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BLOFIELD NEWS
February 2015
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Welcome
Blofield News is the monthly parish magazine for St. Andrew & St. Peter Blofield,
All Saints Hemblington and St. Andrew, North Burlingham. It is sold in these
churches and in local shops. If you live in one of our parishes and purchase a year’s
subscription we can probably deliver it to your home free of charge. If you live
outside the parishes you can have copies sent to your home either by post or by
email. A large print version is available to anyone who is having difficulty reading
our standard publication. For more information please contact the editor, Peter
Harvey. His contact details are on the back page.
Our cover picture this month is of our new priest Kevin Billson and his wife Helene.
We look forward to welcoming them into our communities in April.
Parish Information
Rector: Vacancy, please contact a churchwarden using the details listed below.
Retired Priest: Revd. Canon Paul Oliver Tel: 01603 712124
St. Andrew & St. Peter, Blofield
Churchwardens: Mrs. Y. Mack Tel: 715213 & Mr. J. Morley Tel: 712499
Website: www.blofieldchurch.org.uk
Access: Blofield Church is open every day
All Saints, Hemblington
Churchwardens: Mr. S. Mutten Tel: 715701 & Mrs. C. Howe Tel: 270360
Website: www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk
Access: Hemblington Church is open every day
St. Andrew & St. Peter, North Burlingham
Churchwardens: Valerie Knights Tel: 01493 750471 & Pat Ramsdale Tel: 712724
Website: www.achurchnearyou.com/north-burlingham-st-andrew-st-peter
Access: North Burlingham Church is closed during winter except for services
Registers
Funerals
22nd December Gwenda Margaret Gross , 89, at Blofield Church
23rd December Margaret Favers, 85, at St Faiths
Blofield News February 2015
Page 1
Letter from Martin Greenland
I guess there are those who just jump in the car wherever
they are heading; but when we want to go somewhere we may
well have a choice about how we travel. If I have to go into
Norwich from Acle I am blessed with the options of car, bus,
park & ride, or train. Which I choose will depend on various
factors: exactly where in the city I’m going, timing, cost
considerations, ease of travel – and the one we all should
have in mind, environmental impact. For longer journeys
some people choose to fly; for short trips, there can be the
options of walking or cycling (better for our health!) How we
travel may affect our state of mind when we arrive: I am at my most relaxed when
travelling by train and it’s a joy to approach Norwich’s Cathedral quarter by walking
along the river from the station. Some people, of course, cannot travel far unaided
and have to seek help; is there someone to whom we could offer a lift – to church
or elsewhere? Do we ever consider car-sharing – an environmental consideration
again but also offering the different experience of travelling with others. Similarly,
we are much more aware of others when walking or on public transport than when
we are cocooned in a car. And how considerate of others are we when we travel?
How many people who complain about the traffic through the village where they
live are considerate about driving through other people’s villages!?
During February we enter the season of Lent. It’s worth remembering that Lent is
a season with a destination: Easter – the Cross and Resurrection. The origins of the
season lie with those preparing to be baptised at Easter (or to be received back into
fellowship after a period of exclusion). How we journey through Lent will make a
difference to how we arrive. As with a physical journey, it’s worth considering the
options open to us and what difference they might make. Lent is a good time to
experiment: unlike those New Year resolutions it offers a fixed period to try a
different discipline. That might mean adding something; for busy people it might
entail the opposite: travelling more slowly, more attentive to God and others. Like
a physical journey, the tendency is to think primarily of ourselves; but what about
wider considerations: seeking or offering help; increasing our awareness of, or
travelling along with others? What about not only our health, but the health of the
nation?
So how is God prompting you to travel on your journey to Easter this year?
