Issue Number 189 - June 2012

Market hailed as great success

Giving a voice to the Wayland community

Above: more used to battling his political opponents in the House of Commons, George Freeman MP crosses swords with brothers Joe and Tom Shepherd from Ovington, whose replica arms business was formed only a few months ago. Chris Edwards, Chair of Watton Town Team, has hailed the Town Teams first Entrepreneurs Market a great success. Mr Edwards said With fifteen stalls on the High Street, selling a wide variety of items from treasure trails to fancy dog collars and replica swords to baby items, I think we really brought something different to the usual Saturday morning. Mr Edwards added "I want to thank the Wayland Partnership for their assistance and allowing us to use their market stalls; without that the project would have taken far longer to get running, and also to Watton Town Council and Wayland Chamber of Commerce for their start-up funding". Julie Moore who was selling jewellery and handbags said It was lovely to see a lot of people about and having a chat even if they didnt buy but just stopped and browsed Local MP, George Freeman visited the market following up his interest in promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship in mid-Norfolk and said Watton in particular needs us to do everything we can to promote rural enterprises, to create opportunities for school leavers and older entrepreneurs and to help maintain the vibrant high street. His verdict was that This is a really great initiative. The idea of the market is to provide smaller businesses, often called kitchen table businesses, a way to see new customers that is simple and inexpensive; while at the same time, giving shoppers in our High Street, an opportunity to buy goods and services they wouldnt normally encounter when shopping in a big supermarket. This was exemplified by stall holding brothers Joe and Tom Shepherd from Ovington, who started an internet replica weapons business, Arms of Chivalry, last September. Their visit to the Market was the first time they have the have met customers face to face. George Freeman chatted with Joe and Tom for some time and was clearly impressed with their entrepreneurial spirit. And entrepreneur Teresa Pawsey who makes and sells her own cards said I had pleasurable interest in my cards which was nice to hear as I made them all myself and that gave my ego a boost. Dave Senior of Treasure Trails Norfolk was asked if he had plenty of interest from shoppers? Yes, as well as plenty of interest from business customers such as holiday cottage owners and youth organisations. To be honest I saw it more as a marketing opportunity for me as well; word of mouth and just talking with people is far cheaper, and more productive, than most forms of printed advertising, so I was prepared to accept a no sales day as well. We were well looked after and it was also a pleasure not to have opposition from the resident High Street traders. Although I appreciate many of them are closely involved with the market concept, and wish it to work themselves, I have experienced the exact opposite in other places The next Entrepreneurs Market will be on Watton High Street on Saturday 16th June Why not come along and see what you missed last time?

Free Business Advice from the Chamber

The Wayland Chamber of Commerce are acutely aware of the lack of funded business support locally. They have assembled a group of Chamber members who will offer free of charge advice to small local businesses. This will cover most subjects including finance, marketing and legal issues. They hope to repeat this if there is the demand. Norman Wilson the Chair says many people have a business itch they cannot scratch, come and try us to see if we can help. It will be held on 13th June at Wayland House. Further information can be found on the Chamber website www.waylandchamber.org.uk.

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Artists is for artists

"Artists" was opened by Jan Godfrey, at an informal opening attended by the Mayor and some friends from the world of Art. Present were other artists whose work is on sale at the shop. The shop sells prints of original paintings by Norfolk Artists. Also available to purchase are cards of the paintings with blank insides. Local artist Marilyn Scrymgeour, who is the lady behind the venture said I want people to come in and enjoy the paintings, and we are adding to the collection all the time. There is also the chance for you to have prints made of your own work and have greetings cards made to send to your friends or sell in the shop Artists are situated at the traffic lights at Watton and offer Prints of Norfolk Artists, and paintings in watercolours, acrylics, oil, pen and ink. There is a large selection of cards available of all paintings that are blank inside for you to write your own message. Print service available. Artists are at 4 Norwich Road, Watton 01953 881036 Why not call in and see what you are missing?

Young Stars Perform On West End Stage 2nd Year Running

On Sunday 22nd April 2012 thirty students aged 5 to 18yrs from the Young Stars School of Dance, swapped the streetlights of Watton for the spotlights of London. The eagerly awaited journey had finally arrived after a clash with the London Marathon meant an early start and a slight detour, as they say The show must go on. Upon arrival YSSOD students excitedly stepped off the coach into a queue of young performers wrapped around the walls of Her Majestys Theatre, all eagerly awaiting to enter Stage Door and be shown to their dressing rooms. Four Floors up overlooking the city, home to musical theatre they prepared for a busy professional day of technical rehearsals, photo shoots and make up calls. The show consisted of 14 professional dance schools from all around the UK, consisting of an overall cast of 200 young performers. Young Stars School of Dance were given 4 performance

slots that wowed the audience with their fresh and witty choreography. We are thrilled to be able to offer all our students a wonderful opportunity to perform at one of Londons leading theatres, home of the world famous Phantom of the Opera. The experience gained from their appearance is invaluable to them all. Our school prides itself in the professionalism of our students and

our dedicated teaching staff, who are still active professionals within the industry. Our choreographers work around the clock to bring new fresh ideas to the school, which was very evident to see when showcased in such a fantastic venue. Since the performance Young Stars School of Dance staff have been inundated with lovely messages congratulating them for a truly

fantastic show. Thank you to all parents who helped make the day special.

DO YOU LOVE TO PERFORM?

Visit our website: www.young-starsschool-of-dance.co.uk for more details or contact YSSOD on 07887770082 or email: yssod@hotmail.co.uk

Connections By Jan Godfrey Wayland Women

in Business & City College
Sophie Garrett our guest speaker from Women in Rural Enterprise delivered a very interesting talk about her leadership role for Wire and her own unique business called Yours2share at our lunch in March. Yours2share matches like-minded people who want to share property, boats, aircraft, horses, cars, etc. Sophie is a great supporter of collaborative consumption (car clubbing, co working, couch surfing etc) and talked in great depth how collaborative consumption is changing the way we live. Sophie is very good at bringing people together and this is why she runs such a successful networking group in Norwich on behalf of Wire. Lorna from Lorna Ellen Faulkes Photography exhibited her amazing framed photographs from weddings, portraits to pets. Ellen has an eye for detail and with her friendly nature we are sure she will do well. Ellen is very professional which is most admirable as her business has only been running since August 2011. The Wayland Women in business meetings are open to everyone. Although most attendees are running businesses, do not let this deter you from coming. We are always pleased to see a number of employed and retired ladies and a number of ladies who are seeking to return to the work place. It is a great social event and a relaxed way to network and make contacts. The next lunch will be held at Broom Hall Saham Toney on Wednesday 13th June 12-2 pm which includes a hot lunch, a glass of wine and tea and coffee served with homemade truffles. Izzy Mair from Norwich City College is our guest speaker in June and Izzy will be talking to us about her role at the College. Izzy is Head of Curriculum Services and is responsible for looking after students with learning difficulties and all programmes across the college. We hope you can join us. Our new website is up and running, if you would like to know more about us please go to www.waylandwomeninbusiness.com or follow us on Twitter @waylandwib All are welcome. Advance tickets are on sale now, only 14.50. For further details please contact: Jane Richards 001603 927365 sales@janerichards.co.uk or Clare Rowling 01953 488993 enquiries@rowlingbuilding.co. uk or Ann Lusher lusherann@yahoo.co.uk

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A Christmas Party in 1944 at Carbrooke School - Jan is highlighted During the war my sister Sheila, my husband Ken, his sister Jean and I were all at school in Carbrooke, where all but my sister still live. The Americans based at Watton were very interested in our little school and one of them set up a pen-pal contact with Leona Robbins an 11 year old from Norfolk, Virginia. Her mother kept all the letters we sent still in their envelopes most of which were opened by the censor, and eventually Leona, who is now 80, gave them to the Library of Virginia archive and they posted some of them on the internet to see if they could make contact. Neil Laws, whose father Fred was at school with us, picked up the link and passed it on to our Heritage web/ facebook site and opened the door for me to contact the Library and then Leona. Jessica Tyree at the Library of Virginia, is scanning all the letters to put on a DVD but when she found some from my sister and sister-in-law she gave me a sneak preview and then she found one from me written at aged 5 a goosebumpy moment, as I had memories of the toys and the Americans but none of writing. There is much to be explored here with the help of the Library of Virginia and Leona and it has been great to renew a pen-friendship that began almost 70 years ago.

