put some of the
rumours to bed and dispel the myth
that the Centre is closing, it isnt, well
not if the trustees and staff have
anything to do with it.
Firstly let me explain how it works, the
Centre is under the administration of a
committee of trustees, some of whom
are elected annually and some who
represent clubs and societies which
regularly use the Centre. The custodial
trustee is a corporate body, namely
Watton Town Council, who are
ultimately responsible for the memorial
playing field and its facilities. The
trustees decide policy and an overall
strategy for the running of the Centre
and this is done in accordance with its
charitable status. On a day to day basis
the Centre is run by very dedicated and,
we like to think, friendly helpful staff.
All the facilities, with the exception of
the bar where one has to be signed in by
a member, are open for use by everyone
in the community. However, there are
more favourable terms to be had by
becoming a paid member which
currently costs only 20 a year, this
gives discounts of up to 20% in the bar
and cheaper sporting facilities. On the
social side we believe this makes it the
most cost effective place for a pint in
the area, if you are a member.
Several years ago the Centre received
a large grant and loan for the
improvement of the overall facility.
This resulted in the installation of an
all-weather pitch and a new extension
housing changing rooms and our
gallery bar. The upkeep and
maintenance of this and the original
facilities requires a significant supply
of money, which at the time seemed
forthcoming and no-one foresaw the
future events that have caused the
current situation. The Centre, along
with the other market towns
recreational facilities were supported
by Breckland District Council (BDC).
More recently the funding of such
facilities was undertaken by a Private
Finance initiative (PFI) the terms of
which were negotiated by BDC and
the company which supplies the
facilities. The result was that the PFI
provider would only support schemes
that were more than 10 miles apart
and the end result was that
Attleborough, Thetford, Swaffham
and Dereham were to be the
recipients of funds. At this point
Watton Sport Centre was left uncatered for in the new scheme. The
December 2016
rest you have probably read in the
Eastern Daily Press, including BDC
offer of assistance. This offer was in
fact considered by the trustees and
deemed to be wholly inadequate.
Watton Sport Centre is excluded from
the PFI deal, we accept that, and
surveys state there is ONLY a
population of 6,000 in Watton, but
take in the surrounding parishes that
all have immediate access to the
facilities in Watton such as the Sports
Centre, high school and GP surgery,
and the figure rises to around 13,000.
WE are seeking to get BDC to accept
that the demographic of Watton has
changed due to development and
expansion since PFI and it needs to be
considered as a special case.
Money needs to be found to continue
running the Centre in the manner we
are all used to, if it cant then some
changes will have to be made. The
current management is desperately
seeking ways to reduce the Centre
overheads and innovative ways to
raise extra income. The trustees, for
their part, have someone working on
securing money to replace the now
ageing astro-turf, which will be
somewhere in the region of 200,000.
The building is ageing and the
maintenance costs are increasing,
anyone living in a property over 40
years old understands that. For our
part as trustees we are trying to
modernize by switching to LEDs for
example, but that all takes an initial
outlay to save in the long term. We
have been hit by fires, floods, clubs
choosing to relocate and still we hang
in there to provide this facility.
For a town the size of Watton, the
Sports Centre is a fantastic facility
which supports the surrounding villages
as well. It is not just a Sport Centre, its
a recreational facility, its a social club,
its a sports bar and could be a
restaurant with a full commercial
kitchen which needs to be used. We
have around 900 members many of
whom pay their membership which is a
significant part of the income for the
Centre. It is used by many more than
just those paying members; we even
have a play area for the towns younger
people. There are facilities like toilets
and places to get a drink of water, all of
which is supplied free to non-members
and we want it to stay that way. We
would like the Sports Centre to be the
focal center of Watton, the first place
you think of to meet up with friends,
organize a party or just hang out. Please
dont let it die through lack of use and
support. Please dont go around
thinking that the Sport Centre is closing,
instead start asking what you can do to
keep it open.
Thank you from the Centre Trustees.
Toms
Kickboxing Academy
I run a local kickboxing academy called Toms