In the love of God,
Rev. Martin Greenland, Rector of the Acle Benefice
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Blofield News February 2015
Services in February
Sunday 1st February
8.00 am
Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 am
Morning Worship
10.00-10.50am Breakfast Club
11.00 am
Morning Worship & Children’s Group
Blofield
Hemblington
Blofield
Blofield
Wednesday 4th February
9.30 am
Benefice Holy Communion
Blofield
Sunday 8th February
8.00 am
Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 am
Holy Communion
11.00 am
Holy Communion
Blofield
Hemblington
Blofield
Wednesday 11th February
9.30 am
Benefice Holy Communion
Blofield
Sunday 15th February
8.00 am
Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 am
Holy Communion
11.00 am
Holy Communion
Blofield
Hemblington
Blofield
Wednesday 18th February ASH WEDNESDAY
9.30 am
Benefice Holy Communion
1.00 pm
Benefice Holy Communion
7.30 pm
Benefice Holy Communion
Blofield
Hemblington
Hemblington
Sunday 22nd February
8.00 am
Holy Communion (BCP)
9.30 am
Holy Communion
11.00 am
Holy Communion
Blofield
Hemblington
Blofield
Wednesday 25th February
9.30 am
Benefice Holy Communion
Blofield News February 2015
Blofield
Page 3
Church Notices
Benefice Additional Services - Everyone is welcome to attend
Tuesdays
Thursdays
9 am
9 am
Morning Prayer at Blofield
Morning Prayer at Hemblington
Each Friday at 5pm, wherever you are, please just take a few moments to pray for
continued guidance through our ongoing interregnum, and give thanks for our new
priest Kevin and his family, asking God to be with them every step of the way.
Other Services
We will also be holding the following additional services during this month:
Tuesday 3rd February
11.00 am
Holy Communion
3 Weston Close, Blofield Heath
Wednesday 4th February
11.00 am
Holy Communion
Brewster Court
2.00 pm
Holy Communion
West View, Blofield
Tuesday 17th February
11.00 am
Holy Communion
3 Weston Close, Blofield Heath
Wednesday 18th February
10.30 am
Holy Communion
Manor Lodge
11.15 am
Holy Communion
Manor House
Study Groups
Tuesdays 2.00 pm
3, Church Alley
Monthly Prayer Group Tuesday February 24th, 2pm at 3, Church Alley
Margaret Harker, 1880 - 1935
Margaret Harker died 80 years ago on January 14th 1935. She had been a
remarkable philanthropist to the village and many aspects of her life are shown in
stained glass windows in the south aisle of Blofield Church. Her funeral was held in
the crowded church on January 18th. Later that year the Parish Hall which she had
given to the village was re-named the ‘Margaret Harker Hall’ in her memory. May
we remember a life well lived.
A book about her life is available in Blofield Church at £3 (for church funds).
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Blofield News February 2015
Blofield Church
Blofield Church Open Gardens 2015
Calling all gardeners. Blofield Open Gardens is one of the highlights of the church
events calendar and it's your gardens that make it successful. We already have
several gardens offering to open and are looking for more in Blofield. It doesn't
matter how small or large your garden is and it does not have to be a show garden.
Visitors just love seeing what others have achieved or are trying to achieve.
This year we are trying something different and holding the event over two days,
although you don't have to open your garden on both days if you don't wish to. The
dates this year are Saturday 13th June 11 am – 5 pm and Sunday 14th June 1 pm –
5 pm. To find out more or to offer your garden please contact Sarah on 211606.
A Date For Your Diary
A return of our popular visiting orchestra – a Concert by St Gregory’s Orchestra on
Sunday March 22nd at 3 pm. Tickets £6 at the door including refreshments. The
programme will include Voices of Spring by Strauss, Orpheus in the Underworld
overture, Mozart’s Flute andante, a selection from The Mikado and Beethoven’s
6th.
The Children’s Society
Collection boxes in about twenty homes in the parish have, in 2014, raised the
astonishing sum of £559.71p for work with children with all sorts of emotional and
physical needs. Sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their spare coins
to this charity. Barbara Pilch
Message from June and Les Moore
"Thank you everyone for all the prayers and good wishes whilst June was poorly.
Our lovely congregation is second to none and the warm greetings we both received
on our return (after nine weeks away!) were really wonderful. So again, our grateful
thanks to you all.”
Poppies Café
People love Poppies Café and say it is the highlight of the week for them. Come and
join us every Wednesday in Blofield Church from 10.15 am until 12 noon. Find
friendship, laughter and good food, all free of charge.
Poppies Babies and Toddlers
The children love the Babies and Toddlers group held in Blofield Church every
Wednesday from 1 pm until 3 pm. They have such a happy time that they ask to
come to the 'play church' every day! Bring your baby to have some fun and enjoy
the company of others of a similar age. The session is free of charge and
refreshments are available.
Blofield News February 2015
Page 5
Hemblington Church
Make and Mardle
Our next session will be on Thursday 19th February from 10 am to 12 noon at
Hemblington Hall. There will be craft activities, knitting and chat with tea/coffee
and cake. Please join us to share your craft experiences or just for a good mardle.
