© Ian Summers

villagediary.net

Wintry Words – and if that doesn’t look cold enough turn to page 9

1,3,5,7,9-11,13-17,19

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Editor: Ian Summers, 14 The Knoll, Hempstead, Holt NR25 6TJ 01263 710702 editor@villagediary.net

Sub-editor: Su SummersProduction: Thomas WormaldVillage Correspondents:

Baconsthorpe: Ro Hardingham 577262Barningham: Sara Buxton 577207Hempstead: Betty Hart 712726Matlaske: Florence Hunt 577363Plumstead: Thomas Wormald 577239

Add your own contentwww.isdata.co.uk/cgi-bin/post.plInstructions on http://post.ly/wiXx

Copy date20th of the month preceding publication

Postal Subscriptions£10 per year – Corinne Youngs 577263

AdvertisingAnnual: Contact: Mrs D Spalton 711117

One-off or special requirement: Payment by the copy date. Contact: The editor

For Sale & Wants: £1 per 20 words (free if proceeds to Newsletter) Contact: The editor

Village Diary Web Site villagediary.netWhere you see odd characters like these then you can either find out more details

about the item on the web site and (for some items) add comments to share your ideas or views. Just enter the code (case-sensitive) into the Address Bar preceded by post.ly/

ChurchwardensBaconsthorpe: Tessa McCosh 577611Barningham: Mary Wortley 577246

Brian Clements 570293Hempstead: Ann Udale 713656

Su Summers 710702    Matlaske: Florence Hunt 577363

Thomas Courtauld 577250Plumstead: Thomas Wormald 577239

John Durdin 577234

Village Diary & Newsletter

Community Information and Services

Mobile Library Every fourth ThursdayMatlaske 12:20 pm Old Post OfficePlumstead 13:00 pm Walnut Farm

Baconsthorpe 14:25 pm Council Bungalows 15:45 pm Old Post Office 16:05 pm The Street

Hempstead 15:00 pm Hare and Hounds 15:20 pm Telephone kiosk

See www.libraries.norfolk.gov.uk

Holt Library 9 Church Street, Holt NR25 6BB Tel: 712202

Mon–Wed, and Sat: 9:30 am to 1 pmFri: 9:30 am to 6 pm

Books can be dropped off out of hours in the letterbox labelled ‘bookdrop’ in the blue door.

Post Office Baconsthorpe Village HallTuesdays 12:30 pm to 4 pmFridays 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

For a full range of services offered at this branch and all other enquiries call 712139.

Norfolk Constabulary 101 for non-urgent calls Holt Safer Neighbourhood Team

e-mail: sntholt@norfolk.pnn.police.ukPolice Community Support Officers:

Baconsthorpe & Matlaske PCSO Guy SladeHempstead PCSO Rachel HowardPlumstead PCSO Jason Ford

Police Direct about crime and policing issueshttp://tinyurl.com/cra3u4j

Dog Warden516085 (out of hours 513811) ep@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Norfolk Carers Helpline – 0808 808 9876 Mon–Fri 8 am to 8 pm. Free and confidential listening, support and information for family carers. www.norfolkcarershelpline.org.uk

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily the views of the newsletter. The newsletter apologises if contributed material is not

published due to space constraints. All facts are believed to be correct at time of publication.

The editor reserves the right to amend material.

mNau

2

Bodham Wind TurbineThe appeal is taking the form of an informal hearing which will be held at the Council Offices at Cromer at 10 am on 29 Jan.

Any member of the public is entitled to attend and if they would like to speak they are advised to arrive before the meeting to register their interest. There will be a site visit the following day. A physical presence shows the Inspector that people really do care about the decision made. How to prevent fuel theftControl switches that control the flow of oil should be turned off and the electricity supply isolated when the tank is not in use.Padlocks: A thief will usually come equipped with a limited range of tools to attack your tank so it’s worth spending a little more on good quality locks. Close shackle padlocks are the best as they offer most resistance to thieves. Due to their design, close shackle padlocks have very little of the metal hoop (shackle) exposed and bolt croppers cannot get a good grip.Oil level gauges: Check your oil levels regularly. This will alert you quickly to any problems you may have had. It will also assist the police investigation if you can narrow the crime times down. Always check when you have had a delivery so you have a starting point. Many tanks can be fitted with a gauge to monitor the levels which can be read inside the house.Security lights can have a very positive effect and make any property a harder target for thieves. It’s not always necessary to floodlight the area with high-power beams – a more-subtle level of lighting may be all that is needed. Low energy ‘dusk ’til dawn’ lights positioned close to the tank should, in most cases, provide sufficient light to

illuminate any suspicious activity. This type of light can be both effective and inexpensive. High-powered lights can be used but care should be taken not to cause any nuisance to neighbours or road users.The Positioning of your oil tank can have a significant effect on how much of a target it is likely to become.• Keep the tank in a well-overlooked

position – this will ensure any thieves are more likely to be seen.

