The Mallard

Christmas Edition

Issue 291 December 2015

Going Down a Bomb!

t was Monday the 9th of November and Massingham was its usual peaceful self . At
least it was, until two contractors working on the roof of Suzy Martins house rolled
back a flap of tattered roofing felt, high in the eaves, and came face to face with... a
bomb!
To say that they were surprised, was an understatement. After quickly photographing it,
they scrambled down to the ground and called the police who arrived in force, reeling out
yards of blue and white Police Do Not Cross tape, sealing off most of the parking area
next to the shop, as well as the houses of Suzys immediate neighbours. The neighbours
were evacuated Andrew and Rosemary Bickertons house becoming an impromptu
evacuation centre for Derrick and Tawny Rae, Tawny informing the police that this was
the second time shed been evacuated, the previous time being when she was a small girl,
back in World War Two.
In due course, the army bomb squad arrived.
The Bomb in
The officer in charge went into the house,
the roof where
disappeared upstairs and returned a few
it was found.
minutes later with the bomb held nonchalantly
in his hand like a cricket ball! Still holding
the bomb, he chatted to one of the policemen,
then climbed into his vehicle and drove
away. The police took down their blue and
white tape and also drove away. The evacuees
returned to their houses and that was that.
Which leaves the question of what exactly
the bomb was. It was almost certainly a
Mills Bomb a fragmentation grenade used
in both world wars. But why had it been concealed in a Massingham roof?
Ray at the shop has a theory: after the fall of France in June 1940, German invasion of
England seemed imminent. Our bomb was intended to be used against the first marauding German tanks to enter the village and, when none turned up, it was hidden away and
eventually forgotten about.
Suzy, by the way, missed all the fun. She was at work.
David Miller
Suzy at her front door.

The building
where it all
happened.

Histry Bits..........

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

The run-up to Christmas was a busy time at Heath Farm. Large flocks of turkeys black
-feathered and by todays standards painfully narrow-breasted were brought in from
the stubble fields where theyd been on the shack (feeding on any loose or dropped corn)
since harvest time, under the watchful eye of my grandmother Mrs. Dolly Morton. One
by one they would be hung by their feet from a goalpost-like wooden frame erected in
the yard, to have their necks broken. I used to hate seeing them flapping pathetically as
the life drained out of them under the hissing light of the tilley lamps but, as a small boy,
it taught me a valuable lesson: that eating meat involves the acceptance of death and that
life on the farm would be impossible without it.
Still warm, the heavy birds were carried into the harness room where teams of farm
workers and village people began plucking them. Very soon the room would be waistdeep in flying feathers, forming a toxic mix with the cigarette smoke that everybody
puffed out while they worked.
Once clean-plucked, the turkeys were hung up in the stables to await collection, while
everybody prayed that the weather would turn cold and stay cold enough to preserve
them until the last ones were off our hands.
There were inevitably a few birds which didnt make the grade thin, blue creatures that
looked only suitable for feeding the dogs. As with most other things in life, Grandma
had a solution for them. I can hear her saying it to me now: Bash them on the breastbone with a rolling pin to make them look fatter, stick a sprig of holly up their bums and
send them to Swaffham market. It never failed.
David Miller

Plucking Turkeys at
Heath Farm,
Great Massingham,
Christmas 1949
Standing left to right:
Charlie Cawthorn, Ted Dawson, Philip (Slick) Cross and seated centre, Ivor Morton.
2

Mallard News
Bring Christmas Cheer to
Your Village Store

In this issue
Going Down a Bomb
Histry Bits
Many Thanks
Coffee & Craft Sale
Village Hall Events
Gert & Daisy
Baby & Toddler
Christmas Lights
Shoebox Success
Celebration Tea
Parish Council
Gaywood Library
Tennis News
Message for Parishioners
Church News
Church Services
Sparrowhawks
Dates for your Diary

When you are making all your

Christmas purchases this year please
dont forget your village store.
We are so fortunate to have not only
a shop but a Post office as well.
Remember the saying,
Use it or Lose it.
Bring some cheer to our village store
and spend some of your Christmas
cash there as well.

Dont miss the Christmas

Coffee Morning and

Table Top / Craft Sale
th

Saturday 5 December
10.30am to 12.30pm
at the Village Hall
A Great Massingham
Primary school event.
Your support
will be appreciated.