Everyone is welcome.
Webb Ivory Catalogue
Many thanks to everyone who supported the Church through purchases and
generous donations. These enabled us to give Hemblington Church £400. Sandra
and Pam.
Hemblington Development Project
Hemblington Church is pleased to report that it has achieved its target fund for this
project to provide a toilet, level access and a new kitchen area. When we started
fundraising a year ago we hardly dared hope that we could reach such an ambitious
target for such a small church but, thanks to generous donations, considerable local
support for our fundraising events and a number of successful grant applications
made by Sue Shillam, we finally reached our target at the end of December 2014.
Work started on the project on Monday 5th January when protective fencing
appeared around the building area and a team of archaeologists from Norvic
Archaeology, led by Giles Emery, started to dig the ground to the north of the
church. Fairly soon we could see the shape of the extension ground works and the
trench that would contain our eco toilet composting system. The archaeologists
completed their work on Friday 16th January. They have discovered the bones of a
number of individuals which would have been buried in the area many years ago.
These will be interred elsewhere in the churchyard after a small service. The
archaeologists will produce a full report in the next few weeks which we will make
available on our website and will summarise in the March issue of this magazine.
Hemblington Church Choir
Hemblington Church is an old and beautiful building in a lovely setting. Music is
strong at Hemblington, and it’s growing stronger. We now have a choir, but we need
more members.
If you would like to sing beautiful music, some old, some new, in an inspiring place,
please get in touch. You don’t need to be able to read music, and you don’t need any
experience – just enthusiasm to join in. We need children and adults – so whatever
your age you will be welcome.
The Choir will sing in the 9.30 am service at Hemblington Church on the first
Sunday of the month. The first time this year will be on 1st February. Rehearsals
are on Fridays, 5.00 to 5.45 pm, in the church.
For further details please contact Rory Marsden on 717239 or email
[email protected].
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Blofield News February 2015
Blofield News February 2015
Page 7
Blofield School Carols by Candlelight – Yvonne Mack
It was all hands on deck as work got underway to prepare the church for the annual
Blofield School ‘Carols by Candlelight’ service. Plans were scrutinised, turned this
way and that, for the laying of the stage in readiness for the choir while the Church
Warden teetered at the top of a ladder trying to replace candles in the three metre
high candelabras. Mrs Guymer, hidden under barrow loads of yew, holly and ivy,
was producing pew end arrangements with ornate red bows that would be the pride
of any florist. Instruments arrived, programmes were printed and the final touches
added to the foliage on the windowsills. Year six children had practised their
readings and then it was back to school for Christmas lunch.
With flickering candles creating a
magical feel in the medieval
building, the service started with
the sound of Mr Hytch's recorder
groups wafting from the South
aisle. Not the usual shrill sound
but a well-rehearsed joyful
playing.
Mrs Laws stepped up onto her
podium and the clear, crisp voice
of Daisy-Mai Powley began to
sing. The beautiful sound was
soon joined by the angelic faces of the choir lifting their voices to sing.
The evening progressed with confidently, well-read lessons from the pulpit and
carols sung by the choir and congregation. Little faces bathed in candlelight stared
in awe at the enormous star above the choir. The evening ended with music by the
Marimba band and lots of very excited children eating mince pies and hoping their
parents had won one of the Christmas hampers.
For me it was a real privilege to be part of such a lovely carol concert and a
wonderful addition to our Advent services in Blofield Church.
Blofield Parish Neighbourhood Plan
The Blofield Parish Neighbourhood Plan group is looking to identify key themes for
the parish. What makes the parish special? What would enhance it? And how do
we make the best of new development? Come along to...
PARISH WALKABOUT AND WORKSHOP. Drop in between 10 am and 1 pm,
Saturday 14th February at Margaret Harker Hall, or Saturday 21st February at
Heathlands Community Centre. All ages welcome, refreshments and children's
activities available.
For more information contact Rachel Leggett at
[email protected] or https://blofieldplan.wordpress.com.
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Blofield News February 2015
Notice Board
Aid For Animals
We have some lovely, young rescue dogs looking for good homes. If you are
interested and can give a good, loving home then please ring Margaret at Aid For
Animals on 716883.
