The Mallard

Issue 343 May 2020

E aster, like everything else, was very strange this year with everyone
following the strict rules to help curtail the Coronavirus pandemic.
As a result, the usual arrangement of lilies in St Mary’s Church, in
memory of loved ones, couldn’t go ahead. Instead, this beautiful flower
arrangement was placed in the Church porch on Easter Day as an Easter
greeting to everyone and to remember loved ones and others worldwide.

In memoriam
These flowers are in memory of our loved ones who have died and also
the many thousands, unknown to us,
who have died during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
1
Mallard News
This parish magazine is
published every month for the
residents of Great and Little
Massingham with the support of
the Great Massingham Parish
Council, the Parochial Church
Council and Massingham
Village Hall Trustees.
www.greatmassingham.net
e-mail:
mallard.editor@btinternet.com
Editorial Committee
Editor: Bev. Randall.
6 Abbeyfields
Great Massingham
01485 520 899
Treasurer: David Baines
01485 520 966
Website : Contact the
Editor - Details above.
Deadline for the
next issue
May 17th
In this issue
• In Memoriam
• Mallard Delivery
• Self Isolating Group
• ‘Histry’ Bits
• Online Quiz
• Village Hall Latest
• Biodiversity News
• Bin Collections
• Many, Many Thanks
• School News
• School 100 Club
• Reverend Judith
• Church News
• SCAMS - Beware
• Nexus Fostering
• Community Cars
• Gladys Newton
• Mobile Library
• Village Store News
• Nature Close to Home
Please Consider Your
neighbours during
LOCKDOWN
and don’t do anything
that would cause a
nuisance such as
lighting large bonfires,
rowdy behaviour etc
The Mallard
Changes to the Mallard Arrangements
During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Firstly, thank you to all of you who have responded with your
email addresses so that you can receive the copy of the Mallard
electronically. We are aware we don’t have everyone’s email
but our list is growing. If we can all work together and pass the
word around it will help us make this system even better.
We cannot get the copies printed at the moment in our usual
way but we have printed a limited number of copies locally
which will be left at the Village Store for people who are not
online. If you can help with this in any way, please do.
Don’t forget, as well, that we always publish the Mallard on
the village website both on the Mallard page and the Home
page. The website address is www.greatmassingham.net and it
is managed by the Mallard team.
We have tried to make this issue interesting and positive but it
does, inevitably, refer to the current situation in many articles.
We want to keep the publications coming (we have never
missed an issue since starting in 1991) and we ask you to help
by sending in any interesting articles suitable for publication.
Send them and/or your email address to the me, Bev Randall.
We will keep you updated in every way we can and, hopefully,
the changes won’t be for too long.
The Editor, Bev Randall, 01485 520 899 or
Email: mallard.editor@btinternet.com
Did you know that Great Massingham has it’s own
Self Isolating Group and they want to help? Why not join?
Lots of people have joined already. Why not give it a try?
** CORONA VIRUS **
ARE YOU SELF ISOLATING?
WE CAN HELP
SHOPPING * COLLECTING MEDICATION *
POSTING LETTERS
email nicho50@hotmail.co.uk
telephone 07793 286056
or
join our facebook group
MASSINGHAM SELF ISOLATING HELP GROUP
(please also join if you can offer help)
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR SAFETY
DO NOT LET ANYONE
YOU DO NOT KNOW INTO YOUR HOME
2
Mallard News

‘Histry Bits’.... A Fishy Business

Several years back, when the big house at Heath Farm was being renovated, a
bundle of dusty farm accounts came to light. They date from the year 1923 and
provide a fascinating insight into the day to day running of both the farm and the
village, during the decade following the Great War.
At that time the farm was being run by my
maternal grandfather, John Morton,
known to all and sundry as the ‘Boss’. He
was a huge man in every sense of the
word, well over six feet tall, with a girth
to match and was loved and respected by
his employees and villagers alike.
The majority of his surviving invoices are
for the purchase of such items as Egyptian
Seed Cotton cake, presumably to augment
cattle feed and on winter oats for the hors-
es. There are visits from the vet, Mr. Hill
from Rudham, for the purpose of ‘ringing