Many Thanks
Thank you to Chrissie
Warnes, Peggy Hipkin
and team for making
such a success of the
coffee evening on the
18th November to raise
funds for a defibrillator
for the village. The
event raised an amazing
726! Thank you team.
You are amazing too.
MOBILE LIBRARY
22nd December
Massingham
Historical Society
We meet at Ant Robinson's Studio at The
Barns, 9, School Road
on the 3rd Wednesday
each Month.
New members welcome.
More news next month.

Shop window
Complete
make up
&
hanging
service

Sue and Mark would like to welcome you to

West Heath Barn
www.westheathbarn.com

Choose locally from a range of hundreds of fabrics,

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

Phone/Fax - Alison 01553 840 245

PassMark Driving School

West Norfolk Glass

Mark Large

Suppliers of high quality, affordable,

double glazed windows & conservatories

DSA Approved Driving Instructor

Tel:

Field Barn
House
School Rd.

CHOOSE AT HOME
Discounted Curtain Fabric Sales

Brand new luxury

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07795 958639

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For your free, no obligation quotation contact
your local representative Ken Johnson

on 01485 528431 or 07771 734 582

3

Mallard News

Village Hall

VILLAGE HALL REGULAR EVENTS

Keep Fit
Wed.1.45pm to 2.45pm
Bingo
Fridays at 7.30pm
Auction
Sundays
Coronation Club (4th Wed.) 2pm - 4pm
Baby &Toddler
Thurs. 10am - 11.30am
Folk Spot
Sundays 7pm -10pm
Craft & Chat
(2nd & 4th Mon) 2 - 4pm
Short Mat Bowls
Mondays 2-4 pm to April
Short Mat Bowls
Wednesdays 7 - 10 pm
League Competition
Until March.
Quiz Nights
Thursdays, once a month

CHRISTMAS GRAND DRAW

To be drawn on
Christmas Eve in the Bar.
All you have to do is pay 50p for a square
on our board kept at the bar. There are
masses of prizes with no prize under 10
in value. Why not have a go?
NEW YEARS EVE
ENTERTAINMENT
Marcia Baker sings in the bar from 8pm

DECEMBER WEST NORFOLK RADIO

IN THE VILLAGE HALL BAR
7 - 10 pm
6th No live show
13th Live broadcast featuring Gaynor
Wilson & Paul McGladdery from
Manchester & The Gillies from
London.
20th Live broadcast to be confirmed.
27th No live show.
Watch our facebook page for details
www.westnorfolkradio.co.uk

VILLAGE HALL
DECEMBER EVENTS NEWS
5th Dec
Coffee, cake & Craft Fair
7th Dec.
Craft and Chat
16th Dec.
Tennis Club AGM
17th Dec.
Change of BINGO day

REMINDER
Please remember that dogs
are not allowed on the
village hall playing field.

Shop window
Carol Walker MCFHP MAFHP

GARY KNIGHT
DOMESTIC ENERGY ASSESSOR

Registered Member of the British Association of

Foot Health Professionals

QUIDOS ACCREDITED

Foot Health Practitioner

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

HOME ENERGY ADVICE

Foot Healthcare in Your Home

40 Sunnyside Road, Great Massingham, Norfolk

Garyknight6@btinternet.com

Contact: carolwalker3060@gmail.com
Tel: 07714192521 or 01485 520 187

01485 520 186 or 07557 436 411

Sara Barns
Seamstress
Dress Making

Alteration

Loose Covers

Curtains

For all your

gardening
Requirements

telephone
Patrick Jacques
07976981270

The Old Swan, Gt. Massingham 01485 520151

Shop window

S & R Reeve

GUITAR TUITION
All styles and levels

All building work undertaken

Quality assured. Renovation & newbuild

Drums and other

instruments

Stephen Reeve
07879 885521

Reasonable Rates
Contact Andy Graham
01553 630747

15, Cross Street, Harpley, Kings Lynn PE31 6TJ

sandrreeve@gmail.com

Mole Catcher
Call Steve

Taylors Tails & Turnips

Your Local Pet Care and Gardening Service

mobile : 07799258666
taylors.tails.and.turnips@gmail.com
www.taylorstailsandturnips.co.uk

01485 520142
07745 163149

No Mole, No Charge!
email: steveoutthere66@gmail.com
Ducklings Pre-School

CARLTONS SOLID FUELS

c/o Gt. Massingham Primary School

Weasenham Road

Approved coal and

solid fuel merchant
For Quality Fuels at the
Best Prices

Weekdays. Mornings & Afternoons.