Blofield Amateur Dramatics Players
If you are a fan of Am Dram and fancy getting your hands metaphorically dirty with
laughter, emotion and glitter, then why not join us? We are an amateur dramatics
group who simply love to perform. We have no set rules on what we present, it’s
really whatever we fancy - though it seems we will be blessing Blofield and the
surrounding villages with a sell-out pantomime each year! If you would like to be
involved in the BAD Players then please call 07535 717210 or email
[email protected]. For more information please visit our website at
http://thebadplayers.webs.com. Look out for news of our village panto “Babes in
the Wood” to be performed at the Margaret Harker Hall in Blofield on Saturday
21st and Sunday 22nd February.
Blofield and Brundall Pensioners' Association
Our next meeting is on Monday 2nd February at 2 pm in the Courthouse, Blofield.
Our members will welcome Francis Middleton who will present ‘Aboriginal
Australia – an alternative look at OZ’. Visitors are very welcome. Join us for a
cuppa, chat and a business update relevant to pensioners.
Blofield and District Conservation Group (BADCOG)
Our February meeting will be on Friday February 13th at 7.30 pm when Simon
Partridge will give a talk on the ‘Work of the How Hill Trust’. This will be held in
the Methodist Chapel rooms in Chapel Road, Lingwood. Visitors are welcome.
Refreshments are available. Work parties take place on alternate Saturdays starting
at 10.30 am and finishing no later than 1 pm. All are welcome. To check if work
parties have been rearranged or cancelled, visit the BADCOG website at
www.badcog.co.uk and click on Work Parties.
Saturday 14th February at Strumpshaw Church
Saturday 28th February at Walsham Fen
Blofield Court House Village Screen
Our next film will be on Friday 13th February. “What we did on our holiday” (12A)
is a comedy-drama starring David Tennant, Rosamund Pike and Billy Connolly.
This hugely enjoyable British comedy has real dramatic bite in its agonisingly
truthful depiction of family problems. Matinee 2.30 pm (tea and cakes), evening
7.30 pm (wine and drinks). Tickets from S & S Mitchell Newsagents, The Street,
Blofield. All enquiries to 715253.
Blofield News February 2015
Page 9
Notice Board
Blofield and District Gardening Club
The days are getting longer now and soon our gardens will be lifting our spirits with
lovely shows of snowdrops, daffodils and hyacinths – if we have planned and
planted in good time! Talks at the Blofield and District Gardening Club – which
meets from 7.30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of most months – will help all of
us, whether novice or more experienced, to get the most from our gardens or
allotments. The Club’s year starts with the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday,
11th March at 7.30 pm in the Margaret Harker Hall. More details about the year’s
programme of speakers, the annual Summer Show and how to order seeds and
plants at significantly discounted prices, will follow in future editions. New
members and guests are always welcome.
Blofield Heath W.I.
Peter Mackness gave a very interesting talk about Alpine trails in Switzerland. Peter
has spent many walking holidays in that area and he showed us lots of photographs
depicting the various ways of travelling to reach the beautiful flowering trails. Our
next meeting is on Tuesday 10th February at 2 pm at Heathlands, when David
Clayton will talk to us about his work at Radio Norfolk. Visitors are most welcome.
Blofield Ladies
Our next meeting is on Wednesday February 25th at 2.30 pm in the Margaret
Harker Hall. A return visit from popular Phillip Mariner who, under his title of
‘Have Camera, Will Travel’, promises our members another entertaining talk and
film presentation. Visitors most welcome.
Blofield Parish Council
The next council meeting will be on Monday 16th February at 7.30 pm at Blofield
Courthouse. Blofield Parish Council welcomes the public to its meetings. The
council has a website at http://parishcouncil.blofieldvillage.org.uk. It contains
dates and minutes of parish council meetings, contact details for your local parish
councillors and other parish information.
Blofield Preschool Playgroup, Margaret Harker Hall
A friendly, committee-run playgroup for children aged from 2½ years old. Free
‘Early Education’ funding for 3 and 4 year olds and full access to the ‘Early Years
Foundation Stage’. Open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday during term time.
Sessions available 9.10 am – 12.10 pm, 12.10 pm – 3.10 pm or 9.10 am – 3.10 pm.
Please book early for 2015. Call us on 712498 for more information or to arrange a
visit.
For
further
details
visit
our
Facebook
page
at
http://www.facebook.com/BlofieldPreSchoolPlaygroup or follow us on Twitter:
@BlofieldPreSch.