Big John
Morton
holding his
daughter
Merrill,
1923

the bull’ and ‘providing physic balls

and a jar of ringworm ointment.’ In
addition, there are several invoices
from W. H. Johnson in Lynn for the
repair and servicing of my grandfa-
ther’s model T Ford, which included
‘running a new wire to the electric
horn and tightening up the front wing.’
But, perhaps, the most intriguing bills
of all are the bills from Donaldson’s,
the Lynn fishmongers, who incidental-
ly are still in business today.
Could one Norfolk farmer, even with the help of his family, eat quite so much
seafood every week? (See bill above from Donaldson’s Fishmongers.) David Miller
3
Mallard News Village Hall
The Lock Down Quiz
Thank you to Peter James and Malcolm Tibble for organising a
successful and regular Lock Down quiz during the current crisis.
There has been a good response so far and I am sure they will be
happy to have more joining them. Peter reports……
We have now held two quizzes. Only a few have admitted to taking part by submitting
their scores! Why not join us? Results as below but who’s worried about scores!
Quiz 1 led by Peter Quiz 2 led by Malcolm
James Tibble
Alison & Terence 65 The Roman Crescents 79
Ward Family Plus 1 63 The Covidiots 76
Tean Jackson/Casburn 61 Alison & Terence 74
Anne & Barry Bowen 60 Sunnyside Up 72
Fiona & Ptolomey 57 Suzanne & Graham Martin 71
Rita & The Bakehouse 57 Massingham Minor 68
Sunnyside Up 50 Rita & The Bakehouse 64
The Covidiots 48 Anne & Barry Bowen 62
The Roman Crescents 47 Fiona & Ptolomey 56

No Village Hall Events For the Time Being Due to Lockdown

Film Club, Craft & Chat, West Norfolk Live, Non virtual Quizzes, Bingo, Historical
Society, Bowls, Tennis, Keep Fit, Auctions, Youth Club, Yoga, Trefoil Guild,
Coronation Club and Community Lunches are all on hold because the Hall is closed.
We hope to be back to full business soon. Until then, please keep safe & well.

Shop window
TONY INWOOD
CREATIVE GARDENING
Specialist in pruning and training
Telephone: 07887 780 056
All sizes of work undertaken
9 Crossing Cottage, Little Massingham
King’s Lynn, PE32 2JZ
tonyinwood100@icloud.com

4
Shop window

MASSINGHAM STORES & POST OFFICE

FOOD - WINE - DELI • Guitar Tuition - Acoustic, Electric & Bass • Vocal Coaching
• Drum Tuition • Ukulele
WE’RE OPEN • Music Workshops • Mandolin
Monday - Saturday 7am - 7pm Tel: 01553 630747 - 07720 888978 - Ashwicken, King’s Lynn
Sunday 9am - 4pm Email: stone.pony@btinternet.com

WE’VE GOT
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award winning Brays Cottage pork pies & sausage rolls
Chilled wine & beer · Lottery · Newspapers
Fresh sandwiches & rolls · Fresh coffee & tea All building work undertaken
Quality assured. Renovation & newbuild
CONTACT US ON
email: info@massinghamstores.co.uk
phone: 01485 520272
website: www.massinghamstores.co.uk 15, Cross Street, Harpley, King’s Lynn PE31 6TJ
massingham stores and post office sandrreeve@gmail.com
@massinghamstorespostoffice

Approved coal and

Lynn Road
West Rudham Oyster
solid fuel merchant Norfolk
PE31 8RW House
For Quality Fuels at the
Best Prices Bed & Breakfast
Mrs. Veronica Prentice
Phone: 01485 520637 Phone O1485 528327
Mobile: 07780 776576 www.oysterhouse.co.uk