Call Pip Armitage

07807 185746

Phone: 01485 520637

Mobile: 07780 776576

H.

I.

Lynn Road
West Rudham
Norfolk
PE31 8RW

S.

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

General Building Work

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

Tim Margereson

3 Weasenham Rd
Gt.Massingham PE32 2EY

Oyster
House
Bed & Breakfast
Mrs. Veronica Prentice
Phone O1485 528327
www.oysterhouse.co.uk

Call 07786 618787 or

01485 520745

JOE SISTO

TERRY DOWNING

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

WALL & FLOOR TILING SPECIALIST

25 Years Experience

30 Years Experience
Free Estimates
All Makes & Models Work Guaranteed
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Sales, Repairs, Installations & Tuning Services

Home: 01328 701911

Mobile: 07976 222287

Telephone : 01760 722 168

White Cottage, School Road, Necton (opp Rectory)

Mallard News
Gert & Daisy....... OMG! (bet yew dont know what that mean).
What a month weve hed. We hev bin sew busy.
Those that come ter the Tea Party we hope yew enjoyed yerselves.
We certainly did. We enjoyed listening ter yer memories and singing. Thank yew ter the lovely ladies who med awl them cakes and pastries. Yew raised
115 on the raffle and we hev given that ter the Coronashun Club terwards their Christmas
Lunch that theyre heving at Weasenham Fox.
We would like to send our condolences to Bev and Geoff Randall on the death of his
mother, Olive, who lived in Abbeyfields. Also we were very sorry to hear about the sudden
passing of Marilyn Sadler. Daisy worked at Listawood at the same time as Marilyn.
She will be greatly missed by all her family and all her friends at Coronation Club where
she was a very loyal member.
Last month we wus waiting ter hear about Daisys newest grandchild. Well, we are happy
ter report Lillie Mae arrived on 26th October weighing in at 3lbs and a half an ounce! At
the moment she is still in hospital but doing very well and could be home by the time you
read this. Congratulations ter Robert and Becki and first time grandparents Kim and
Alan.
What excitement weve hed! An unexploded bomb wus found in the ruf of the Old
Bakehouse. Well, blast me, said a witness, thas a gud job that dint go off. Fust we
thought Mr Molynocks hed bin robbed at gunpoint at least but then we heard the truth.
They hed ter evacuate and there wus a stream of refugees (three, in fact!) cewing up at
passport control to cross Station Road to the refugee camp at Johore. Awl ended happily.
Daisy wus very pleased ter see all the ladies at Craft and Chat. They loiked it so much
there will now be a session every fortnight. What a lot of clever people we hev in the
village (and beyond).
Gert and Bert hev invited Daisy and Sid fer Christmas Day at theirs. Hope there int tew
much drink otherwise there cud be another Tea Party in the New Year!
We hev bin busy gitting ready fer Christmas buying presents and writing cards. Sorry
Mr Postman, its a busy toime fer yew but yew ken leave awl our cards and presents on
the threshul if thas easier.
We wud loike ter wish awl of yew a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Dew yew keep atroshing.
Gert and Daisy
Thought of the month:"What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? Claustrophobic
Great Massingham Baby and Toddler

EVERY THURSDAY
10am - 11.30am
At the Village Hall
Christmas Party
on Thursday
17th December

WANTED!
In or near
Great Massingham
Livery for 15hh, 17-year old cob gelding.
Preferably grass livery, starting about
first week in December.
Please call Heather on 07935 660501 or
e-mail: heatherwatson56@btinternet.com

1.50
Snack

Tea
and
Cake

Shop window
FUN FRIENDLY
ZUMBA CLASSES
Harpley Village Hall Mon. 7 - 8 pm
Wed. 9.30 - 10.30 am
Leziate Village Hall Thurs. 6.30 - 7.30 pm

Classes 4 each. For further information

please contact Julie Austin on

07721 774 198

Meadowvale Bed & Breakfast
Gayton PE32 1QT

01553 636531
Stunning location.
Luxury accommodation. Suit any occasion.
www.meadowvalebedandbreakfast.com

DOGS AT HOME
Boarding for dogs in the comfort of our home
Your dogs will be treated as one of the family for
the duration of their stay. Daily walks & spacious
grounds for your dog to play in.
Love and cuddles guaranteed!