Page 10
Blofield News February 2015
Notice Board
Broadland Rocks
We now meet at Blofield Courthouse on Thursdays from 7:30 pm until 9 pm. We
will be singing our favourite songs and learning new ones for 2015. We welcome
new members to our fun and friendly choir. Further details from Robert or Joy on
712704 or email [email protected].
Brundall Local History Group
Our next event will be on Thursday 19th February at 7.30 pm at the Memorial Hall,
Links Avenue, Brundall when Janet Evan-Jones will give a talk entitled ‘Me? A
Magistrate!’ Janet Evan-Jones, who was a Norwich JP from 1990 to 2013, will tell
us about how the role of the magistrate has evolved over the years and what it
involves today. Lay justice was started in 1195 by Richard I who appointed certain
knights as Keepers of the Peace. There have been local court houses all over Norfolk
including the one at Blofield which was built in 1905. Now there are only three:
Norwich, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth. Admission is free to members, £2.50
for non-members. Visit our website at www.brundallarchive.co.uk to find out more
about our group including details of our events and photographs and articles
relating to local history.
Heathlands
On Saturday February 14th there will be a Valentine’s Special adults evening of
entertainment with Nigel Boy Syer and Two Jars of Jam. Tickets from Social Club
or Jill on 714164, £5.00 each.
There will be a Heathlands Management Meeting on Tuesday February 3rd at 7.30
pm. Please keep re-cycling your bottles at Heathlands, the revenue we receive from
this goes back into the running of the Centre.
Why not try our Friday Bingo evenings, this month on 6th February and 20th
February. Doors open at 7 pm for a 7.30 pm start. Great prizes and cash to win.
Refreshments and drinks available. Everyone welcome.
The Social Club Squares Board was drawn on Christmas Eve, at the Social Club. The
1st Prize of £100 went to Mark Doyle, 2nd Prize of a Samsung tablet was won by
Kenny George and 3rd Prize of a Bottle of Whisky was won by Alan Oakes. There
were lots of other prizes which have been given to the winners, sorry if you didn't
win anything but thank you all for your support.
Hemblington Parish Council
There is no meeting in February. The next council meeting will be on Monday 23rd
March at 7.30 pm at Heathlands. The council has a website at
http://hemblingtonparish.org.uk. It contains dates and minutes of parish council
meetings, contact details for your local parish councillors and lots of useful parish
information.
Blofield News February 2015
Page 11
Notice Board
Hemblington Pre-School
Hemblington Pre-School operates from Heathlands. A maximum of 26 children
may attend at any one time. It is open during term times on Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday 9.30 am until 12.30 pm and on Wednesday from noon until 3 pm. All
children share access to a secure enclosed outdoor play area. If you require further
information then please contact Fiona Trimble 07716 869506 or email
[email protected].
Keep Blofield Special
After a break in January, the volunteer litter pick team will once again be litter
picking around Blofield and Blofield Heath in 2015, the first dates being:
Monday 2nd February, Blofield Heath, meet at Heathlands at 9.30 am
Monday 9th February, Blofield, meet at the Old Court House at 9.30 am
There will be a short evening meeting at Heathlands on Monday 2nd February at 7
pm. We are a small group who meet for an hour or so each month and new hands
are always welcome to "keep our villages special". Black bags and high-vis vests
will be available, all that is needed is some enthusiasm and a pair of gloves!
Lingwood & Burlingham Parish Council
The next council meeting will be on Tuesday 3rd February at 7.30 pm in the
Methodist Schoolroom, Chapel Road, Lingwood. The Council has a website at
http://www.lingwood-burlingham.org.uk which contains a full list of meeting
dates, minutes of past meetings, details of the councillors and further information
relevant to the parish.
North Norfolk Chamber Opera
The North Norfolk Chamber Opera will present Gaetano Donizetti’s well-loved
opera ‘The Elixir of Love’ in an English translation by David Parry at the Auden
Theatre, Gresham’s School, Holt on 16th, 17th and 18th April. This light-hearted
rom-com combines beautiful tunes with love potions and romantic entanglements.
Tickets £14, concessions £12 from Auden Theatre Box Office on 01263 713444,
Monday to Friday from 12.30 pm – 2 pm.
Strumpshaw and District Association
Our February talk will be given by Peter Fox, the only Bishop in the Magic Circle.
He will be talking about “The Golden Tapestry – Magical Entertainment in the
Golden Age”. This will be at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday February 24th in the Parish
Room, Barn Hill, Strumpshaw, NR13 5SN. The evening includes tea, coffee and
time for a chat. There is no charge for members. Non-members are asked to pay
£2.50. Everyone is most welcome.