• If your tank is close to the house make sure you can see it from your windows – this coupled with the lighting will make it less of a target.

• Better still, enclose your tank in a building which can be secured.

• Don’t overlook the importance of ventilation if enclosing the tank – advice should be sought from your oil company.

• Always remember that access is required for any deliveries.

Perimeter security of your property can play a big part in reducing any crime.• If you have a gate keep it closed and

locked when you are out.• Always make arrangements for access for

your delivery driver – you could use combination padlocks or arrange deliveries when you are in.

• Make sure your perimeter fence is in good condition and is not easy to climb.

• Consider the use of trellis on top of any rear fencing to increase height.

• Nature provides its own defence in the form of prickly plants such as berberis and pyracantha. They can deter thieves as the smallest trace of blood can lead to them being identified. They can supplement fencing for protection and look more natural than some security fencing.

Site-specific crime prevention info from Norfolk Constabulary 0845 456 4567.

Thank you to the anonymous sponsor of this edition of Village Diary & Newsletter

Thank you to everyone who has supported our Coffee & Gossip events in Hempstead – you help to keep our Village Diary & Newsletter solvent.

More help is needed – please see page 18. Next time it is on Friday, 3 Feb.3

’

Quote of the monthTo argue with a person who has renounced reason is like administering medicine to the dead. Thomas Paine

‘Join us on

Friday 3rd Augat Ash Tree Farm, The Street,

Baconsthorpe NR25 6LF

10:30 -- noonProceeds to the Newsletter

You can either resent the way life is ordained, or be intrigued by it. Denis Donoghue

’

Quote of the monthIf you have any problems or difficulties, don’t hesitate to sort them out yourself.

Lawrence Campbell

‘

Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before. Mae WestBi-monthly NewsletterIt is fun producing the newsletter but it can be quite frustrating having a fews days that must be set aside to produce it every month. Unless I hear a very loud outcry or someone who is willing to produce every other month... Let’s just see how we go. Since we moved to the area there has always been a two-month issue in December - so it can be done. Ed

Previous IssuesYou can now view previous issues on line is a more enjoyable way. Please try it out by going to issuu.com/villagediary

Thank you to the anonymous sponsor of this edition of the Newsletter

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Tel: 01263 715577john.perry-warnes@norfolk.gov.uk

Church Matters

5

Church Matters

Church Services3 Feb 2 before Lent 9 am Eucharist Baconsthorpe Church

10:45 am Mattins Barningham Winter Church10 Feb 1 before Lent 9 am Eucharist Hempstead Church

10:45 am Mattins Plumstead Church13 Feb Ash Wednesday 7 pm Eucharist Barningham Winter Church17 Feb Lent 1 9 am Eucharist Matlaske Church

10:45 am Mattins Baconsthorpe Church24 Feb Lent 2 9 am Eucharist Barningham Winter Church

10:45 am Mattins Hempstead Church3 Mar Lent 3 9 am Eucharist Plumstead Church

10:45 am Mattins Matlaske Church

Weekday Holy Eucharist You are most welcome to join us every Thursday morning at 10 am in Matlaske Church for Holy Eucharist

From the RectoryThe Rectory Matlaske NR11 7AQ 577455 (any day but Wednesdays)

My dear friendsFirst of all, Jo joins me in wishing everyone a very Happy New Year. Christmas in the Benefice was wonderful and I would like to thank all who gave of their time and talents in so many different ways. The services were well attended; the churches were beautifully decorated and the choir, as usual, were brilliant. Special thanks to Geoff Wortley who led the Christingle Service.

What a joy it was to have Bishop Jonathan with us for Confirmation on 10 Jan. Our congratulations to Richenda Riches and Jessica Robson.

Lent will soon be upon us. Our Ash Wednesday service will be on 13 Feb in Barningham Winter Church at 7 pm. After that we shall have our customary ‘Compline and Address’ services on Wednesdays in Lent – 7 pm at Barningham Winter Church.

Please make a diary note for Sunday 3 March at 10:45 am. The Reverend Peter Galloway (The Queen’s Chaplin of the Savoy) will be preaching at Choral Mattins at Matlaske. Peter represents The Queen who, as Duke of Lancaster, is Patron of Matlaske and Plumstead.

Choir Practice will resume on Friday, 15 Feb at 6:30 pm in Matlaske Church. We are all extremely grateful for the Choir’s considerable contribution to our worship.

It is hoped that the Community Lunch Club will resume on Wednesday, 27th February but please check and confirm your booking the week before. Thanks.

God bless you all.

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Back to the Garden, Fakenham Road, Letheringsett, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7JJTel: 01263 715996 www.back-to-the-garden.co.uk

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7

children. We have had many calls on our resources and we are grateful to you all for helping us to help others.’