Little Cressingham Market

A new venture is to be set up in St. Andrews Church in Little Cressingham. As the village no longer has a shop, PO store, village hall or even a pub, an effort is being made to hold a monthly market selling local home grown produce, home made goods and crafts in order to recapture some of the community spirit that made Little Cressingham such a thriving selfcontained village of the past. The distinctive half ruined church which has been the centre of village life for centuries, will benefit as 10% of sales will go toward the general repair and maintenance fund. The first market is to be held on Saturday 23rd June from 10.00 12.00 and thereafter, on the last Saturday of each month. Support for this venture will be gratefully received and visitors will be most welcome to come and browse.

Marathon success
By Dave Edwards Thanks to the support and generosity of many friends and family, I made and exceeded my fund-raising sponsorship target to help Save The Rhinos and to make this years event even more successful, I knocked 20 minutes off my previous time. As many people know who live along my training route from Saham Toney, through Ovington and Carbrooke, I spent many hours jogging up and down the local roads. And it paid off this year. I couldnt believe it when I crossed the finishing line in 4hrs 42mins. not bad for an old un who turned 60 this month. As usual, the character of London changed completely for Marathon day with happy smiling faces, shouting, encouraging, cajoling; music of every kind along the route to keep spirits up and take minds off aches and pains. Its an amazing experience for runners and spectators alike. After a couple of days of being stiff and tired, I was back to normal and plan to start running again soon. But it wouldnt have happened without the support and donations from all sorts of people thanks to them I have been able to send 1,500.00 to Save The Rhinos. Every penny raised will help in the fight against poaching these magnificent endangered animals. Thank you one and all for your support.

Watton Happy Circle

At the May meeting Alan Smith gave members an insight into the day to day work involved in Fund Raising to help support the East Anglian Air Ambulance. The service operates two helicopters covering an area of 5500 square miles with an average of three emergency missions per day and costs 4.2 million pounds per year to operate. Members were able to purchase gifts in support of Alans fund raising activities and received information on the Lottery which is a major fund contributor to the service. No meeting will be held on Tuesday 5th June due to the members outing to The Butterfly and Birds of Prey Park at Long Sutton on Tuesday 12th June. Members are reminded that the coach will leave the Queens Hall car park at 9.30am. Refreshments will be available at the park - all we need is some fine weather.

Action for Children Bike Ride

Thank you to all those who have signed up so far to take part in the Action for Children Snetterton Bike Ride! We are very grateful that you have chosen to take part in this brilliant event and are taking your action for children. If you thought you had missed out on the opportunity to ride around the Formula 3 track on your bicycle then do not worry as there is still time to sign up. This fantastic event takes place this Summer Solstice on Wednesday, 20th June between 5.30pm and 8.30pm at the Snetterton Race Circuit. Cyclists of all ages and abilities can take part and it is a great way to spend time with your family or colleagues from work and get healthy in the process. There is ample parking, plenty of spectator viewing points, refreshments on site and space for family picnics. For more information, please contact Action for Childrens local fundraiser, Laura Hanratta, on 01284 755953 / 07921 491550 or e-mail laura.hanratta@actionforchildren.org.uk

Jubilee Concert
by Phoenix Singers at St. Nicholas Church, Ashill Friday, 1st June at 7.30pm
Donations in aid of Village Charities

The Wayland News Page 4 NELSONS JOURNEY

A charity that supports children and young people of Norfolk who have experienced a close bereavement

News

Its difficult to engage with people in the Watton area

Comment from the Editor on entrepreneurship in Wayland
This was the statement made by Norfolk & Waveney Enterprise Services (NWES), a business support organisation, at a meeting organised jointly by the Wayland Partnership and Chamber of Commerce and chaired by local MP George Freeman in May. The meeting brought together local organisations whose role is to act as information conduits to our community and put them face to face with the suppliers of the support that is supposed to be available to the entrepreneurs and businesses of the Wayland area that drive the local economy. And it would seem that those damming words shone a light on the attitudes held about Watton and Wayland by those whose role is to put the support effort and resource into our community to help it thrive. Those present from the suppliers were Foundation East, New Anglia LEP, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce and Breckland Councils Economic Development Department, Michael Wassell, Deputy Leader of Breckland Council and Anne Steward Norfolk County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development. There was a lively and frank discussion about what each organisation has been doing in the area, and what extra they thought they could bring. But it was clear that in the present economic situation, what was on offer was spread very thinly and there was a perceived lack of demand here from start-up businesses and entrepreneurs. Representing the views of Wayland were The Wayland Partnership, Chris Edwards from Watton Town Team, Michael Rose from the Wayland Academy, Salena Dawson for the Youth Advisory Board, Jane Richards form Wayland Women in Business, Wayland Chamber of Commerce Chair Norman Wilson, District Councillor Claire Bowes and myself from the Wayland News. Unfortunately Watton Town Council was unable to find a Councillor to attend. The Wayland team expressed the feeling that we had been treated as the poor cousin of the Breckland family of market towns, with a historic lack of investment in the facilities needed to encourage entrepreneurship and generate employment. The (not unreasonable) case made by Breckland was that the focus on the major development of, principally, Thetford and to a lesser extent Attleborough, both of which happen to be on the so called A11 corridor, was because of the increased housing provision in that area. But it was pointed out that Wayland had undergone a massive increase in population especially at the old RAF site and yet there had been no similar effort or investment here. The response from Brecklands Deputy Leader, Michael Wassell, was that there had been no demand from this area aimed at Breckland for industrial development or the facilities being asked for now. Post meeting, it has been reported that some of the industrial premises Breckland Council did have in this area have been sold to private ownership because of that lack of demand. Drawing the threads of a complicated and wide ranging debate together, Chair George Freeman, summed up what he felt had happened here with the term aspiration implosion. And I think those two words beautifully describe our problem. Because of the to some extent acknowledged lack of investment here in developing and encouraging entrepreneurship in our community there isnt any real sense, among younger people in particular, but also among the older unemployed, that there is anything they can do to help themselves. And this is why there is no demand for the business services exampled by Breckland. Forget the lack of support in the past; we are now clearly faced with a good old fashioned chicken and egg paradox. Brecklands position that we dont get investment without demand is opposed by the argument that we dont get demand without investment. Somehow we have to break that circle. It seems to me that we have to re-inspire the community to make it want to pull itself out of this hole but we need help to do it. Chiefly we need some investment of faith by Breckland in believing that Wayland is not a lost community. They need to be shown that we do care and we do want attention paid to us and one way of doing that is quite simple jolly well say so! The meeting has gone away with a series of suggested actions and Mr Freeman is reconvening the group at the end of June to see what progress has been made. The Wayland side are going to explore whether we can give potential young entrepreneurs that desire to do better for themselves, we are going to keep asking Breckland to pay more attention to Wayland and keep pressing the case. The Wayland News is going to try and find examples of what can be done when you set your mind to it and show it can be done and be done here. Mr Freeman is going to keep pushing to improve broadband in our area together as is Anne Steward from Norfolk County Council. The real question though is what are you going to do? There is an old adage that says Youll never get rich digging someone elses ditch. Working for yourself is a unique experience; it is hard work and the hours are often long for little reward. But the freedom is amazing. You are entirely responsible for what happens to you; succeed or fail, it is down to you. Do you or does anyone in your family think they have an idea that they could develop. Have you got an idea for business but dont know what to do next? Then get in touch with Iain Cockburn at the Wayland Partnership on 01953 880204 or by email at iain@wayland.org.uk. The whole business community will do everything it can to help you.