Kickboxing Academy in which two of my students
and myself have just been to South Africa to
compete in the world martial arts games, Nic
Sheldrake a 1st dan black and Carl Patterson Blue
Belt have collected between them a clean sweep of
medals from bronze through to gold.
It was a fantastic experience but none of it would
have been done with out the help of our sponsors:
Falcon Cranes, Hayes and Stores, Shipdham
Council, True Health and Unique Spice donating
around 4,500 in total.
Tom Oldridge (coach) said "I'm so proud of what
they have achieved, after all the hours of training
and sacrifice it finally has paid off. We are already
planning the next one.
If you are interested in TKA please call 07585663905
or email TKA.martialarts@icloud.com
Dereham Indoor
Bowls Club
Dereham indoor bowls club are a very progressive

bowls club with a large increase in membership
this season. We have roll ups every Tuesday and
Thursday mornings also Wednesday afternoon as
well as eleven leagues, mornings afternoon and
evenings, three male sides on Saturdays in the
Norfolk leagues. The ladies team accomplish ed a
spot in the ladies premiership
We are also organising a short Mat session on
Friday afternoons. Anyone wanting to learn to
bowl the club has three national trained coaches,
and for adults lessons are on Thursday afternoons
from 4,pm to 6pm. Junior coaching ages
between ,9 years old to 17 years old meet every
Friday from 4 to 6 pm. We now have two juniors
who have represented Norfolk. Anyone interested
in the above please contact Terry or Yvonne on
01362 525042 or EMail twhunt25@gmail.com
THE WAYLAND NEWS

Page space is allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Deadline
is 12 Noon on 16th of the month preceding publication and that is the last
date and time that copy will be considered for inclusion. Arrival of copy
before deadline does not guarantee inclusion, if you wish to be certain
your entry gets published, then please make sure it arrives in plenty of
time otherwise you may still be disappointed. If you are submitting on
paper you MUST sign and include your contact details with each item.
If you do not, the item will NOT be published.
You can contact Julian by ringing (01953) 858908.
You can write to 8 Princess Close, Watton IP25 6XA
The e-mail address is julian@waylandnews.com

Views expressed in articles in The Wayland News are those of the
contributors and may not reflect the
views of the publisher or printers.
While every care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy,
the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
This issue of the The Wayland News was published by:

Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE
and printed by:
Sharman & Company Ltd, Newark Road

Peterborough PE1 5TD. Phone: 01733 424 949

The Wayland News December 2016

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FREE - Issue Number 241 - Decembrrrr 2016

HAPPY CHRISTMAS - THIS PAPER IS ALWAYS FREE!!!!

Festival to be held at All Saints Church,

beautiful local Church and admire the

Picture by Mark Bunning Photography

Watton Senior Free, Fun

TCV (The Conservation Volunteers) are

opportunity to learn new skills, have

The Wayland News Page 2

The Wayland News Page 3

Picture by Mark Bunning Photography

wide choice of food from vegetarian to the

would like to thank the crowds and crowds

atmospheric setting with the church lit

With the current editor standing down in

St. Martins church is hosting a

Thompson Story Telling

In October a small audience came with

Thursday 1st December 10-12noon

The Wayland News Page 4

Dance Away at The Queens Hall

ones you already have for the big shop.

In conjunction with The Wayland Partnership,

However, wet leaves make wonderful leaf

photographs and information. There will also be a

When I was about eight years old my mother

Shipdham & District

Are You a Carer?

The Wayland News Page 5

Road films, with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby,

Tutankhamun which crept in despite valiant

From a Small Island, after twenty years, much of

should approach and so on. Were here to give

The Parish Council is pleased to announce that

The Wayland News Page 6

to a ladder there was the inevitable rope

biomechanics, diseases and many other

Cunningham. Third: Sue Cunningham.

Busy times for Air Cadets

Letter to the Editor

My sincere thanks to the kind person who picked my hearing

The Wayland News Page 7

The Inner Wheel

As usual the month has passed quickly and

cakes at Queens Hall between 9:30 and

breakers. Specially trained staff travelled

There was an exhibition about the film

A group of U3A members visited Bletchley

Wretham, on Remembrance Sunday to

followed a two minute silence.

Watton Society Annual Quiz

At a special service held recently a new pulpit Bible, in a modern

The Watton Society held their ever popular annual quiz on

Prizes and Cash Raffle

The Wayland News Page 8

Sonyas Christmas Cake.

If you havent already done so, there is still time

Watton U3A and

At our October meeting, Jim Bacon a TV

The Macmillan coffee morning held at 95,

The HAPPY Project

Town Carol Service

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Although at Breckland Cats Protection we have