The Dabbling Duck

A warm welcome guaranteed from
all the staff at the Dabbling Duck.

The Paddocks, Station Road,

Little Massingham

Contact Donna on 07793 737 312

Open all day every day

Coffee from 12 noon daily
Food served Monday to Sunday from
12 midday to 2.30pm & 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
Take Away Menu available at same times.
Real ales and full wine list
Locally sourced, seasonal weekly menus
Childrens choices available.

For all bookings phone

01485 520827
For that special occasion

N.Davies

Silverlink
Weddings
Theatre

Painter & Decorator

Free Estimates

Airports

32 Walcups Lane
Gt. Massingham
01485 520768
MOB. 07768 384 305

etc.

A professional & reliable service at a price

you can afford.
Brian Connolly 01485 520938

Mallard News

Christmas Lights Ceremony

It's that time of the year again and
to get us in the Christmas spirit we
will be following our village tradition of switching on the Christmas
Tree Lights outside the Dabbling
Duck. This will be taking place on:
Saturday the
12th December
at 6:30 pm.
This year we will be collecting for
the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre
Company who are a local Kings
Lynn charity.
We look forward to seeing you all
there on this enjoyable occasion.

Be sure not to miss it.

Ryan Brown

Christmas Shoeboxes

More than twelve million GP appointments are

missed every year costing the NHS 162 million

Excellent result! This year we broke

our record. We are sending 132
Christmas Boxes to the distribution
centre in Peterborough. The boxes are
then sent off to many parts of the
world, as requested by Samaritans
Purse Partners Worldwide. Yes, that's
132 happy smiling faces on less fortunate children. They will know someone cares as they open the beautifully
decorated boxes and see the gifts so
kindly given and that gives us all a
warm feeling.
Please let me
know when you
hear where your
box went.
Thank you all for your generous donations including the children
and parents from Great Massingham
and Harpley C of E Primary schools
who also contributed.
Margaret Bowes

Mallard News
CELEBRATION TEA TIME

Thank You So Much

I just wanted to say how, as someWhat a lovely idea!
The Celebration Tea, was organised by Gert one fairly new to the village, I was
so pleased to have attended the
and Daisy and their helpers for all residents
born before 1st September 1939, the start of the Celebration Tea.
It was such a happy atmosphere
Second world War.
You can see from the pictures that it was a jolly and a great opportunity for me to
meet and get to know people.
occasion with a very tasty spread including
many of the items that would have been served Thank you to all who were involved
in organising the event.
up at the street parties at the end of the war.
Monica Green
Everyone tucked in, memories were shared
and Ann Bowen led everyone in a singalong.
Many thanks to all who helped make the afternoon such a success .

Mallard News
Parish Council November Report
Seven councillors attended the November
meeting. Also present - the Clerk, Mr. Dobson (County Councillor), Mr. Tilbury
(Borough Councillor) and one parishioner.

Clarification had been sought from the

Department for Communities and Local
Government regarding the new Transparency Code for smaller Councils but
a response had not been received.
The possibility of Norfolk County Council
closing the villages Fire Station had
diminished according to the local newspaper. It was agreed, however, to send a
letter stressing the importance of the
station to the area and local community.
Insurance cover in respect of some areas
of the Parish Councils assets had been
increased to reflect recent purchases
and additions.
Next meeting Monday
18th January 2016, 7.30 pm
Village Hall

Forthcoming Events at
Gaywood Library
Some of The Regular Events
Scrabble Club
Mondays 10am to 12 noon
Knit & Knatter
4th Friday 10am to 12 noon
Audio Book Club 1st Thursday 2pm to 3.30pm
Festive Fun Storytime
Come to our festive stories and activities!
Sunday 6th December, 10.30 to 11.30am.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Tablets for the Terrified!
Come to our free and fun sessions to help you
get to grips with using an iPad.
Tuesday 1st, 8th and 15th December, 2 - 5 pm
Bring your own or borrow one of our iPads
and learn the basics to get started with web
browsing, email, apps and more. Book now!
Booking Essential.
www.facebook.com/lynnlibraries
01553 768498
10