BRECKLAND HARMONY
together with

The West End Waiters

compered by Carol Bundock Will be giving a concert MUSIC AND MEMORIES OF THE 1960s and 1970s at St. Marys Church, Watton on Saturday July 14th at 7pm
All proceeds will go to Nelsons Journey Are you 18-65 years and female? Do you want to have fun and excitement? Can you give two hours each week to volunteer? Could you teach us a new skill? I would love to hear from you, as you could have the skills we need!!! For more information contact Jo on 01953 880112 or email: jacklin.70@btinternet.com

Caston Diamond Jubilee Fete

Saturday 2nd June at 2pm
Greenwich Villa, Griston Road, Caston, Watton Silver Band Stalls, games, competitions, raffles, tombolas, Teas, BBQ, books and bric-a-brac Parking at Caston School and opposite Greenwich Villa All proceeds to be donated to Caston Church Everyone Welcome !!

Swans Meadow . . . A Garden in the Making

Jonathan & Behira Graham have been persuaded to open their amazing garden. Thirteen years ago they started with twelve acres of the disused Chic-Grit quarry including an abandoned landfill they had dramatic contour, water, a big mess and no soil. After significant land restoration and landscaping there is now a house and maturing gardens, with lots of work in progress and, as yet, untamed wilderness surrounding a lake. Substantial plantings of trees and shrubs are interspersed with a swimming pond, vegetables within a circular crinkle crankle wall, formal beds and dramatic slopes. The gardens are open on Sunday 17th June (Fathers Day) from 11 to 5pm. There will be tea, coffee, delicious cakes and cider, perhaps for the man in your life, will be for sale. Admission: Adults 3.00, school children 1.00, infants free. Proceeds are for the support of the Rocklands Churches. Swans Meadow, Mount Pleasant, Rockland All Saints, NR17 1XG Tel: 01953 747400 Email: swans.meadow@lyrical.co.uk

Councillors Chat
with Michael Wassell
Watton Residents will have the chance to shape the future of the District Council through a series of new consultations. The intention is for residents to suggest how and where Breckland District Council spends their money, as well as which services the council should provide. Faced with the need to save 3.5 million from our budget over the next 5 years, the district council needs to be innovative as to how it allocates the resources it has, to provide maximum value for money and maintain services. We want to know which services are valued the most and also how the council should deliver them in the future. The aim of the consultations is to make residents aware of the services that are currently provided and if these should continue to be provided. The funding gap is not going to get any better and the sooner that we deal with this issue the better. The public meetings will be held in Watton and the other market towns in September/October 2012 and will help to shape the councils budgets for next year and the years to come. You will also be able to make your suggestions on line or in writing. You can also contact your ward councillor before the public meetings to discuss your ideas. Efforts taken to improve recycling rates have paid off. Recycled material going through the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Costessy, Norwich is showing 33% less contamination than last year. Recycling really does pay. Landfill costs tax payers money, and if less is sent there, it not only saves money its good for the environment too. On top of this a new recycling initiative is helping reduce waste taken to landfill whilst cutting disposal costs. Following a successful trial in Thetford earlier this year, the council has purchased eight new barrows, for its street cleaning teams. With two separate compartments, the new barrows will enable crews to separate recyclable items from those destined for landfill. It is anticipated that this initiative could reduce waste taken to landfill by as much as 24 tonnes a year. Despite the economic downturn the council is continuing to invest in property and getting a 2 million return each year. This income is equivalent to a Band D council tax payment of 45.68. In other words without this level of expertise and investment a Breckland Band D property resident would be paying council tax of 109.73 instead of the current rate of 64.05. The councils portfolio includes 200 individual

News

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Great Ellinghams 9th Teddy Bear Festival

WATTON TENNIS CLUB

3 courts at Watton Sports Centre, Dereham Road
Now preparing for new season Calling out to new players All ages and levels welcome Dont be shy!

Club nights on Monday and Thursday evenings Come and say hello!

properties and 5,000 pieces of land and we are managing to maintain high levels of occupancy of around 95pc. This year we have been in negotiations to acquire a set of 12 industrial units in Thetford and are looking into offering Finders Fee proposals and Agency agreements for other landlords in the area. An exciting programme of events and activities has been lined up to celebrate the sixty year reign of Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 and London 2012. It includes something for everyone and offers family entertainment, sport, art and a host of community projects to get involved in. The festival of Breckland project is all about encouraging residents to take control of their own events and use their imaginations to create an event thats appropriate for them. A series of workshops offering support and advice on how to host a street party to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee were held which saw hundreds of residents turn out to pick up tips. The council has to date received 46 applications to hold street parties. Rain, cold and wind couldnt put the brakes on a charity bike ride on the 5th May 2012. Braving the inclement weather, Breckland Council Chairman Nigel Wilkin and Leader William Nunn completed their marathon trip around the district, raising over 700 for local charity East Anglias Childrens Hospices (EACH). The total has reached 736 and contributions are still coming in. Donations can be still be made online at www.justgiving.com/Nigel-Wilkin. Alternatively, contact the Chairmans Secretary Sue Allen on 01362 656870. For more information about EACH, call 01953 715559 or visit the website www.each.org.uk Many of you will have seen that I have recently been appointed Deputy Leader of Breckland District Council and also a Cabinet Member with responsibility for Finance and Democratic Services. Naturally this is a great honour and I know will prove to be both challenging and interesting. I wanted to assure the residents of Watton who elected me that I am still primarily a Watton ward member, and my interest will always be focussed in getting the best for the residents of the town in which we all live. Hopefully my new position will give me a greater ability to do so. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you feel I can be of assistance on any Breckland District Council matter. My contact details: Email: michael.wassell@breckland.gov.uk Phone: 01953 882884 Regards to all, Michael Wassell

The 2011 Teddy Bear Festival Winner the Fire Beargade From the 7th July to the 22nd July the village of Great Ellingham is holding its 9th Teddy Bear Festival having raised so far about 30,000 for charities. This years Proceeds will be going to local groups in the village and the East Anglia Childrens Hospice. The villagers design and make life size bears with over 100 teddies on display in gardens, so come along and walk the teddy trail in the village,. The trail officially starts on the 7th with village garage sales followed by a fortnight of teddy themed events. July 14th is our Teddy Bear Fun day and Craft show for all the family at the Recreation Centre. Bring you Teddies and, join the Teddy Bear Picnic, theres lots of family entertainment planned and a visit from Elllibear and Wellibear There are lots of activities for all the family happening over the two weeks more information: www.greatellingham.org.uk or contact Peter 01953 456716

Christian Aid in Watton

Collecting for Christian Aid week in Watton on May 15th. We hope to have full results in next months Wayland News.