This is a tribute to the generosity of those who this year (and over several past years) have brought gifts to this service and thereby joy at Christmas to local needy families. Many thanks to those in the Benefice who donated so generously – we hope to repeat this next year. RH & GW

Carol Service at MatlaskeThere was a good congregation at St Peter’s Church, Matlaske for the Benefice Christmas Carol Service. Readers were from the five churches in the Benefice, the youngest being Matilda and Charlie Courtauld. The choir led the singing of familiar carols and after the service everyone enjoyed mulled wine, mince-pies and a good mardle. A donation from the collection was sent to BEFA, a local charity serving those in need at Christmas. DW

Crib Service at HempsteadThe Benefice Crib Service was held at Hempstead Church this year, and a most beautiful service it was too. We sang carols to help tell the story of that first Christmas as the crib figures were brought to the front by the children. The children then held candles around the crib as they sang ‘Away in a Manger’, adding to the hundred candles already lit around the church. The offertory of £90 was sent to Hempstead’s special charity, Norfolk Venda Educational Project. We are told it will go towards building the roof on an unfinished classroom at Mphigalale Primary School in the very poor Venda region of South Africa. SS

Christmas Day Morning at Barningham WinterSt Mary’s Church, Barningham Winter was the venue for the Benefice Christmas Festive Eucharist with carols. The church was packed to capacity and particularly delightful was the presence of at least twelve children

Benefice News

Advent Carol Service at North Barningham

There was a large congregation at St Peter’s Church, North Barningham for the Benefice Advent Carol Service. The season of Advent has its own quite special carols and these, together with an Anthem from the Benefice Choir, were sung with great gusto. The Rev Michael Cartwright officiated and played the organ, with members of the congregation being called upon to read appropriate passages. Members of the Palgrave Society, which holds this church ‘special’, were also in attendance. At the end of the service all enjoyed mulled wine and sausage rolls; the whole occasion setting the scene for the Christmastide celebrations to come. Thank you to all who played a part in the organisation, and provided the splendid flower arrangements; especially to Chuffy and Maurice de Bunsen for the provision of the much-appreciated refreshment. GW

Toy Service at BaconsthorpeThe annual Benefice Toy Service was held at St Mary’s Church, Baconsthorpe. Around eighty wrapped gifts were given and later taken to the Salvation Army in Sheringham who organise the distribution for us to families for whom gifts at Christmas prove difficult and often impossible.

The following is an extract from a letter from Sheringham Corps – ‘Sincere thanks to you all in the Barningham Group of Parishes. It was overwhelming to receive such generous gifts. These were all carefully sorted to enable families who most needed help at Christmas to receive them for their

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When the white missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we hadthe land. They said 'Let us pray.' We closed our eyes. When we opened themwe had the Bible and they had the land.Desmond Tutu***** America is the only country where a significant proportion of thepopulation believes that professional wrestling is real but the moonlanding was faked. David Letterman**** I'm not a paranoid, deranged millionaire. God dammit, I'm a billionaire. Howard Hughes***** After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.~ Italian proverb***** Men are like linoleum floors. Lay 'em right and you can walk all overthem for thirty years.~ Betsy Salkind***** The only reason they say 'Women and children first' is to test thestrength of the lifeboats.~ Jean Kerr***** I've been married to a communist and a fascist, and neither would takeout the garbage.~ Zsa Zsa Gabor**** You know you're a redneck if your home has wheels and your car doesn't.~ Jeff Foxworthy***** When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a newwife.~ Prince Philip***** A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kickboxing.~ Emo Philips.***** Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself.~ Harrison Ford***** The best cure for sea sickness, is to sit under a tree.~ Spike Milligan***** Lawyers believe a man is innocent until proven broke.~ Robin Hall***** Kill one man and you're a murderer, kill a million and you're a conqueror.~ Jean Rostand.***** Having more money doesn't make you happier. I have 50 million dollars butI'm just as happy as when I had 48 million.~ Arnold Schwarzenegger.***** We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are herefor, I have no idea.~ WH Auden***** In hotel rooms I worry. I can't be the only guy who sits on the furniturenaked.~ Jonathan Katz***** If life were fair Elvis would still be alive today and all theimpersonators would be dead.~ Johnny Carson***** I don't believe in astrology. I am a Sagittarius and we're very skeptical.~ Arthur C Clarke***** Hollywood must be the only place on earth where you can be fired by a manwearing a Hawaiian shirt and a baseball cap.~ Steve Martin***** Home cooking. Where many a man thinks his wife is.~ Jimmy Durante***** As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind - everypart of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder.~ John Glenn**** If toast always lands butter-side down, and cats always land on theirfeet, what happens if you strap toast on the back of a cat?~ Steven Wright***** America is so advanced that even the chairs are electric.~ Doug Hamwell***** The first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone.~ George Roberts***** If God had intended us to fly he would have made it easier to get to theairport~ Jonathan Winters*****

continued on page 19

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Aspects of WinterWhilst taking an involuntary ‘lie-down’ in the snow recently, I considered the different aspects of winter. At the time, mine was a physically uncomfortable aspect, but others have commented more favourably:

Stopping by woods on a snowy eveningWhose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse nearBetween the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep. R Frost  Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. Edith SitwellI wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently?And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says ‘Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.’ Lewis CarrollSpring passes and one remembers one’s

innocence.Summer passes and one remembers one’s

exuberance.Autumn passes and one remembers one’s

reverence.Winter passes and one remembers one’s

perseverance. Yoko Ono

If winter comes, can spring be far behind?Shelley

Winter then in its early and clear stages, was a purifying engine that ran unhindered over city and country, alerting the stars to sparkle violently and shower their silver light into the arms of bare upreaching trees. It was a mad and beautiful thing that scoured raw the souls of animals and man, driving them before it until they loved to run. Mark Helprin

Rising from my snowy bed, I faced another aspect of winter – six hungry animals intently eyeing the bale of hay I had been carrying! J

Winter from ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’When icicles hang by the wall

And Dick the shepherd blows his nail,And Tom bears logs into the hall,

And milk comes frozen home in pail;When blood is nipp’d and ways be foul

Then nightly sings the staring owl, Tu-whoo...

Tu-whit, tu-whoo! A merry note.While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.

When all around the wind doth blow,And coughing drowns the Parson’s saw

And birds sit brooding in the snow,And Marion’s nose looks red and raw

When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl,Then nightly sings the staring owl,

Tu-whoo...Tu-whit, tu-whoo! A merry note.

While greasy Joan doth keel the pot.William Shakespeare

NB: Parson’s ‘saw’ means a wise saying. ‘Roasted crabs’ are crab apples and greasy Joan is tipping up her soup pot or maybe tankard so that she can get the last little bit. Keeling the pot... we all do it – don’t we? E

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Wintry Words

Motoring Moments

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Weekly EventsMondays * 7:30 pm Baconsthorpe Line Dancing 711320 pWOC Tuesdays † 10 am Hempstead Charcoal Drawing 711282 pWOA Tuesdays ‡ 10 am Baconsthorpe Diocesan Play Van 07780 30899 243kl

Tuesdays * 7:30 pm Baconsthorpe Indoor Bowls 711320 pWOB* Not on Bank Holidays     † Not on 29th Jan and 5th Feb     ‡ During school terms

January/FebruaryMonthly Events

1 Feb Fri @ 10:30 am Coffee and Gossip Hempstead Village Hall11 Feb Mon @ 11 am Hempstead Kneeler Group At Irene’s 21X3m

20 Feb Wed @ 7:30 pm Hempstead Film Club Contact: 712460 1Zhgd

21 Feb Thu @ 12:20 pm Mobile Library See page 2 for times pWOD

27 Feb Wed @ noon Community Lunch Club * sR3b

28 Feb Thu @ 10 am Baconsthorpe Textile Group spcp* Booking essential – please refer to final paragraph of From the Rectory on page 5

Special Events30 Jan Wed @ 7:30 pm Hempstead Talk 9cGqV

Letheringsett’s Scientific Anchorite – David Durst. See Dec/Jan edition.1 Feb Fri @ 7:30 pm Hempstead PCC Meeting A8X2B

In the Village Hall.5 Feb Tue @ 2 pm Benefice Church Wardens’ Meeting

At the Old Rectory, Baconsthorpe.6 Feb Wed @ 8 pm Hempstead Toad Watch A7p4T

An informal meeting at a venue to be confirmed – contact Su 710702 for details.7 Feb Thu @ 10 am Police Surgery: Baconsthorpe

Bus Shelter until 11 am.7 Fe @ 11 am Police Surgery: MatlaskeOutside St Peter's Church until noon.

15 Feb Fri @ 7 pm Baconsthorpe Quiz and Supper 9neQx

23 Feb Sat @ noon Police Surgery: Hempstead Bus Shelter until 1 pm.27 Feb Wed @ 7 pm Hempstead Play Reading Group A8HWj

We resume after the Christmas break – please note change from our usual day. Refreshments from 7 pm, reading starts 7:30 pm at Hempstead Village Hall. New members always welcome, please ring Su 710702 su@linaria.co.uk

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Further Ahead1 Mar Fri @ 10:30 am Coffee and Gossip Hempstead Village Hall4 Mar Mon @ 7:30 pm Hempstead PC Meeting A8X3s

In the Village Hall. All parishioners are welcome.11 Mar Mon @ 2 pm Baconsthorpe PCC AGM A6zkR

To be held in the church.12 Mar Tue @ 2:30 pm Barningham Winter PCC AGM A8WyV

At Green Lane House.12 Mar Tue @ 7 pm Matlaske PCC Meeting 9nhjo

At the Rectory.18 Mar Mon @ 9:30 am Hempstead Church Spring Clean A8CL1

All help will be greatly appreciated for this essential task.20 Mar Wed @ 7:30 pm Baconsthorpe Easter Bingo A7zZa

24 Mar Sun @ 4 pm Police Surgery: HempsteadBus Shelter until 5 pm.

1 Apr Mon @ 10 am Hempstead Church – Coffee & Stalls A8CMQ

On Easter Monday from 10 am until 3 pm we are fund-raising in the Church. All contributions welcome.