Tennis Club Loses Out In The Final Set

On 11th November Ali Ward, Peter and
Annie Lawton, Rob Burton and Arthur
Allen went to the Norfolk Sports
Awards. Run by Active Norfolk, the
awards are now in their seventh year.
We were finalists in the Community
Club of the Year Award but in the end
the award went to Norwich Canoe
Club. Held at the Forum in Norwich,
this was quite a sparkly event with a
selection of local sporting stars, such as
Alfie Hewitt, world No 1 junior wheelchair tennis player, who presented the
medals. Around 330 clubs in Norfolk
across every sport submitted entries so
we did really well to be a finalist.
The Club AGM is at 7pm on
16th December followed by our Club
Christmas Dinner. (Now fully booked)
Arthur Allen

Shop window

Wood Floor Sanding & Fitting Specialist

Floor Boards, Wood Block/Parquet,
Engineered & Laminate Floors
Sealing Staining Waxing Oiling
Moisture Issues, Floor levelling

Free advice & Quotes, Contact Chris on

01945 780166 or 01485 521707 or 07894791723
www.crgibbsflooring.co.uk

NORFOLK WOODBURNERS

SUPPLY &
INSTALLATION
OF WOODBURNERS

Neil Brodie
Electrical Contractor

Over 25 years experience,

17Th Edition qualified,
Part P registered

Tel:
Mobile:

Norfolks Agent for Aga, Hunter

& Parkway Stoves.

01328 700161

01328 878 871

07554 073 830

www.norfolkwoodburners.co.uk

The Window Doctor

Trust The Window Doctor for your NEW

Windows - Doors - Conservatories

Fascia, Soffit & Guttering.

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

sales @ thewindow-doctor.co.uk

Misted or broken glass sealed units replaced

Jammed or failed windows & doors fixed
Hinges, handles, letterboxes, locks etc replaced.

T&A

Tree & Garden Services

All aspects of Domestic Tree and Garden Care

Pruning, reductions, felling, hedge trimming,
climbers, shrub pruning, fruit trees and more.
Small Local Company - Qualified & Insured
Free no obligation quotes and advice

Call Alex 07782131258

www.TandAnorfolk.co.uk

11

Message to all Parishioners

Christmas Love it or Loathe it?
Some would say the best thing about Christmas is the preparation! The days leading up
to the big day; hearing a favourite carol or Christmas hit on the radio, decorating the
tree, especially if its a real one that fills the house with the aroma of pine. Then theres
the shops, bustling, busy, full of sparkle and colour, green, red and gold. The childrens
school concerts and nativity plays are a must see if you can. Or maybe its the church
services, fun family services and Christingles, churches full of lit candles, traditional
carols sung and shared and hearing the Christmas story one more time. There is the
sense that something really special is just around the corner. The lead up to Christmas
can be full of expectation, anticipation and HOPE.
Others would say they love Christmas because of the LOVE! Love shared openly with
family and friends Christmas cheer and Christmas spirit in full flow (and not all of the
alcoholic variety!) It is about showing our love and receiving love from family and
friends. But for some, of course, Christmas does not hold such things they may well
say they loathe Christmas! For those who are alone Christmas can be a special day with
no-one around and the lonely then feel very alone indeed! So we all need to remember
to share our love with those we know who are alone and isolated by popping round to
say hello, showing them that they are cared about and loved. For many people Christmas
Day is filled with a special kind of love, a love found in going to visit someone or even
to help prepare and serve Christmas lunch for others.
So what about the Big Day. The Special Day! For many it is pure JOY. There are the
church services in the morning (dont forget!) then perhaps favourite Christmas films
and shows on the tele. And, of course, the presents; the joy and the excitement of tearing
off the wrapping paper, shouts of surprise and laughter. Followed by seven times more
than we can possibly eat! Then theres the fun and frivolity, paper hats, crackers popping
and the obligatory family board games and charades! Oh JOY!
Whatever the holiday means for you, whether you relish the hope in the build-up, love
the love given and received, or enjoy the joy in the day itself - or if it is a difficult day
for you love it or loathe it - it is good and right that we remember that all this was
started in the mystery of God coming to share our lives in the form of a little child.
And that child brought with Him the Hope and Love and Joy that we will find by putting
our trust in Him He is our greatest gift for all of us for all eternity. Knowing that
leads us to one response only REJOICE!
I pray that your Christmas this year will be full of Hope and Love and Joy & every
blessing.
Revd Jane

Marilyn Clare Sadler who

st

died on 31 October was cremated

on 16th November and her life
celebrated later that day at St
Marys Church. Our thoughts
and prayers are with the
Sadler family.