H. I. S. TV, Video, DVD & Satellite Sales, Set-up & Repairs

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES • 30 Years Experience
• Free Estimates
•
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3 Weasenham Rd • Qualified Engineer • Discount for OAP’s
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• Hard Landscaping • Sales, Repairs, Installations & Tuning Services
• Kitchens/Bathrooms
• Floor & Wall Tiling Call 07786 618787 or
• Decking 01485 520745 White Cottage, School Road, Necton (opp Rectory

Community Car Scheme Carol Walker MCFHP MAFHP

Registered Member of the British
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Apply on line Foot Healthcare in Your Home
at massinghamcommunitycars.co.uk or Contact: carolwalker3060@gmail.com
Phone: 01485 520 823 Tel: 07714 192 521

5
Mallard News
Biodiversity Project News
A great deal has changed since last month’s news and I am sure many of us will
have found solace from the way in which nature carries on regardless. At the biodi-
versity site we were able to get the meadow rotovated and to sow some supplemen-
tary seed to add to the colour palette of the display that we can look forward to later
in the year. This was achieved before the social distancing rules were introduced
and a few volunteers then continued to work independently on the site until the lock-
down period began. Last year’s growth of greater willowherb was cleared from the
wet meadow and the area around the information board but, since then, work has
been unavoidably curtailed.
Visits to the site on exercise walks have revealed a good
display of spring flowers in the woodland and two spec-
tacular clumps of marsh marigold that can clearly be seen
from Weasenham Road!
After such a wet winter, April has been remarkably dry
but it has been good to see plenty of new germination in
the meadow.
Marsh The woodland has been alive
Marigold with birdsong: chiffchaff,
blackcap and goldcrest all
being noted on a recent visit
and blue tits are resident in at
least one of the nest boxes.
A pair of moorhens had
young on the pond by mid- Germinating
April and the spring sunshine Meadow
has been good for butterflies
with holly blue, orange tip
and brimstone being seen.
We look forward to being able to resume our Saturday
working parties as soon as Government restrictions
allow. If your garden is now pristine and you would
like to turn your skills and enthusiasm elsewhere then
please do get in touch when conditions allow!
Tim Baldwin (see contact details on page 15)

Yellow Archangel Wild Garlic

6
Mallard News

Changes to garden and

food waste collections
Waste and refuse teams in west Norfolk are working to new advice on social
distancing which means there have been changes to collections as follows:-
Garden waste bins have now been reinstated. It will not be possible to
collect side waste or garden waste that has been bagged. Please feed
any excess garden waste into your brown bin over the next couple of
collections. Collected alternate Tuesdays, the same week as black bins.
Black bins will be collected fortnightly, as usual, but you are asked to put
your food waste in your black bin for the time being.
Food waste bins will not be emptied while these restrictions remain in
place. Collection alternate Wednesdays.
Green bins will be collected fortnightly, as usual. No change here.
Please do not put food waste in these bins.
Collection alternate Wednesdays.
Residents are reminded to practice safe hygiene and to wash their hands
thoroughly after they take the bin out and when they return it to their property.
We want people to continue to collect their food waste in the caddy so that they
don’t get out of the habit for when all this is over.
As soon as things return to normal, rest assured, the weekly food collection will be
reinstated and this will be collected and processed in the usual, environmentally
friendly way. Of course, people could assist this situation by being very careful
about not overbuying their perishable foods to avoid waste, and by getting creative
with leftovers to reduce waste and their need to go the shops.
For more tips visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.