  3 Feb Sun @ 4 pm Upper Sheringham Music for Candlemas

At the Church of All Saints with The Kelling Consort directed by Angela Dugdale with organist Richard Peaver

18–24 Feb Mon–Sun Blickling Hall Art Exhibition A8eYLState of the Art – in the Hobart Gallery. 10:15 – 5:30 everyday.Come along to meet and greet all the artists on Sunday 24th from 3–5 pm.Kirsty O’Leary-Leeson is an artist from Plumstead who also teaches part time at Sheringham High School and has decided it’s time to disprove the saying those who can do, those who can’t teach. Her husband Jamie is the Head of Art at Sheringham and they and seven other local art teachers have put aside their report writing and lesson planning, to exhibit a wonderful selection of drawings, paintings and photography which show cases the fantastic talents of those tutoring the next generation of budding Picasso’s and Banksy’s. kolearyleeson@btinternet.com

17 Mar Sun @ 11 am Bodham Comic Relief Football fun day A7z2xUntil 3 pm on Bodham Playing Field on A148 – 5-a-side football, bouncy castle, youth clubs, emergency services, refreshments – Please register your 5-a-side team with Holt SNT (£5 entry fee) before Sunday 10th March 2013. If you would like to get involved in the fun day then please contact the Holt SNT on 101 sntholt@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

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Baconsthorpe NewsSpecial Event in Baconsthorpe

15 Feb 7 pm Quiz and Supper More details on centre pages

Philip Hutchinson Philip was born in 1935, the middle of three brothers. After school he did National Service in the RAF. Philip chose a career in the hotel industry eventually joining Trust House Forte where he quickly rose to become a regional director. While working at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London Philip met Andy and they were married in 1963. In time Julia and Jo arrived, daughters as much adored by him as he was by them.

On their retirement in 1995 Philip and Andy moved to Baconsthorpe (when they eventually found it!) They immediately joined the church community: Philip became a member of the PCC and Fabric Officer. Philip was blessed with boundless energy much of which he directed at the church. The gutters were always cleared, ivy removed from walls, walls mended and the interior paint renovated, not to mention copious signs painted to cover all church activities. Most of this was done before the rest of us realised it needed doing. Philip loved sport. He played county tennis for the veterans, was a regular golfer and enjoyed bowling at Bodham. He was often at hockey matches all over the country umpired by his daughter Julia and could frequently be found on the touch line cheering on North Walsham Rugby Club.

For over two years Philip battled serious health problems and sadly in December he passed away. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him – our thoughts and prayers go to Andy, Julia and Jo.

Congratulations Many congratulations to Alice Hazeel who celebrated her 90th birthday on 9th Jan. Alice was born at Hall Cottages and, apart from serving in the ATS and a few years away in the early 1950s, has lived in 13

Baconsthorpe all her life. Alice thoroughly enjoyed her birthday and had a constant stream of visitors. She would like to thank everyone for the many cards and gifts.

Best Wishes We send best wishes to Malcom Rust-Andrews, who underwent hip replacement surgery at the beginning of December. The surgery was a success but unfortunately other complications arose, resulting in a three week stay in hospital before being allowed home on Christmas Eve. Malcom is now up and about and making good progress. Best wishes also to Ruth Clare who has had to spend time in The Norfolk & Norwich Hospital recently. Thankfully Ruth is now home and on the road to recovery.

Poppy Appeal The sum of £168.84 was collected and duly sent by Tessa McCosh to the above appeal. Thanks to all who contributed towards this splendid result.

Police Notice There have been a recent incident of nails being put on to a resident’s driveway in Baconsthorpe. This could easily have resulted in damage to cars or even injured dogs or horses walking past. If you have any information regarding this please contact Holt station on non-emergency number 101.

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Barningham NewsPlease see reports of Christmas Services on page 7.

Hempstead NewsSpecial Events in Hempstead

30 Jan 7:30 pm Winter Talk 1 Feb 7:30 pm PCC Meeting 6 Feb 8 pm Toad Watch

27 Feb 7 pm Play Reading Group More details on centre pages

Hempstead Follies What a wonderful night! As the citizens of Hempstead gathered in the village hall they were welcomed by the committee and their helpers with jugs of hot mulled wine and later a second or even a third measure. The noise level from the conversation rose until table by table we were called forward to enjoy a vast spread of Christmas fare followed by delicious cakes – all home made and obviously enjoyed as many crept forward for a second helping. Then there came several hearty bangs from the narrator’s staff as we were called to order for the main event – The Follies.