Crafts Market at the Queens Hall

I would like to thank everyone who attended this event in May. We managed to raise 48 for Macmillan Cancer Support. This support will be kept in Norfolk. The next Craft Market will be on Saturday 2nd June. There will be up to 20 stalls of locally handmade items including cards, knitwear, wooden items, jewellery, textiles, photography, homemade cakes and some unusual items as well. Opening times will be 9.30am to 2pm and admission will be free although a donation for Macmillan Cancer Care and Support would be appreciated. Refreshments with homemade cakes, savouries and hot lunches will be served by the Thetford based charity ASD - Helping Hands who are there for adults and children in the Norfolk area living with Autism. Please come and have a coffee or lunch and support this good cause. If you require any further information please call 07776 364456 or e-mail wheelerevents@aol.com.

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What does Breckland Economic Development Service do for Wayland?

The role of Breckland Councils Economic Development Service is to actively support local businesses to encourage the creation of jobs and boost the local economy. But what does that mean to the local businesses and people of Wayland? Due to the pending improvements to the A11 trunk road between Barton Mills and Thetford, the A11 corridor in Norfolk and more specifically; the towns of Thetford, Attleborough and Wymondham, have been recognised as growth areas. What this means is that local government concentrate much of their resources and effort to projects associated with housing and employment growth in this area and this is reflected in their policies and strategies for the future. As a result of this, Breckland Councils Core Strategy states that there will be 10,000 new homes developed in Thetford and Attleborough and just over 1,000 in the rest of the district up to the year 2026. Brecklands Economic Development Service work on a number of business support projects across the district, and although there are a number of growth and regeneration projects that are focussed on the A11 growth areas, the service are still making a significant impact on the rural areas with a number of business support projects and programmes that have benefited and continue to benefit the businesses and communities in Wayland. The Economic Development Service has successfully bid for 3m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) to deliver the REV ACTIVE project across East Anglia which actively supports SMEs in Breckland helping improve their resource efficiency by reducing carbon emissions and cutting costs. REV ACTIVE has over 800 businesses on the network so far with 271 of them receiving one to one specialist advice and guidance on their resource efficiency. Amongst those businesses, over 2.5m of savings and over 12,000 tonnes of Carbon savings have been identified. The project has also offered over 130,000 worth of grants to assist businesses with their improvements. Of the 91 businesses in Breckland that REV ACTIVE has directly supported, 10 are from the Wayland area where the project has identified over 55,000 of cash savings and has so far offered over 5,000 worth of grants to help with improving businesses resource efficiency. The project has also highlighted over 30,000 worth of potential fines that businesses in Wayland have been able to avoid through making minor changes to their business. Brecklands Economic Development Service has also worked on a number of other projects specifically in Wayland over the past 5 years, including: Holding a place on the Wayland Academy Management Board and subsequently awarding 10,000 of funding to the building and development of the Academy. Following the closure of Plaswood Products in Watton, the Economic Development Service worked closely with the people effected by putting on a Jobs Fair and offering them interview and CV writing skills training. The service fund and help support Schools programmes including Young Enterprise for year 6 pupils in Thompson, Watton Junior and Rocklands Schools which puts on activity days focussing on trade and commerce and the difference in economies across the world. The service also fund NWES to deliver WOW; an activity day with year 10 pupils to introduce them to the world of work and we are hoping to roll this out to schools in the area. The Breckland Local Independent Shops Stars (BLISS) project worked with 23 Wayland shops to help encourage shoppers to use their local shops and they were able to vote for their favourite local shop. The Breckland Enterprise and Learning Account (BELA) has awarded 22 Wayland businesses with a grant of up to 500 to help with training, professional services, equipment or IT upgrades. There is still BELA funding available and the service are currently bidding for more money to extend the fund so that more businesses are able to benefit. The Economic Development Service continues to fund Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services to deliver specialist one-to-one pre-start up support for businesses and this is available for Wayland businesses. In addition to this, the Economic Development Service continues to provide an effective signposting service which means that businesses looking for specialist business support can contact the team and be confident that if the service cannot help directly then the business will be put in contact with the most appropriate and helpful source of support that is available in the area. The Economic Development Service also act as a broker for businesses and individuals that require assistance in communicating effectively with other Council departments such as Planning or Environmental Health, and have often ensured that a more constructive relationship is established. There are a number of other very interesting projects that are currently being developed by the Economic Development Service that will have a significant impact on the businesses and residents of Wayland. Michael Wassell, Deputy Leader of Breckland Council, Executive Member for Finance & Democratic Services, Chairman of Watton Town Council and Town Mayor said: It is no secret that there is a great deal of effort and resource attributed to the growth of the A11 corridor, however, it is encouraging to know that Brecklands Economic Development Service are supportive of the Wayland area and still make a significant impact on many Wayland businesses. It is important that we as Wayland residents and businesses work closely with our business support providers to help shape projects and programmes and to most importantly keep aware of what support is available. The Breckland Economic Development Service is always on hand to offer support and guidance to any Breckland business and will always work with them to help achieve their goals or to broker any other communication with the council. Breckland Council alongside other business support providers in the area are working hard to develop ideas and to deliver the right kind of support for local businesses. The Economic Development Service encourage businesses to contact us if they have any constructive comments or ideas that might help us shape the way we support businesses in the future. Mark Kiddle-Morris, Executive Member for Assets and Strategic Development said: The current economic climate is in decline, however the economic future of Breckland looks bright and it is important for Wayland businesses to harness opportunities and work with the Economic Development Service to realise the aspirations of local entrepreneurs, business people and the young people to help secure their economic future. For more information please contact the Economic Development Service on 01362 656808 or email economic@breckland.gov.uk

June at Watton Country Market

As I write in the middle of May it is hard to realize that June is just around the corner. No planting done yet because the ground has just been too wet to work, but hopefully by June it will have dried out and our plant producers will be in full swing with an abundant variety of plants, both decorative and edible, to tempt you. Our cooks continue to produce delicious cakes, pastries and savouries: have you tried our newest line Viennese whirls? Fresh eggs are on sale every week as are knitted goods, greetings cards, jewellery, bags and small quilts. We also have jams, marmalade, chutneys and honey on sale and all from local producers. You can be assured of a warm welcome on any Wednesday morning between 8.30 and 11.30 a.m. at the Watton Christian Community Centre. Market is in the front hall and coffee is served by our Methodist friends in the rear hall throughout the morning. If you wish to leave market purchases under our counters while you go back for a coffee please ask: we are glad to give this service. Our producers are also happy to accept special order whether for a knitted garment, special greetings card or a birthday cake - just ask at the appropriate stall. While cooks and card makers can usually respond to your requests with only one week's notice the knitters and other crafters may need longer so do please allow sufficient time for your order to be filled.