THANK YOU TO SO MANY PEOPLE

We have many people to thank in the current crisis.
NHS staff & other key workers and, also, a huge thank
you to our care staff who are giving invaluable support
locally. Many thanks, as well, to our bin collectors and
postmen who are doing such a sterling job.
Finally, huge thanks to Mark & his team at the Village
Store for providing such a wonderful service not just
for our village but, also, other local villages not lucky
enough to have the same facilities. You are making a
huge contribution by not only having good supplies in
store but also by supporting the vulnerable with home
delivery, ensuring our safety when we shop and all
with a cheery smile. You are all amazing!
Karen Wadham and the village.
(Store update from Mark at the Village Store, on p16)
7
Great Massingham & Harpley C of E Primary Schools Federation
Schools Still Open To Support Key Workers
Great Massingham and Harpley Schools that make up our Federation have been open
for children of NHS and other Key workers to attend, since March 30th.
Sessions are alternating between the two schools. We are grateful for the staff who
have volunteered to provide this service including Head Teacher, Mrs Ann Beardall
and Co-Head Teacher, Mrs Kirsten Stibbon.
The children have been involved in many exciting activities including:
Cooking Baking Hokey-Pokey biscuits, making chocolate ganache cake,
pizza, bacon sandwiches, scrambled eggs and much more
Design Technology Making a lego Mayan temple.
Art Painting by numbers, painting rainbows of hope.
P.E. Joe Wickes workout daily, table tennis, gym mats hopscotch,
trim trail challenge.
Geography Map of the world jig saw
Science What makes bread rise?
Maths Times Tables Rock stars, Maths King (ipad)
Other Filling the skip, tidying, collating work for home schooling, mud
kitchen.
They enjoyed making the Rainbow post-
ers and you might have seen them tied to
the fence of the school. Rainbows are
popping up everywhere, as a symbol of
hope, while we are all staying at home in
our efforts to prevent the spread of the
virus. (see pictures left and on next page.)
The group of children coming to school is
very small, at the most seven, so you are
probably wondering what provision is
being made for the other children. The
staff from the schools miss the children
very much but work is being provided weekly and is emailed to their home with pa-
per copies available for collection from a box at the school. Work is returned to the
same box for marking. Included below are three pictures sent back for their teachers.

8
Great Massingham & Harpley C of E Primary Schools Federation
Herbie Sums Up So Well How
The winners
Everyone is Feeling of the April
All the teachers are missing the children so much. It Draw 2020
is particularly sad for the year 6 children who, as st
things stand at the moment, might not be able to say 1 prize – Bev Randall
their goodbyes. Moving to High School is an im- 2nd prize – Troy Doherty
portant step in all children’s lives and one that is 3rd prize – Holly Castle
remembered for ever. Herbie, from Harpley School, If you would like to renew/buy a
number for this year’s draws
sent in the letter below which expresses clearly how please call Joules 07761 983212
he feels. Let’s hope we’ll see the children back soon.

SEE PAGE 8
LEFT

9
 Mallard News
TMessage
O A LL fromPARISHIONERS
Reverend Judith
As I write, we are living in lockdown in our households with many people in
self-isolation. We can hardly conceive of such a thing happening in modern
times – it seems more reminiscent of former centuries; it calls to mind the
heroic village of Eyam in Derbyshire who cut themselves off from others in order to
contain the plague, the Black Death.
Our Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, said: “Life feels so strange at present. Things
are out of kilter, including our emotions and there is sorrow that our church buildings are
closed for public worship and private prayer. Yet the Church is the people of God and
we are being ‘church’ right now, just in a different way.”
In this most challenging of times, there are opportunities, too, for creatively re-imagining
what shared worship really means to us. Video conferencing software such as Zoom
is taking on a new relevance as church communities use it for worship, moving church to
cyberspace, the Internet, becoming ‘virtual churches’ - but no less meaningful to those
computer-savvy people who can engage with the technology. Of course, not everyone
can. So, even more novel ways must be found to prevent these people being excluded.
In this season of Easter let us grasp afresh the unquenchable hope that Jesus Christ gives
us – especially in this Easter, unlike any other.
The words of Her Majesty the Queen resonate with us, that we need the hope that East-
er gives us more than ever: “We should take comfort that while we may have more still
to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our
families again; we will meet again.”
Join us for our ‘virtual service’
Come Creator Spirit,
each Sunday morning at
source of life,
sustain us when our hearts 10.30am.
are heavy and our wells have run dry, For further information contact
for you are the Father’s gift to us, Steve Williamson: 01553 636413
with him who is our living water,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen With love to you all, Reverend Judith

BEWARE OF SCAMS…
The Police are warning us about many SCAMS, by
telephone, on many topics - rent, funerals, banking -
and they say ‘PLEASE BE AWARE!’