The scene was set; the curtains opened and there followed a pantomime in the traditional format of outrageously over- dressed performers being silly directed by Jason Matthews. It was colourful; there was music and singing; and even some scene changes; in time-honoured manner some lines were forgotten and mistakes made – but that is what a village pantomime is all about. The audience joined in the singing; there were boos and cheers – not always in the right place, and best of all – it was fun. Personally I think the production was the best yet.

It finished to loud acclaim from all and Bertie then came forward to speak for all as he thanked those who had worked so hard to prepare the hall; the food and in particular, the ‘artists’ who must have spent many hours preparing and rehearsing their show.

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Quote of the monthSurprises are foolish things. The pleasure is not enhanced, and the inconvenience is often considerable.

Emma (1816), Jane Austen

The evening ended with the usual (and dare I say – a bit chaotic ) draw for the many raffle prizes. A happy ending to a thoroughly enjoyable evening. GRH

It all happens in HempsteadA Tribute: A brightly-lit and colourful Village Hall was host to Hempstead residents and their friends for the Christmas get-together. On this occasion numbering some 70 people (aged from nine to 90) were welcomed on arrival with a glass or two of mulled wine (except for the minors) soon followed by irresistible invitations to purchase raffle-tickets offering the prospect of winning all manner of attractive prizes donated by generous souls typical of this village.

After enjoying a supper consisting of a variety of dishes, ranging from turkey rolls and sausage rolls to mince pies, puddings, buns and cakes, every last thing home- and hand-made by willing and talented hands from the freshest of high-class ingredients, our guests settled down to an intense half-hour of live and lively entertainment, with loads of laughs, produced and performed by

‘

Photos: Lisa Matthews

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other and equally talented hands, the Hempstead Follies, no less. Then the Raffle, with prizes as to quality and quantity not to be sneezed at.

A real Christmas Party, with the real Christmas-Party atmosphere, lightening the spirit in the grey days before family and firm take hold of the rest of the month. And a real Village effort, with a Catering team of over a dozen, with half a dozen people decorating the Hall, and a Follies cast of nine out of a Village electoral roll numbering about one hundred and forty – work it out for yourselves. All these people are to be congratulated, and deserve real thanks, particularly, after the guests had gone home, the cooks and the people who stayed behind to wash and clear-up afterwards.

It would be invidious to name them. Perhaps next year we should print a list, on the lines of film credits, and pin it to the Notice Board. But, because quite a few of the people contributing to this party, and quite a few of our guests have not been that long in Hempstead, it is likely that they have no idea of how this Party came about.

This is how: the story not so much of Hempstead, or its Village Hall, but of Christmas at the Village Hall. What its Minute Books show is that right from 1928, when the Hall opened its doors, a ‘Carnival Dance’ was held on December 31. (Dances were held at many other times of year, but these were not called ‘Carnival’ Dances.) In the absence of motor cars and television, Hempstead was alive with Sports Clubs, a Youth Club, brass band, Women’s Institute with its own choir, and Whist Drives; with the Village Hall, conveniently situated opposite the White Horse pub, as their home.

The War didn’t put a stop to all that, but HP, the motor car and television, coming at its end, seem to have done. A lot of its life went out of the village, leaving the Village Hall struggling to provide what social events were thought feasible. Over the years, in the ’50s and ’60s, the Minute Books reveal annual head-scratching; some dances, with

Events at

Hempstead Talk 2013Our very own David Durst tells the story of Johnson Jex.

See centre pages for further details

Thank you to everyone who

contributed to the happy occasion of celebration for our two nonogenarians

David Durst and Molly Freegard – especially to

Rose Carver for the wonderful cake

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events, the Hog-Roast not excepted, had for some years been a quiz. Many people like them, but unless they are run for Fun, as they are at Hempstead these days, it is a fact that they are not very social. What tends to happen is that silence falls, people become competitive and secretive, sociability suspended. What was needed was something new. In December 2006, the Follies take the stage, starting with a lop-sided ‘History of Hempstede’, going on to murder Shakespeare and, via a Victorian Music Hall or Hell, and a DIY Musical Evening, to mangle some pantomimes.

People say ‘a lot goes on in Hempstead’. And what with the Winter talk, a weekly Charcoal Class, monthly Coffee and Gossip mornings, Film Club, bi-monthly Play-readings, Recitals and Concerts, the May Feast/Hog Roast, and the Summer Fête, the Village Hall holds and hosts a full calendar of events providing both entertainment and opportunities for sociability.