Lay Services at Little Massingham

Sunday 6th December 9.30am Morning Prayer
Sunday 27th December 9.30am Morning Prayer

NEW ADVERTS THIS MONTH

Meadowvale B & B - page 7
T & A Tree & Garden Services - page 11
12

Church Services
Date
nd

2 December
th

December
Time

Service

9.00 am Holy Communion

Location
Harpley

6 December
2nd in Advent

9.30 am Sung Holy Communion

11.00 am Holy Communion

Harpley
Great Massingham

13th December
3rd in Advent

11.00 am Holy Communion

3.00 pm Carol Service
4.00 pm The Gap

Harpley
Little Massingham
Roydon

20th December
4th in Advent

9.30 am Holy Communion

3.00 pm Carol Service

Little Massingham
Great Massingham

23rd December

6.00 pm Carol Service

Harpley

24th December
Christmas Eve

4.30 pm Christingle
11.30 pm Midnight Communion

Great Massingham
Great Massingham

25th December
Christmas Day

9.30 am Holy Communion

11.00 am Family Worship

Little Massingham
Harpley

27th December

10.30 am Family Holy Communion

Great Massingham

Monthly Benefice Prayer Meeting

Wednesday 2nd December at 3pm at St Nicholas, Gayton

CHURCH NEWS
Christmas Tree Festival
The Christmas trees will be lit up in Church
from Saturday 12th of December and every
weekend until January. We are extremely
grateful to the people who donate the trees
and to all who decorate them. They give the
Church a special feel all through Christmastide and are much appreciated.
Christmas Carol Service
This will be held on Sunday 20th December
at 3pm. There will be the seven readings and
many carols. Please come along and help us
get our Christmas services off to a rousing
start. Candles and the trees in the Church
will make the occasion special.
Christingle Service
This is our annual service to support the
Children's Society. All our donations go to
help children in need in this country. The
13

service is quite an event with the children

receiving their christingles and the excitement builds up as the children look forward
to Christmas. The service starts at 4-30pm
on Christmas Eve the 24th of December
and is a special service for children, their
parents, grandparents and friends. Please
come along and enjoy.
Christmas Mass
This starts at 11-30pm on Christmas Eve,
24th December.
Stephen Hudson
No messy Church in
December. Next one 28th January
Come to the GAP
at Roydon Church
at 4pm on
13th December

Shop window
Debbie Woodhouse
Holistic Massage Practitioner
MTI & CNHC Registered

Suitable for all ages and body types, holistic massage

can relieve tension, aid sleep, relieve anxiety & stress,
improve mood & promote a general sense of well-being.
Deep tissue and clothed seated massage available.
Massingham Chiropractic Clinic

01485 520123

Rachael Spooner MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Professional
Treatments include:
Nail cutting, Corn Removal, Callus Reduction,
Diabetic Foot Care, Verruca Treatment.

Call 01485 601128 or 07754 947 408

for advice or an appointment.
Caring for your feet in your own home.
Member of British Association of Foot Health Professionals

Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer,

Children's Fitness Instructor, GP Exercise Referral Instructor

Nutrition and Weight Management,

Level 2 ASA Swimming Teacher, First Aid Qualified.
Tel: 07825 371 381 - www.krosstraining.co.uk

ALL ON YOUR DOORSTEP

A Warm Welcome Awaits
at
Heath Farm, Lynn Lane, Great Massingham
01485 520828 www.lingscountrygoods.com

Welcomes old & new members

Annual Membership Subscriptions
Adult Couple
20
Individual Adult
14
Over 65 years
10
Juniors (14 17yrs)
7

High quality fitted and free-standing

furniture. Individually designed,
traditionally hand-crafted and
personally installed by experts from
our Great Massingham workshops.