Diabetes UK
Our meeting in May was both an informal and informative Coffee & Chat occasion, where our members were able to have more of a chat to each other than they would normally do when we have a speaker. Several matters were also discussed, some more in depth than others, and although Rod was without his usual sparring partner, but he still managed to make his presence known! The meeting in June will be on the 11th, at 10.15am, and our speaker will be Cheryl Mckay who is a Health Trainer. She will not be making us do exercises, but will be talking about small healthier lifestyle changes that we could incorporate into our daily lives. The meeting will be at the Pentecostal Church, whom we thank for the generous use of their facilities, and is open to people who have Diabetes and the people who care for them. If you come to the Watton Carnival on June 10th, please come and say hello, meet some of the people in the group and if you have any questions about us, we will try to answer them. Looking forward to seeing you.

FRIENDS OF CASTON C.E. V.A. PRIMARY SCHOOL

SUMMER BINGO
THURSDAY 5th, JULY 2012 at CASTON SCHOOL EYES DOWN AT 7 P.M.

GREAT PRIZES
FINAL GAME FOR BIG MONEY
(to date we have given 140.00 prize money in final game)

~Everyone Welcome ~

The Wayland News Page 7

The Inner Wheel Club of Watton

This month the club held its 31st Birthday Supper at the Queens Hall, with President Stella Leonard welcoming special guests, District Chairman, Deidre Griffin and her husband, Tom, the Rotary District Governor, and Rotary President, Andrew Barford and his wife, Karen. Candles were lit celebrating Inner Wheel Past, Present and Future, and members who are no longer with us were remembered. The guest speaker for the evening was Simon White from Peter Beales Roses, who gave a very informative talk on the A-Z of roses, using slides to illustrate their beauty and diversity. Inner Wheel members from other Inner Wheel clubs as well as Watton, together with partners, then enjoyed a superb buffet supplied by members. Our annual Strawberry Tea will be held on Tuesday, 12th June at 30, Thetford Road, from 2 - 4pm. The 3 entrance will include your strawberries and cream and shortbread and cake, and there will be the usual stalls of books, cakes, plants etc. All profits will go to Hope and Homes for Children and Sightsavers. Please note it is on a Tuesday this year, not our usual Thursday. We hope to see you there! Jenny Simons. Club Correspondent.

Golden Wedding Anniversary

Advertising

Mick and Lilian Clarke of Saham Toney who celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with family and friends at the Wells Cole Community Centre. Donations of 170 in lieu of presents were for Wayland First Response.

Lorraine and Pauls Golden Wedding Thanks

Lorraine and Paul McCarthy would like to thank everyone who sent cards, beautiful presents and joined them to celebrate their Golden Wedding at a party in the Gallery Bar, at the Sports Centre. Thank you all for making the evening so special. They met 52 years ago whilst Paul was serving with the Royal Air Force at Watton and Lorraine was secretary to Officer Commanding Flying Wing. Paul was the Town Mayor 4 years ago and they both continue to be members of Watton Town Council. They are President and Vice President of Watton United Football Club and The Chairman and Secretary of Watton Sports Centre. They have travelled the world during their 50 years together and hope to continue to do so.

Young Fundraiser at Great Hockham Primary School

We are lucky to have such thoughtful and kind children here at Great Hockham. Through their school forum the children have discussed ideas for events and activities, but also looked at the cost implications. The children went away and thought about what they could do to support their school. Bradley Green from Violets Class (year 4) has decided to raise money by pushing himself to the limits and swimming a mile. This is 64 lengths of the big pool at Thetford Leisure Centre. The pool has been very kind in allowing Bradley to use a lane for free to tackle this challenge, which he will undertake on Sunday 20th May. We would love as many people as possible to help him raise money. If you would like to help Bradley and support our school I ask that you sponsor him. If you would like to, please contact the school office on 01953 498302 to donate or sponsor his effort, we would love to hear from you. Alternatively, e-mail Mrs. Sarah Jones (School Administrator) office@hockham.norfolk.sch.uk As the new headteacher to the school I am so proud of the efforts of the children here. I hope to spread our news so that everyone can share in what incredible children we have here!

News

Quilts 5 & Hackers, Tackers and Stuffers

The Wayland News Page 8

As I write it is half way through the week of our annual exhibition, this year Quilts 5. We opened on Saturday 12th May, one of the few sunny mornings so far this month. To say we were overwhelmed would be an exaggeration but we were busy, starting with a lady from Glamorgan Quilters, followed by the dramatic arrival of some half a dozen Ferraris. Their entry into the car park made us wonder if there was a local rally about which we knew nothing. It was remarked that whatever they were doing it wouldnt be visiting us, how wrong we were. The cars brought several couples from Yorkshire, having a day out in Norfolk culminating in a boat trip and lunch but one lady, having seen us advertised in a Quilting magazine, had

requested that they first find Watton. In they all came, male and female. The morning continued with a steady stream of Norfolk visitors some from further afield and others just dropping in whilst doing the weekend shopping. Sales and donations did well and comments were all favourable, there is a strong suspicion that the good weather helped to bring the punters, especially those in vintage Ferraris. It has been a very active few weeks for the Hackers not only with preparations and finishing projects for the Exhibition but also a return visit from Amanda Hall from Monkey Buttons for a second workshop on 26th April. Some members worked on bags started last year with Amanda, several of

which are on show and one has even been generously donated for our bag draw. Others began new projects including wall hangings. It was another very enjoyable day. On 26th June a member will be demonstrating the making of fabric mouse. We do try to produce a varied programme. As a group we are taking over the collection and distribution of local quilts made for Project Linus which is so dear to our hearts. Meanwhile we continue to meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month apart from August from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Christian community centre in Watton High Street. For information ring Jane on 01953 884215 or look at our Blog on http://htsqgroup.blogspot.com

Watton & District University of The Third Age (U3A)

Forty six members and friends have recently returned from a five day holiday to North Wales as part of the Watton U3As tenth anniversary celebrations. The group stayed in Llandudno and enjoyed good weather for the organised trips on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland railways, canal boat over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, St Asaph Cathedral, and to the summit of Snowdon. The winner of the holiday quiz set on the return journey were Susan Page and Rosemary Kline who won on the tie break mileage question from Anita and Keith Taylor with all scoring seventeen points. The monthly meeting in May was the official tenth anniversary celebration of the foundation of Watton U3A. A full report in next months paper. At the April meeting presentations were made to retiring committee members Ken Philips and Rita Hellard in appreciation of their valuable help in taking Watton U3A forward over the past years. We are pleased to welcome new member Jean Loynes who will be leading a Classical Music Group. For further details contact Jean on 01953882635. A few seats are available for the Cambridgeshire tour with Mike Petty on

Wednesday 4th July. Tickets are 22 each and include Ploughmans lunch at the Bridge Hotel at Clayhithe. The next Garden Visit Group meeting is on Sunday 17th June to Manor House Farm at Wellingham which is between Swaffham and Fakenham. For further details contact Susan on 01953881373.