COMMNUTY CARS …
Due to Covid-19 (Coronavirus)
Door to Door Trips are Regrettably Currently
Restricted to:
• Medical appointments if deemed necessary by the
hospital or GP Practices.
• Shopping trips, Hairdresser trips, etc., are unfortu-
nately not possible at present.
When the situation improves we hope to
resume our previous range of services.
David Butterworth dave.butterworth@me.com
07710348111/ 01485 520111
10
Mallard News
Sad News as The Village Loses a Great Friend Gladys with
We were all sad to hear of the death of Gladys Newton, on 10 th Senior Nurse
April. She died peacefully in her sleep. Gladys was a long time Dorothy
resident of Great Massingham and a great stalwart in the Church.
With the current restrictions regarding funerals, it was not possi-
ble to show our respects in the way we usually do but the plan is
to hold a memorial service at Great Massingham, in the future,
when the current crisis is over.
What we were able to do, with the support of Emma Duggan at
Fakenham Funeral Services, was to arrange for the hearse to be driven through the village,
along Station Road, on a detour route to Mintlyn crematorium. People were invited to
line up, with correct spacing, along the green, starting at the Church, by 11.05am. At
least fifty people came along and everyone clapped as the hearse drove by. This was the
best way we could find, in the current situation, to say goodbye to a much loved and re-
spected lady.
The service at the crematorium was live streamed so, even though attendance at the ser-
vice was strictly limited, we were able to log in and watch and be part of it. Reverend
Judith took the service and, in her own special way, made it as good as it could be.
Rev’d Judith paid tribute to Gladys and her life.
Gladys was born Gladys Muriel Blake in March 1935 in Elham, Kent. During the Second
World War she was evacuated to the Cotswolds and then, at the age of 13years, the fami-
ly moved to London to live in North Hampstead.
It was there that Gladys met Alfred Newton and they married on 4 th January 1964 and
continued to live in London. She worked for a well-known London Advertising Agency
and was very successful. She was the model of discretion and very well respected.
When they both retired they moved to Great Massingham and here they remained.
Gladys has always been a prominent member of the St Mary’s Church community and
her contribution has been second to none. Being a member of the Church Flower Arrang-
ing team for 15years, a founder member of the Wednesday teas, Assistant Treasurer and
an active member of the PCC were just some of the activities to which she gave her time
and energy. She was a ‘caterer
par excellence’ and used these You can see Gladys, front row far right, making sure
skills when entertaining her she had a front row seat to get full enjoyment out of
family and for Church events. the film, at the village Film Club.
Gladys was a skilled dress- She was a regular at this popular event.
maker, she loved going on
cruises, enjoyed the theatre,
loved animals and was devoted
to all her nieces and nephews,
not having any children of her
own. They, in turn, speak very
fondly of her. ‘Family’ was
very important to her. People
who knew her well say she ‘lifted their spirit’ especially when they were down.
Gladys was an exceptional human being who lit up the lives of others. She was always
determined to make the most of life. We are all so grateful to have known her.
The Mobile Library is suspended for the time being. Books on loan will automatically be renewed.

11
Shop window

M B LOGS
DRY STORED, SEASONED,
SPLIT WOOD
SUPPLIED & DELIVERED
CALL MARK
07766223438 or email
markmark.bane@gmail.com

Over 25 years experience,

17Th Edition qualified,
Part P registered

Boarding for dogs in the comfort of our home

Your dogs will be treated as one of the family for
the duration of their stay. Daily walks & spacious
grounds for your dog to play in.
Love and cuddles guaranteed!
The Paddocks, Station Road,
Little Massingham
Pub Opening Suspended as
Contact Donna on 07793 737 312 per the
Ducklings Preschool
Government instructions
concerning Coronavirus.
Hope to see you all
Great Massingham again soon.
Pre - School, 2 - 4 years 9am - 3pm
Ducklingspreschool@aol.com
THE DABBLING DUCK
07807185746 11 Abbey Rd, Great Massingham.
www.greatmassinghampreschool.co.uk Reservations: 01485
01485 520
520 827827