And the Hempstead Get-Together, having started-out as a thank-you to our supporters, has become an occasion in its own right, anticipated as one of the high-points of the Hempstead year, and it is the people who maintain year by year an established tradition of hospitality, initiative and local talent, investing so much commitment and energy to this event, who deserve our thanks. AT

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local bands, a Xmas Draw with music by ‘the Weston Singers’, frequent resort to outside entertainers of that kind. Keith Loades proposed at one time with whist Drives always a fall-back suggestion. Skip a few years to 1989: with new blood coming into the village, the Village Hall takes on a more active role, organising the social events for which it had previously provided a roof, and the Christmas Get-Together was conceived, ‘for villagers and their friends’; the idea being to thank the villagers for supporting the Hall and its activities throughout the year; a ‘freebie’ or ‘free party’, as it was sometimes described, but with any luck financed by a raffle on the night; Committee members and their recruits providing the sustenance. The only problem, how to entertain them? More head-scratching. Ideas put forward included a talk on Prison Life in the 1880s, a film (tickets to be sold in advance). Winston Harrod booked at £100 in 2002. 50 people attended, and the evening judged ‘a great success’. In the winter of 2003 readers of the Newsletter were advised to ‘bring a pen along, but not a quiz this time’. In 2004 Keith Skipper entertains – another £100. With funds haemorrhaging, it was agreed in the following year that ‘we will have to make our own entertainment’.

In the event, a quiz. Or rather, another quiz, since the staple of Village Hall social

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Back numbers of 2011–12 newsletters http://post.ly/56SAD then select the issue

(click « All to see previous year)

‘265 equals 265’ said Bill to Bert. ‘You don’t

say, said Bert!’ ‘Ah’, said Bill, but it’s still true

if I split the digits with a ‘times’ in two

different ways like this: ‘2 times 65 equals 26

times 5. What’s more there are only three

other sets of digits (all different) you could

use instead of 2, 6 and 5. Can you find

them?

The answers are: 1 x 64 = 16 x 4, 1 x 95 =

19 x 5 and 4 x 98 = 49 x 8.

I have a little SatnavIt sits there in my carA Satnav is the driver's friendWhich tells you where you are I have a little SatnavI've had it all my lifeIt’s better than the normal ones -My Satnav is my wife It gives me full instructionsEspecially how to drive"It's thirty miles an hour", it says"You're doing thirty five" It tells me when to stop and startAnd when to use the brakeAnd tells me that it's never everSafe to overtake It tells me when a light is redAnd when it goes to greenIt seems to know instinctivelyJust when to intervene It lists the vehicles just in frontAnd all those to the rearAnd taking this into accountIt specifies my gear. I'm sure no other driverHas so helpful a deviceFor when we leave and lock the carIt still gives its advice It fills me up with counsellingEach journey's pretty fraughtSo why don't I exchange itAnd get a quieter sort? Ah well, you see, it cleans the house,Makes sure I'm fully fed,It washes all my shirts and thingsAnd - keeps me warm in bed. Despite all these advantagesAnd my tendency to scoff,I do wish that once a whileI could turn the damn thing off!

Hempstead 200 Club December’s bonus 200 draw:

£25 D Spalton; £10 T Leask, E Buxton; £5 K Stone, J Smith, S Hannah & C Shade.

January’s winners:£25 A Wallace; £10 W Mack; £5 J Loach, D Sanders & R Watters.

Hempstead Weather in 2012 As usual, here are my recent monthly readings for rainfall rounded to nearest mm.

Month 2010 2011 2012 2003-201210-year average

January 59 56 34 59.8February 84 47 21 49.7March 44 18 44 42.3April 31 4 104 39.6May 16 13 45 49.4June 51 81 109 74.3July 33 64 85 66.8August 112 75 49 76.4September 76 24 45 45.1October 87 39 82 70.1November 86 22 94 72.5December 34 57 98 59.7Year 715 499 811 706.2

(28.1'') (19.6'') (31.9'')

The wettest year in my records was 2001 (879mm). Last year came fifth. Temperatures were below average. The unusually dry and warm spring brought cries of drought, and almost on the very day a hosepipe ban came into force the rains came and continued with

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a few small breaks for the rest of the year. Was this the rain gods revenge? The perennial war above our heads had continued unabated. The Continental forces (cool, often cold, clear and calm) came at first, then the Western team took over (warmer, wild, wet, and windy). The other day a reporter on TV mentioned that the jetstream had moved southwards. This high level river of air races around the world at mid latitudes, putting energy into the string of depressions to its north, and counter-acting those to its south. The suggested two new factors are melting of the ice at the north pole, and heating of the ocean off Florida. Other things such as the spin of our globe complicate the full picture. David Durst

Come and Sing CarolsAfter an enjoyable evening singing carols, drinking mulled wine and eating Christmas goodies, we were able to send £50 to St Martins Housing Trust in Norwich. Thank you to everyone who came.