Next venue for the popular Pub Luncheon Group is The Crown Inn at Great Ellingham on Thursday 14th June. The next monthly meeting is on Thursday 28th June with speaker David Morton presenting The History of Buckingham Palace. For further information on the National U3A go to www.u3a.org

Cake Break Fund Raiser for the MS Society

Angela and Lyndia held a Delicious Cake Break on Saturday 12th May in Ovington Village Hall to raise money for The MS Society. There were lots of delicious homemade cakes to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. By 10.15 the hall was buzzing with people who were drinking tea or coffee and chatting with friends and family and also enjoying all the homemade cakes. There was also a Raffle, Cake Stall and a Bring and Buy Stall which all caused a lot of interest. The cake stall groaned under the weight of so many homemade cakes and preserves, but by the end of the morning the table was empty. The Bring and Buy was also very busy. There were a lot of beautiful raffle prizes which had all been donated and a lot of tickets were sold. I would like to thank my friends for helping Lyndia and I to make it such a successful event. With their help we have raised 412.41 for the charity.

News

The Wayland News Page 9

A moment remembered
By Edith Pleasance As children we were lucky in our choice of places to play outdoors. The road outside our house was safe enough but further afield was Hele plain, an acre or so of open grassland with plenty of trees to climb and even a rocky escarpment to attack. Here, though, we had to be a bit careful as the plain was bordered far below by a working quarry, with no fence or hedge to keep us from tumbling to our doom! When we were charged with looking after the baby then our recreation would amount to pushing her pram to the town cemetery situated just at the end of our road. I guess we got to know most of the tombs and graves to be able to recite their epitaphs by heart. Especially important was the marble Singer family vault, to our minds resembling a miniature Taj Mahal. Rarely did we go to a park, although the town boasted a fair few. One of these occasions I have cause to remember as our mother made one of her few sorties out of our area and took us to Carey Park, about a miles walk from our home. As the eldest child, to my delight and surprise, Mum heeded my pleas to visit a fun fair set up in a nearby field. She did not want to walk any further and sent me off on my own, with the usual cautions not to get lost and handed me the magnificent sum of twopence to spend on anything I liked. Used as I was to the odd hapenny to spend on sweets or chips I felt as rich as our King on his throne. My dilemma then was how to make the best use of these riches. Arriving at the fair I weighed up the options, should I spend both pennies on a ride on the horse merry-go-round or, purchase a greyhound ticket from the stall praying that the electric boards where the names of the dogs flashed continually would stop on mine? Or, an even greater temptation, go to the rubber ring stall and try to trap one of the magical gifts atop the staves on which they were temptingly arranged? I discounted the coconut shy as I had never been much good at throwing my failure to make the netball team at school was proof of that. The decision was finally made by this eleven-year-old. Remember the stalls where pennies were rolled down a wooden slide hopefully to land on a selection of numbers? These went from one to four and if your money cleared any of the lines in between then you won the return of not only your own penny but the number of coins it had landed on also. My mind was made up, the roll-a-penny game beckoned. Lining up a shute I cautiously rolled one of my precious coins. It gathered pace and hit the counter where it rolled around before landing fair and square on a line! Disappointment hit, but I still had another penny and after giving it some consideration decided to once more try my luck. Down the slide travelled my precious remaining coin taking a long long time to roll towards the back of the counter where, to my sheer delight it settled down on a figure three! The man in charge, with a roll of pennies in his hand, tossed back my coin and flipped three more towards me. I now held the princely sum of fourpence in my hot little hand! I dont recall hesitating to consider

2nd Watton (RAF) Brownies Work towards their Circus Skills Badge

Come and Celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee

on Sunday 3rd June A Celebration Service at St Marys Church, Watton at 10am followed by a Big Jubilee Lunch with fun, food and games.

On Thursday 19th April, 2nd (RAF) Watton Brownies returned after a two week break for the Easter holidays to start working towards their Circus Skills badge: they made their own juggling balls using rice and balloons, made paper plate clown faces, learnt how to use an array of circus equipment: stilt, juggling, balancing and finished off the first eveing by having their face's painted. They continued on Thursday 26th April: pretending they were part of a circus being clowns and circus animals (picture enclosed) then practicing their new skills, they finished off the excitement with a trip to see the Russells International

Circus on Sunday afternoon (picture above), with the help and support from Amanda and Michelle who assisted Snowy Owl for the afternoon, a big thank you ladies. Well done girls, you have worked really hard for this badge and have been true stars. As a Brownie pack we meet every Thursday evening, in term time at 6.15- 7.45pm, at the Blenheim Center, Teddar Close, Watton. If you are interested in helping or have a daughter aged 7- 10 years who would like to attend please contact Margaret on 01953 882992. We also operate a waiting list for girls under 7 who are keen to attend.

Raising Money at Rocklands

Rocklands School are trying to raise money for the ShelterBox charity, which sends emergency tents and equipment to disaster zones across the world. The children came up with the novel idea of getting parents and family to sponsor them to learn some really challenging classical poems. They worked on them over the Easter holiday, and have raised an astonishing 445 to date. Their recitations were so good that they decided to share them with parents in a school assembly, and charge an entry fee so that even more would go into the ShelterBox fund! It was a huge success and the school would like to thank all the children for their hard work and all those who sponsored and supported them. We are aiming to raise a total of 590. Our federated school, Great Ellingham Primary, are also raising money for ShelterBox. building up my riches, instead I thanked the man politely and hitailed it straight back to Mum, who was surprised and delighted to receive back the capital she had laid out a short while before. I had doubled her investment and created two happy souls. Also, I have always remembered that I instinctively knew the time to quit - that is when I was winning. It is a motto that I have tried to apply to the rest of my life, although not an easy one to live up to. ---o0o--Edith Pleasance 09.05.12

The Wayland News Page 10

Advertising

JUBILEE JAZZ 2012

The Dixiemix Jazz Band
will be performing in Bradenham together with a Hog Roast on Saturday 14th July 2012 in aid of Friends of St Andrews Church and their aim of repairing the stained glass windows
to be held in the garden of the Old Rectory, Bradenham. there will be pre-dinner nibbles, a bar and an excellent raffle. So bring your friends and their chairs and perhaps dance the night away!

Watton Rotary Roundup

Stow Bedon & Breckles Fete

On Saturday 23rd June, 2-5pm A traditional summer fete for all the family to enjoy! You are warmly invited to come along to the Stow Bedon & Breckles village fete on Saturday 23rd June between 2 and 5pm. We are very fortunate that we are able to hold the fete, as last year, in the lovely grounds of Stow Bedon Hall, Lower Stow Bedon. situated off the B1111, 5 miles south of Watton (it will be well signposted on the day). We are delighted to announce that RAZZ and AUNTIE PEARL, the official NORWICH CITY MATCH DAY CLOWNS will be back with us again this year, to amuse and entertain one and all. In addition to the clowns, there will be lots to entertain you throughout the afternoon, from listening to a jazz band, browsing through the book stall, taking your chances in the Crossbar Challenge, having your face painted, admiring the vintage cars on display, or simply enjoying afternoon tea and homemade cake! Other stalls include crafts and produce, bottles, tombola, bric-a-brac, plants, cakes, lucky dip and ice cream. A variety of traditional games will be available for you to try your hand. The village stocks will also be available! The children from Caston primary school will be providing some entertainment. Admission Free! Organised in aid of Stow Bedon and Breckles Churches and other local charities, We look forward to seeing you there! horl arly cos thars a whoole pig a bein roosted and he sez he dunt wanta miss owt on tha best bits. I tolled him he will hafta bring his own beer cos tha hawl hent got a lisense fer sellin booze, cor blarst he hulled his ole cap on tha floor an jumped on it, he was suffin rore abowt thet, Tha ole Chairman is torkin a lode o squit, he say thas orl free, wos he meen bring yer own beer cor he woont no tha trooth iffen it bit his backside, duzzy ole fule, shant voot fer him no more Horry nivva voot any ole how, soo thet ont meark a lotta diffrunce. I hev nootised tha peeple up tha rood hev set a whool lotta chrismus trees, I shall hafta kip an eye on them, cos cum a year or tew sumonnemll dew fer the horl an Chuch wen we hev ower festivtees, rekkun thas rite kind o them to think onnus. Torkin o tha soolar panels, it seems ter me thatll be a help tew tha ole willage horl to git a bit o lectric free, cos the week arta the joobly celarbrashuns is the willage fete, an orl tha cuppsa tea the ole mawthars meark will git tha ole panels a warkin oovatime tew kip tha ole kittles a bilin. Well I shall hatta goo an cover my teartas up cos thet look like a frorst owtside. Fare yew well tergither, an dew yew kip a troshin. Boy Sid