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Blofield News February 2015
Notice Board
Winter Walking
Join Malcolm Bishop for some enjoyable exercise in good company:
Every Thursday at 2 pm from Blofield Church. Tuesdays at 1.30 pm: 3rd - Salhouse
Church. 10th - Hemblington Church. 17th - North Burlingham Church. 24th –
Acle car park. Enquiries - Malcolm 713337.
Library News
We are in the last throes of our financial year, which means we have a few more
weeks to try and achieve our very important book issue and visitor targets for the
year. We are always grateful for the wonderful support our customers continue to
give us. Every time you visit and use our services you are all making a valued
contribution towards the important role the library plays within the local
community. Please don’t forget to recommend the
library service to friends and family, it is always nice
to welcome new faces at Blofield.
Throughout February we will be running our ‘Love
your library campaign’ in recognition of National
Libraries Day on Saturday 7th February so be sure
to visit us throughout February!
I am currently in the throes of planning ahead for the rest of 2015/16. You may
have seen our ‘Your Community / Your Library’ promotion. If you have a local
business or social group you would like to promote or perhaps you have an interest
or hobby you can share with others, the library can provide a community space for
you to use and spread your word at little or no cost. We can help with publicity,
events, presentations and displays. Please contact me for further information or to
arrange an informal discussion on 712902 or email [email protected].
Finally, a reminder of our opening times:
Monday
2 pm to 5 pm
Wednesday
9 am to 1 pm and 2pm to 5pm
Friday
9 am to 1 pm
Saturday
9am to 1 pm
Tess Brady, Blofield Library Manager
Blofield News February 2015
Page 13
Diocese Lent Appeal 2015
The Diocese of Norwich Lent Appeal for 2015 is focusing on the Suffering Church
in the Holy Land. Bethlehem and Jerusalem, where Jesus was born, crucified and
rose to new life, were once bustling with Christian communities. The Holy Land is
the birthplace of Christianity and important for all Christians.
Many have now left to seek a new life elsewhere,
leaving just 200,000 Christians of all denominations
in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. This is about 1.5%
of the population. Many suffer from restricted ability
to travel, very high unemployment, low wages,
poverty, lack of social services, poor living conditions,
lack of food, limited access to water and the stress of
an uncertain future. Fear and anguish pervade many
lives. This is the price they are paying for continuing
to be the ‘Living Stones’ in the Holy Land. It is vital
that we encourage them to stay.
The Anglican Diocese in Jerusalem runs 34
institutions, including hospitals, medical centres and
schools, serving the whole population whatever their
religious affiliation. Our appeal has three specific aims: firstly to enable Christian
patients with insufficient resources to access the medical care services at the
Diocesan Medical Centre for the next 2 – 3 years, secondly to strengthen the
presence of the Christians in the Holy Land by offering them help and lessening the
temptation to emigrate and thirdly to provide funds to the Diocese in Jerusalem to
continue offering the Centre to patients of all faiths.
To support this appeal, please make a donation in the boxes which will be at the
back of Blofield and Hemblington Churches during Lent.
New Head For Hemblington School
Mrs Judith Beardsworth will be retiring as head at Hemblington Primary School at
the end of Spring Term. A new head has been appointed: Mrs Christine Edmunds.
Mrs Edmunds is currently working as deputy head at Elm C of E Primary School in
Wisbech. She has a great deal of teaching experience across a range of different
types of schools, including having been at Tilney All Saints VC Primary School. Mrs
Edmunds will be visiting Hemblington Primary School on several occasions over
the next few weeks in order to begin to get to know the children, staff and parents.
Page 14
Blofield News February 2015
Norwich and Norfolk Young Archaeologists’ Club
Norwich and Norfolk Young Archaeologists’ Club is a kind of 'archaeological youth
club', one of about 60 around the country which provide activities and experiences
for young people, aged 8-16, who are interested in archaeology. It is run by
volunteer leaders and assistants who are either archaeologists, or very interested in
archaeology, and who have experience of working with young people.
The Norwich branch meets once a month during the school year, on a Saturday
morning. Our regular meeting place is in central Norwich. We normally meet from
10 am -12.30 pm, but there are also site visits which are longer and other activities
like field-walking days. Coming to the branch gives youngsters the opportunity to
mix with other people who are interested in archaeology, visit sites, meet real
archaeologists and do lots of hands-on activities.