32 Walcups Lane, Great Massingham, PE32 2HR

Email: nealedavies4@gmail.com

12
Shop window
Keighley’s Happy Feet GUTTERING SERVICES
Keighley Overson NORFOLK
Foot Care Specialist Gutters cleared, repaired and replaced.
Call: 07576911627 or 01328 838869 No job too small. Free quotes. Fully insured.
Corns · Callus · Cracked heels Local, friendly and reliable service.
Ingrown nails · Diabetic foot care & advice Contact Neill
Nail reduction and trimming Call 01485 572 002 or 07856 568 433
Fungal and athletes foot care email: neillmurray@ymail.com
£20 per session Follow us on facebook

BRING NEW LIFE TO YOUR HOME WITH..

The Window Doctor

WE SUPPLY A QUALITY RANGE OF
Windows · Doors · Conservatories
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Contact Su’en Miller
Parsley Barn
NAOMI LITTLEWOOD
Tel: 01485 520 988
Mob: 07968 246 083 Weasenham Rd Mobile: 07557790226
Gt Massingham
Email:suen.miller@foxcotte.force9.co.uk
Or book via www.airbnb.co.uk PE32 2EY NO JOB TOO SMALL
yourlocalhandywoman@gmail.com

JJs Flowers By
Funeral Tributes,
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Miss Julie Morters JJs flowers
01485 609 125 or @ JJs FlowersJulieMorters
07884 238 438 Based in and around Great Massingham
justjulie71@tiscali.co.uk Call/Text: 07825 234293
The Birches, St Andrews Lane, Congham, PE32 1DY Leanne Elton

13
Shop window
Golden Years Norfolk
WE DO NOT REMEMBER DAYS,
WE REMEMBER MOMENTS
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• Companionship - offering respite for relatives. Electrical Upgrades
• Outings - trips, supported shopping, coffee & chat All Work Fully Insured
• Medical/Hospital Appointments - support / presence
• Dementia - Conversation & reminiscence. For your free estimate please call Adam Prime on
Enhanced DBS & references to view. Affordable rates. 01485 601141
Call Paul 07741 568 023 07765 786709
www.goldenyearsnorfolk.co.uk primenetworkgrp@gmail.com

FIRING Heath Farm Shop

Family run business
selling quality &

SQUAD
bespoke meat and
produce, from our own
farm & local Suppliers
Heath farm Shop, Lynn Lane,
Great Massingham
WOODBURNERS King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2HJ
01485 520 828
Comprehensive stock to view at our Open 9-5 Monday to Friday
showroom on 9-1 Saturday
The West Raynham Business Park.
01328 854 098
e-mail: firingsquadwoodburners@yahoo.com
www.firingsquadwoodburners.com
APPROVED CLEARVIEW STOCKIST

Welcomes old & new members

High quality fitted and free-standing

furniture. Individually designed,
Excellent facilities and
a friendly atmosphere. personally installed by experts from
Good beer, real ale, wines and spirits
all at competitive prices. our Great Massingham workshops.
Separate snooker room. www.tenacityinteriors.com
Satellite, large screen TV.
Outside drinking area.
Entertainment throughout the year.
Membership applications can be obtained CALL TODAY
from the club bar 01485 521888