Garden opens at 6pm ALL FOR ONLY 17.50 PER PERSON book tickets by phoning Lavinia Rix on 01362 820349 We have mentioned our RotaBoard project in this column on a number of occasions and, having applied for a grant through our District to help finance the updated scheme, we were delighted to receive 400 from Rotary Internationals worldwide charity: The Rotary Foundation. To receive international backing for our local initiative recognises the contribution these boards bring to the local community. Twelve infant, nursery and junior schools in the local area, plus Wayland Academy, participate in the scheme by mounting samples or themes of their pupils work in the boards, which are then displayed in places where the public can view them, rather than in the schools themselves. The displays are of a very high standard and have been commented upon by our District Governor, Tom Griffin, an academic and lawyer. He was particularly impressed by the display produced by Rocklands Community Primary School telling the story of a visit to La Boheme at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, which included a backstage tour. This RotaBoard, sponsored by Aspect Roofing, can be seen in the Queens Hall, together with one entitled Aliens showing the work of very young children at Watton Westfield Infants and Nursery School. Other boards may be seen at the Sports Centre, Hansell Dental Surgery and Linden Court. All these organisations are thanked for their support, and offers from other potential venues will be most welcome. We are in the process of marking the boards with Rotary insignia and sponsors names. A number of businesses and individuals, including members of our club, have sponsored boards, and with the Foundation grant a significant amount of the initial cost of the boards has been found. Any business or individual who would like to support local schools and their children though our RotaBoard scheme can do so by sponsoring a board for one year for 50. Dr Mike Harvey, who is taking over chairmanship of our Projects Committee, will be pleased to receive offers of display venues or sponsorship. Contact him by email: mrharvey@compuserve.com or telephone: 01362 820160 or through our website www.wattonrotary.org.uk A reminder that next month sees the return of our Tractor Run. For entry forms and information call Charles Hewson on 01362 693041 or 07941 126977, or email charles_hewson@hotmail.co.uk . A few tickets are still available for the Rave On tribute to Buddy Holly concert on Sunday 3rd June. Its a great opportunity to see a performance which is every bit as good as the professional Buddy Holly touring groups; dont miss the show, which includes a vignette by the Ronnettes doowop girls. We hope to have a rather special pre-show video, for which the doors and bar will open at 2pm. one hour before the performance. This show is Watton Rotarys contribution to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations; Buddy Holly was ate the forefront of Rock & Roll in the 1950s prior to his untimely death in 1959.

The Ovington Crower

Dint I say as sune as tha ole cownsil sed we wos runnin short o warta, thet wud hoss down wi rearn evra day fer tha parst weeks. Cor blarst tha ole grownd is suffin wet, Horry he sez hes hatter put a grate pile o mowld oova his teartas, to stop em flootin away. I say to him I say, Yew duzzy ole fule you allus mowld up yar teartas evra year Well yis he say But this years diffrunt How cum? I arskt. Cos thet is he say Evra year is diffrunt to tha larst wun Yew carnt argyew with tha ole fule, cos heel sware black is white an yew can git fed up tew tha back teeth wi tryin tew change his mind. I see were gitten sum more o tha ole winmills, hoop tha wind dunt blew tew hard or else we shall hatter tie tha hole willage down afore we gits tuk orf like an airyplane. I gotta hand it tew tha ole parish cowncil thar pullin owt orl tha stops tew meark sure we orl havva gret ole do fer the Queens celarbrashuns nex munth. Tha ole chairmun he reckon thet ont corst us eny munny and orl tha grub an singun is free. Sownd a bit fishy tew me I reckun we shall hefta kip an eye on tha rearts, sorry, cowncil tax, nex year, cos they ent nivver dun suffin fer nuffin afore. Horry he say his gunna git up the ole

Getting in the spirit

NELSONS JOURNEY
A charity that supports children and young people of Norfolk who have experienced a close bereavement

BRECKLAND HARMONY
together with

The West End Waiters

compered by Carol Bundock Will be giving a concert MUSIC AND MEMORIES OF THE 1960s and 1970s
The young florists of Caston School arrange delightfully for Caston Church's flower rota! The theme being . . . our Queen's Diamond Jubilee of course! at St. Marys Church, Watton on Saturday July 14th at 7pm
All proceeds will go to Nelsons Journey

News

The Wayland News Page 11

anomalies were revealed, more and more exemptions were granted, until we are told that the tax regulations now cover over 1600 sheets, so if loopholes exist, who can blame businessmen who exploit them ? A report last month suggested that several million pounds are owed in unpaid bail, which is due to the courts. Perhaps I am out of touch with the world, but I have always understood that when a defendant was granted bail, this money would have to be produced before freedom was granted. So how come the shortfall? As usual, we are complaining (rightly) about the price of petrol, although as I write this there has been a slight fall from the peak of 147.9 which obtained a few weeks back) and this has brought to mind the days when a gallon cost only a few shillings and petrol stations actually touted for our business by offering (up to) triple Green Shield Stamps on our purchases, or even a useful glass tumbler for every few pounds spent. But we still moaned about the price, even then! Now I will return to a point I made a couple of years ago in this column regarding food supplied by pubs and restaurants. When we were younger most of us liked nothing better than a great plate piled high with food, but as we get older our appetites tend to diminish with each passing year. Thus we oldies are apt to ask the waitress if we may have smaller portions. In many cases the reply is that Sorry thats the way the chef sets it out, or else our request is simply ignored completely. An overloaded plate can be most offputting to the senior citizen, who does not like to leave too much uneaten, with the result that he does his best, meaning that he has no room for the dessert, which is usually the most desired item on the menu. Thus the caterer has to forfeit the sale of the sweet course, which is usually the most profitable part of the meal, which is hardly the sensible way to run a business. So if any food providers read this, please please if we ask for smaller portions we arent just being fussy, we really mean it. Those of us who are life-long followers of football will have been horrified that the F.A. Cup Final this year had a kickoff time of 5.15 p.m. This match has been an institution for over a hundred years, and Cup Final afternoon has always been the highlight of the year. While it is true that interest in the competition has diminished in recent years, it seems sad that decisions regarding it have been made with no regard to football itself, but merely because television companies reckoned they could make a bit more money. What will happen at the Olympics? Will some TV channel decide that the pole vault will be more popular in Australia or somewhere, so it will take place at midnight? In our own local paper over the last years, any letters received from the public have almost always been in support of a skateboard park, but it seems that no-one can agree on a suitable site. A glance at my dictionary tells me that skateboarding is a sport, so am I wrong in thinking that the appropriate venue would be the Sports Centre? Well, I only asked!