Matlaske NewsPoppy Appeal The village collection raised £65.84. Thank you to all who contributed. The District grand total was £11,314. DEW

Henri Bortoft It is with sadness we record the death of Henri Bortoft. Henri was an independent researcher, teacher, lecturer and writer on physics and the philosophy of science; in particular Goethian science. His latest book Taking Appearance Seriously was published shortly before his death. Henri and Jackie came to live in Barningham Place, Matlaske, ten years ago. They were familiar figures at Matlaske fête running the plant stall, often with their son Michael’s support. Our sympathy to Jackie, Aaron, Laura, Michael and the grandchildren on their sad loss.

CongratulationsTo Richenda on her confirmation.

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Lurcher AWOL I wish to express my appreciation to all who showed concern and spread the word when my newly-arrived lass went missing for five days in atrocious weather. A very special thank you to those who on the final day had various sightings of her which were followed up with nil result. Later that day she was seen heading into the village and I was in the right place. Praise be. Finally, thank you to our friends who helped in many ways from Aldborough, Banningham, Baconsthorpe, Bessingham, Itteringham, Plumstead and Wickmere. DEW

Condolences To Ronda and Clive Lines on the recent death of Ronda’s step-father, Frederick Skinner. Our sympathy goes to Ronda’s mother, Anne, and the rest of the family.

Plumstead NewsPlumstead Parish Council Clerk Plumstead Parish Clerk Michael Chesterman has given notice of his intention to resign at the end of April 2013. He feels it is time for him to hand over to someone a bit younger! So now is your chance to express an interest if you would like to be considered for the post, to start on 1st May. The appointment

of a new Clerk will probably be done at the Plumstead PC meeting due to be held on Mon, 11th March.

The duties are not complicated. The Clerk prepares agendas for the five or six PC meetings which take place over the year, writes the Minutes, and takes follow-up action as required. As the RFO (Responsible Finance Officer) the Clerk handles the accounts and the annual audit. The pay is modest – for applicants without previous experience it would be around £8.50 per hour x 50 hrs per year (1 hour per week). For more information contact Michael 861109 pamodzi@btinternet.com or the current Chairman Roy Keasley 577376.

Festive EveningHow long ago it seems since we were contemplating the imminent arrival of Christmas over mince pies and some jolly fine mulled wine at Plumstead Church.A lovely gathering of old (no reference to age intended!) and nearly-new residents spent a convivial hour or so enjoying a good chat and perhaps even mulling over the prospect of other likely events in the Church. In the warm and twinkly atmosphere – abuzz with folk and fare – almost anything seemed possible... Happy New Year! Plumstead Events Group  

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Quote of the monthI’d like to have only good ideas but, in reality, I have to work through the bad ones first. David Gentleman   

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i

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PuzzlesAnswers to last month’s puzzles

A busy bee ate a pea.I ate a bee for tea.Why are forty ewes queuing for tea?

Cookery CornerSpicy Pumpkin Soup

600 g Prepared Pumpkin2 tbsp Olive Oil250 g Onions peeled & sliced1 tsp Mustard Seed2 Cloves of Garlic – crushedSpices: 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp Cumin, ½

tsp Tumeric, ½ tsp Celery Salt (opt)250 g Carrots peeled & chopped500 ml Veg StockSalt & Pepper

Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onions and sauté. Add mustard seeds and garlic and sauté for a further minute. Add the rest of the spices and celery salt if using. Stir together and cook for one minute. Remove from the heat and add the pumpkin, carrots and stock. Season to taste. Return to the heat and bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until the veg is soft. Remove from the heat and leave to cool. Purée the soup return to a clean pan and add the milk. Heat thoroughly pour into empty pumpkin skins and swirl in cream. Serve with a slice of toast rubbed with garlic. Ideal for Vegetarians and Coeliacs. DM

who had temporarily put down their Christmas gifts to be in church on this special day. It was a most enjoyable service with familiar carols and readings reminding us all of the real meaning of Christmas. Once again the Benefice Choir added to the enjoyment and sang an Anthem. The church with its Christmas tree sparklingly lit and the wonderful profusion of floral arrangement was completely transformed into a sea of colour. Thank you to all who gave of their time to decorate the church. GW

Confirmation Service On January 10th there was the first Confirmation service at Baconsthorpe for more than 30 years. The Bishop of Lynn came and confirmed Richenda Ritches from Matlaske and Jessie Robson, granddaughter of Sheila and Greg Robson from Baconsthorpe. There was a large congregation for this lovely service and everyone enjoyed refreshments at the back of the church afterwards.

Baconsthorpe Village HallIdeal for Parties and Receptions

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To book contactMrs Doris Hill 01263 577489

continued from page 7

Kirsty O’Leary-Leeson

Back numbers of newsletters http://issuu.com/villagediary

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