Excellent facilities and

a friendly atmosphere.
Good beer, real ale, wines and spirits
all at competitive prices.
Separate snooker room.
Satellite, large screen TV.
Outside drinking area.
Entertainment throughout the year.
Membership applications can be obtained
from the club bar

www.tenacityinteriors.com
CALL TODAY
01485 521888

Book the Village Hall for your function 01485 520588

14

Useful Numbers
Organisation

Contact

Phone No.

Allotment Association

Gill Goold

07513125964

Borough Council

Mike Tilbury

520340

British Legion & Bell Ringing

Denys Winner

520598

Bowls Club

Peter Wadham

520796

Church Contacts

Revd Judith Pollard

or Revd Jane Holmes

01485 601 251

01553 636227

Community Car Scheme

Office

520823

Coronation Club

Pam Hales

520236

County Council

John Dobson

534989

Doctors

Massingham Surgery

520521

The Film Club

Arthur Allen/Barry Talbot

520628/07818 807 738

Fishing Warden

Nigel Yates

520844/07527 866 055

Football Club

Barry Talbot (seniors)

520653

Guide Trefoil Guild

Shirley Rae

520259

Massingham Historical Society

Anthony Robinson

520455

Tennis and Multi-Sports Club

Arthur Allen

520628

Parish Council

Kevin Webb (Clerk)

Vic Cross (Chair)

01328 855 046

520387

Pre-School

Pip Armitage

07807 185 746

Police

Non-emergency

101

School

Ann Beardall

520362

Village Hall

Hall & Bar & Vic Cross

520588/520387

OVEN CLEANING

The Village Store & Post Office

CARPET CLEANING
SOFA CLEANING

idouts Bakery
Daily from R
ad
re
B
sh
re
F

gn Currency
rance & Forei
Holiday Insu
Food Menu
Take Away
s
and vegetable
Fresh Fruit
Ray and staff
welcome you to
your local shop,
7days a week.
Mon. to Sat.
8am to 5.30pm
Sun. 9.30 -12.30
Tel: 520 272

Call the local experts now

Clean Tech

FREE local deliveries

every Thursday !

01485 609223

Village Store
Great Massingham

Card, cheque and cash

payments accepted
15

Dont Blame the Sparrowhawks.

any people are upset when witnessing a

Sparrowhawk taking one of their garden
birds or when they find the remains of one of its
victims. I have frequently come across such
evidence.
In my youth the sight of a Sparrowhawk in our
rectory garden was extremely rare. However, I
did accidently shoot one mistaking it for a pigeon
as it flew from a hedge. Foolishly I tried to pick up the wounded bird and instantly discovered the sharpness and strength of its talons. We tried, unsuccessfully, to nurse it but,
sadly, without success. The guilt remained with me long after my wounds healed.
So why were Sparrowhawks such a rare sight? Firstly, they were unprotected and secondly, in those days, there were enough prey birds on farmland for them not to have to
venture into gardens. Now, however, with the loss of many farmland birds such as tree
sparrows, the sparrowhawk is forced to hunt in gardens where there is a plentiful supply
of finches, blackbirds and the like.
With so many of us feeding garden birds, usually at one particular site, such birds have
become easy prey for the hawks to feed and supply their young. Sparrowhawks are hunting to survive; they kill for food and not for sport.
We can help protect our song birds by placing bird tables and feeders where cover is close
by and not in the open where a hunting sparrowhawk can surprise feeding birds. Certainly
we lose a number of our song birds to these raptors but we lose far more to domestic cats
which hunt in many of gardens despite being fed by their owners!
Andrew Bickerton
Dates for your Diary December
Date

Event

5 Dec

Coffee Morning & Crafts

7 Dec

Craft and Chat

From 12 Dec
12 Dec
13,20 Dec

Time
10.30 - 12.30
2 - 4 pm

Christmas Trees
Christmas Lights Ceremony
West Norfolk Radio Folk

16 Dec

Tennis Club AGM

22 Dec

Mobile Library

31 Dec

Marcia Baker Singer

Place
Village Hall
Village Hall Bar

Weekends

St Marys Church

6.30 pm

Outside The Pub

7 - 10
7pm
From 11am
8pm on

Village Hall Bar

Village Hall
As timetabled
Village Hall Bar

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

Editor :

Bev Randall 01485 520 899 or 6 Abbeyfields Gt Massingham

e-mail : mallard.editor@btinternet.com
Treasurer : David Baines 01485 520 966

16

Next closing date

10th December