14
 Useful Numbers
Organisation Contact Phone No.
Allotment Association Gill Goold 0750 824 2223
Biodiversity Project Tim Baldwin 520 813
Borough Council James (Jim) Moriarty 07879 492400
Bell Ringing Dale Gagen 520 024
Bowls Club Martin Matthews 520 707
Church Contacts Revd Judith Pollard 01485 601 251
Community Car Scheme Office 520 823
Coronation Club Jill Whitmore 520 609
County Council Stuart Graham Dark 07450 679 355
Dabbling Duck Pub Mark Dobby 520 827
Doctors Massingham Surgery 520 521
The Film Night Arthur Allen 520 628
Fishing Warden Paul Smith and Ken Perry Sue Nash 07802 670 711
Guide Trefoil Guild Shirley Rae 520 259
Massingham Historical Society Peter James 521 706
Tennis and Multi-Sports Club Arthur Allen 520 628
Parish Council Mick Wingell (Chair)& Sarah Harvey (Clerk) 520 369 & 01328 823391
Pre-School Pip Armitage 07807 185 746
Police Non-emergency 101
School Ann Beardall 520 362
Village Hall Hall & Bar & Vic Cross 520 588/520 387
Village Stores and Deli Mark and Kerry Eldridge 520 272

OVEN CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING
SOFA CLEANING
Call the local experts now

Installation of Solid, Clean Tech

Engineered & Laminates.
Floor Sanding & Re-Finishing. 01485 609223
Call Chris
Card, cheque and cash
Mobile 07894 791 723
Landline (01485) 521707 payments accepted
www.gibbswoodfloors.co.uk
15
 Update From Mark at Great Massingham Village Store
Given our challenges, of which we are all too well aware, we’ve all been working incred-
ibly hard to keep things ‘running as normal’ and we are pleased to be able to clarify that:-
• We are open as normal Monday to Saturday 7am - 7pm & Sunday 9am - 4pm.
• The post office is also open as normal Mon. to Fri. 9am - 5:30pm & Sat. 9am - 1pm.
Looking after you and our team are our highest priorities.
We are all working hard to minimise the spread of coronavirus and
please ask that all our customers adhere to the following guidelines:-
• We are supporting social distancing of 2 metres.
• Please do not enter the store if 2 metres space cannot be achieved. Please
wait with 2 metres clearance outside allowing customers to exit safely. We may ask
you to queue outside to achieve this so please bring a brolly!
• Please, where possible, pay by card to minimise handling cash.
• Please do not put cards or cash in your mouth or lick your fingers before handing them
to our team.
• We have increased hand washing and cleaning procedures. Please be patient whilst
these take place.
• We have a one-way system around the store to prevent ‘crossing over'.
• We have screens and sanitiser at each serving point in the store - we encourage you to
use these. Door handles, fridge handles, basket handles and other high contact surface
areas are all cleaned and sanitised frequently
HOME DELIVERY SERVICE :
To help our more vulnerable & isolated customers we’re operating a home delivery service.
This service is currently prioritised for our customers who are compulsorily self-isolating
and do not have a support network that can help do the shopping for them. We would
love to be able to deliver to a broader group but, with capacity constraints, we must focus
on those who need us the most.
We appreciate all you do to help us protect against, and fight, this virus.
Protecting you and us helps us to stay open.
Thank you for your understanding. Mark, Kerry & Staff
Nature Close to Home ……. I am sure that many villagers will have, over the last six
weeks, focussed attention on watching the natural world from their windows and on local
walks. Like me, you have probably also reflected on how fortunate we are living where
we do and being able to find beauty in small things and things local. Thanks goodness
that the spring has been one to lift the mood through these strange times!
Some fellow ornithologically minded residents and myself have recorded the birds seen
on our exercise walks and compared notes, with encouraging results. The recent focus
has been on spring migrants but earlier in the season we noted the population of now
scarce tree sparrows along the hedgerow at the start of Drunken Drove, gadwall and
shoveler visiting Scotsman’s Pit and a hen harrier quartering the fields along Walcups
Lane. Barn owls could often be seen hunting before dusk around the edges of the village,
particularly along Lynn Lane & Weasenham Road - always a welcome and uplifting sight.
The first returning swallows and house martins were seen by mid-
April. We now await the arrival of the first swifts. Other migrants of Black
Redstart
note included lesser whitethroat at Grimston Heath, a couple of
black redstarts (see picture) seen in Owen Cole Close and a yellow
wagtail in the horse paddocks near the airfield. The latter two would
not be breeding locally but just passing through. Tim Baldwin
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