The archaeologists who recently worked at Hemblington Church are involved in the
club. My 11 year old grandson has been a member for two years and very much
enjoys the activities. Recently they dug a test pit in the Bishop of Norwich’s garden
and followed this with a session where they were shown how to clean the artefacts
they found. These included an almost compete medieval plate. I have been with my
grandson on two trips organised by the club. In the summer we had a coach trip to
the War Museum at Duxford and later in the year we joined a field walking session
just south of Norwich where we found bits of worked flint, Saxon pottery and a large
piece of Roman samian ware.
Membership is £3 per year, and then you pay £1 for every session you go to. Very
occasionally materials or entrance fees are extra, but you will always know about
this well in advance. If you think your children or grandchildren might be interested
then further details can be found on their website at http://www.nnas.info/YAC or
contact Sophie Cabot on 614477.
Peter Harvey
Blofield News February 2015
Page 15
Four Churches Flower Festival
Over the weekend of Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September we will be holding
our Four Churches Flower Festival. This festival is held every 3 years and this year
the participants will be Blofield, Braydeston, Hemblington and North Burlingham
churches. The theme will be the Wonderful World of Books.
There are a number of ways you could help and be involved with this festival:
To help with the flower arranging (all levels of skills will be very welcome)
Sponsorship by local businesses for the various displays. In previous years
local businesses have been very supportive with mutual benefit
Dedicating a displayto the memory of a loved one
Help nearer the event with setting up or serving refreshments, etc
If you would like to be part of this in any of these ways, then please do contact one
of the people below:
Blofield: Barbara Pilch or Sarah Toothill ([email protected])
Braydeston: Doreen Graham or Ann Walters ([email protected])
Hemblington: Sandra Bussey or Catherine Howe ([email protected])
North Burlingham: Jenny Rolls ([email protected])
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Blofield News February 2015
Panto Returns to Blofield!
Following their sell-out pantos
in 2013 and 2014, this year the
BAD Players will be performing
‘Babes in the Wood’ written by
tlc creative and published by
Lazy Bee Scripts.
Get ready to boo the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and his henchmen as they plot
diabolical deeds to steal the fortunes of Pip and Penny – the innocent (and rich!)
Babes. Cheer on the brave and dashing Robin Hood and his Merry Men, the largerthan-life Nanny Coddle, brainless Dave Knave and a rather overworked Fairy. Will
they succeed in thwarting the Sheriff’s evil plot?
Taking place at Margaret Harker Hall in Blofield, on Saturday 21st February there’s
a matinee at 1 pm and an evening show at 6 pm. The final performance will be a
matinee at 1 pm on Sunday
22nd February.
Refreshments
will
be
available and proceeds from
the raffles will be donated to
‘Nelson’s Journey’, a charity
dedicated to supporting
bereaved children and young
people throughout Norfolk.
Tickets cost £6 for adults and £3 for children under 14 and can be bought from S&S
Mitchell Newsagents in Blofield. You can also book them via the BAD Players’
website www.thebadplayers.webs.com. Tickets sell out really quickly, so make sure
to buy yours early!
Blofield News February 2015
Page 17
Page 18
Blofield News February 2015
Have You Read? – The Stonewylde Series by Kit Berry
The last book I read was Jenny Colgan’s Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’s Sweetshop
which though I thoroughly enjoyed it over the festive break, it doesn’t seem quite
appropriate for a February review! So I am going to share with you the book I have
just started reading. It is the first in a series by an author of teenage fiction, a
popular series but one that has generated mixed reviews.
Many people believe the series is best suited for teenagers,
while others believe some of the content matter makes it
more appropriate for an adult fiction read. I have been
recommended to read the whole series by several of my
friends and so far it is certainly holding my interest.
Sylvie literally seems to be allergic to modern life and her
exhausted mum is willing to try anything. Her mother and
doctors seem powerless to help as her life appears to be
slipping away, but finally one doctor offers a lifeline. There
is an alternative community nestled in a remote corner of the
Dorset countryside. The clean air and green lifestyle might
be their last chance. When Sylvie and her mother arrive at Stonewylde they are
greeted by a picture of beauty and tranquillity and Sylvie’s health looks like it has a
chance of improving.
The community of Stonewylde is set within a large, remote estate, hidden away
behind high walls and iron gates, cut off from the modern world. The community
is ‘ruled’ by the charismatic Magus who vows to restore Sylvie to health as well as
giving Sylvie and her mum Miranda a life they thought they could only dream of.
However all is not as it seems at Stonewylde. There is mystery and magic as Magus
leads the community in a paganism-based spirituality which Sylvie and her mum
have not come across before. Disturbingly there is an uncomfortable, feudal type
hierarchy system at the core of the community and, as a forbidden friendship with
a secretive village boy begins to grow, Sylvie starts to glimpse some of the darker
truth behind the paradise they have entered.
Tess Brady, Blofield & Brundall Library Manager
Free Treatment of Rats and Mice
Did you know that Broadland District Council offers a pest control service for a
number of pests including wasps, ants, moles, rabbits, squirrels and pigeons? The
treatment of rats and mice is free to all households in Broadland. If you have
problems with these sorts of pests then you can book a pest control visit online at
https://secure.broadland.gov.uk/outreach_lcp/PestControl.ofml or by contacting
the Pest Control Contract team on 430534.
Blofield News February 2015
Page 19
Have you visited? – National Trust Blickling Estate
My wife and I are big fans of the National Trust and visits to their properties always
feature as a significant part of any of our UK holidays. So for us one advantage of
living in this area is the closeness of the Blickling Estate.
I particularly enjoy walking in and around the Blickling Estate. There are a number
of circular waymarked walks from an easy 1.8 mile walk around the lake to a 5 mile
walk covering most of the estate. These walks are described on a board by the car
park and on leaflets available from the visitor centre. If you are a cycling fan then
cycles are welcomed on many of the paths and tracks around the estate. Dogs are
welcome in the park and Courtyard cafe, but not in the house or formal garden
please. Assistance dogs are welcome everywhere.
Anne Boleyn’s ghost is said to haunt the hall
on the anniversary of her execution on 19th
May. Apparently, a carriage pulled by
headless horses with a headless coachman
arrives at the hall and a headless Anne
Boleyn gets out carrying her severed head!
Anne then roams the hall’s corridors until
daybreak when she disappears.
The park is open every day dawn to dusk.
The shops, restaurant and gardens are open
Thursday to Sunday until the 15th February and then every day for the rest of the
month. The house is open for the first time in 2015 for the school mid-term holiday
(14th to 22nd February).
During half term they are running children’s ceramic workshops on Wednesday
18th and Saturday 21st February. Described as a hands-on session for all the family:
‘enjoy an interactive session and find out how we clean our ceramics'.
Even if you are not a member of the NT, a visit to the estate doesn’t have to be
expensive as access to the shops, cafés, RAF Oulton museum, plant centre, gallery
exhibitions and park walks are free. For access to the full property including the
house and formal gardens, the ticket prices are adult: £12.60, child: £6.70, family:
£32.20. There is a restaurant offering everything from light snacks to full meals and
the Muddy Boots café by the car park offers hearty snacks all day.
The Blickling Estate is situated on the B1354 about 2 miles north of Aylsham. For
more information visit their website at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blicklingestate or telephone 01263 738030.
Peter Harvey
Page 20
Blofield News February 2015
February Diary
1
SUN
2
Mon
Blofield Pensioners at Courthouse
7
Sat
National Libraries Day
8
SUN
10
Tue
Blofield Heath WI at Heathlands
13
Fri
Village Screen at Courthouse
14
Sat
Valentine’s Day
14
Sat
Parish Walkabout & Workshop at Margaret Harker Hall
14
Sat
BADCOG at Strumpshaw Church
14
Sat
Valentine Special at Heathlands
15
SUN
16
Mon
Blofield Parish Council at Courthouse
17
Tue
Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Day
18
Wed
Ash Wednesday – First Day of Lent
19
Thu
Make & Mardle at Hemblington Hall
19
Thu
Brundall History Group at Memorial Hall, Brundall
21
Sat
Parish Walkabout & Workshop at Heathlands
21
Sat
BAD Players Panto at Margaret Harker Hall
22
SUN
22
Sun
BAD Players Panto at Margaret Harker Hall
24
Tue
Strumpshaw & District Association at Strumpshaw Parish Room
25
Wed
Blofield Ladies at Margaret Harker Hall
28
Sat
BADCOG at Walsham Fen
Contributions to Blofield News should be sent by the 15th of the preceding month
to Peter Harvey at 1, High House Lane, Blofield Heath, NR13 4PR or email
[email protected] or telephone 01603 716970.