A Quick Look Round . . .

By Orbiter One of the most cheering items of news this last month is that Tesco are not proposing any new major stores, since their profits have dropped to only 2.6 billion pounds, though of course they will continue to expand their smaller outlets. In my humble opinion all applications for new supermarkets should be thrown out, since there are quite enough of these places in existence already. This may suggest that I m a hypocrite, since I use them quite frequently myself (as well as local shops where appropriate), but they make enough profit without the need for further expansion, to the detriment of small traders. Surely 2.6 billion is enough! Some parts of the country recently had local elections, and all the main parties complained about the low turn-out of voters, even to the extent of reviving the proposal that voting should become compulsory. That seems reasonable at first glance, but could it real1y work? Even if everyone could be forced to attend the polling station, could they be relied upon to vote sensibly? While moaning about the small attendance at the polls, perhaps M.P.s should examine their own attendance at the House of Commons. How often do we see television scenes showing our representatives bringing up some important point, with just a couple of others, plus the Speaker, in the Chamber! But our parliamentary ways are always rather puzzling. Take speeches, for instance. The Prime Minister is due to give a speech somewhere, but in the morning newspapers we are told what he is going to say later that day. Whats the point of him making the speech if we know in advance what he intends to say ? The Budget used to be a secret known only to the Chancellor, but now we are told in advance what the main points will be. A few years ago we would all be on tenterhooks waiting for such announcements as cigarettes are to go up by 3 pence from midnight, when every smoker would hare round to the nearest tobacconists to stock up. Or similar tidings about petrol would cause immense queues at every fuel outlet. Now we are told that tax on petrol will increase in August and every subsequent August, so the surprise is taken away! Of course the Chancellor is under immense pressure to reap in taxes, and enormous amounts of his energies have been spent on trying to recover taxes avoided by the rich, which have reached ridiculous proportions. But surely the problem lies not with the tycoons who are getting away with it, but with the stupid tax laws themselves, which in many cases are beyond even the revenue authorities to understand. When tax was originally introduced it was fairly straightforward, but as various

Free Hearing Checks

Does everybody around you appear to speak quietly? Are you struggling to hear conversations in busy places? Is your hearing affecting your enjoyment of social occasions? Do you fail to hear your door bell or telephone ringing? Loss or deterioration in hearing could be due to something as simple as excessive earwax or an infection but a more long term change could be due to a number of factors. Almost 9 million adults in the UK have a hearing loss. For some it is just a factor of ageing. However modern lifestyles mean that people are also experiencing the effects of hearing loss earlier in life. Factors such as prolonged and repeated exposure to noise can damage your hearing. This can be caused by working

in a noisy environment, listening to personal music players or spending time in noisy nightclubs and bars. Hearing loss generally occurs gradually so it can take a long time for people to realise there is a problem. Hearing, like your eyesight is a vital sense that affects every aspect of your life. We readily have our eyes checked and vision corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Your hearing can be easily helped with a simple set of hearing aids. Modern hearing aids are no longer the bulky and visually obvious units that most of us think of. Modern hearing aids are tiny in comparison, neatly fitting in or around the ear depending on what is needed. These hearing aids are now stylish and many come in a range of colours to suit you. Total Health Therapy in Watton, in conjunction with national hearing care experts, The Hearing Company, is offering free hearing screening checks.

The hearing check is carried out in private at the clinic in Watton and will determine if there have been any changes to your hearing. The service is completely free to anybody who is concerned about their hearing. If the screening reveals a hearing loss, you will be referred to our Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD) who will perform a thorough examination of your ears and chat to you about the options for improving your hearing. The HAD is a fully qualified professional registered with the Health Professionals Council (HPC) It is important that everybody has the health of their ears and their hearing levels checked regularly so the next time you book your eye appointment or your annual dental appointment, pop in to Total Health Therapy for a free hearing check. For more details Total Health Therapy is at 8 Thetford Road, Watton or call 01953 886860

Great Hockham Gardening Club

On Wednesday 9th May our first outdoor venue was to the John Innes Institute, Norwich. 10 members attended and although it was a small group this was an advantage as we were taken round by Mike Ambrose, Head of faculty, who introduced us to a diverse range of aspects of the centre. It was a very interesting evening and we learnt a lot about genetics and the make-up of plants and how they can benefit the consumer. The best part was seeing the library of ancient books on horticulture. Horn Fair: Sunday 6th May was on a very cold and damp day, but we didnt let it dampen our spirits as we raised over 250 towards club funds for the coming year. Thanks to everyone who helped out in preparation, with cakes for the teas, on the plant and refreshment stall etc. Huge thanks to the Bouchards for the allowing us their facilities. Our next Club meeting is on Wednesday 13th June and is to the home of Jean and Andy Wagnerin Thompson. Members only. Please bring as dish to share and drinks. Time 7.30pm. Please contact me for more details. For more information or a lift to meetings, look us up on our super website. www.greathockhamgardeningclub.org.uk Best Kept Garden Competition At the end of June our judges will be walking round the village with clipboards to determine whose gardens warrant a second look at their back gardens. A note will be put through your letter box if we are coming back for a second look in July. Please do not be alarmed, make them welcome! It is all part of the fun at our Flower and Vegetable Show, when prizes and a prestigious trophy will be awarded for the villages Best Kept garden and Best Tubs/ hanging baskets. Jane Dalton Club Sec. 01953 498694

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

To ask a question about the Norfolks Wildlife please call the Norfolk Wildlife Information Service. Wildline 01603 598333 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri.

E-mail wild@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk Website http://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/naturalconnections Further details and Membership enquiries 01953 498467 Local group E-mail: breckland@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk Wednesday 13th June, 6.30pm-8.00pm. A guided walk with NWT Reserve Manager Darrell Stevens. Venue NWT East Wretham Heath car park off A1075. Cost: Members/Non members 2 Donation

ROGER TURNER
07759 948 830 01953 881 382

The Wayland News Page 12

A Different Point Of View

By Ken Knowles Everyone knows that Norfolk is flat, but there should be the addition of the word comparatively to that statement, as the bulk of the county is anything but. Of course the two sides, east and west, with the Broads on one flank and the Fens on the other, are pancake shaped, but the rest of the land puts a lie to the first statement. Anyone who accepts the suggestion that the land about us is flat should try to ride a bicycle from Watton to Necton, say, via Saham Toney, and then see how they feel about it. The Norfolk hills may not be a patch on those in the Lake District, the Cotswolds or the Yorkshire Dales, but they nevertheless make our countryside as attractive as anywhere, in its own way. It is quite surprising how a change of elevation of only a few feet can give such a different point of view. For instance when we travel by car we see the surrounding features quite easily, but should we choose to take a coach we start to see things we never knew were there, while from the top of a double-decker the change in outlook is quite startling. Every extra few feet enhances our range of vision and our enjoyment of our surroundings, which is why excursions to the top of church towers or other large buildings are so popular. Though our local hills are quite small as hills go, they do wonders for our appreciation of the landscape, enabling really magnificent views such as can be enjoyed just north of Little Palgrave Hall on the road from Sporle to Newton, looking westwards over the valley to Castle Acre, while in that village itself the road up to the Green is as steep as one could wish for anywhere in the country. Rather surprisingly an equally steep climb is available in the west of the county, at Downham Market, as a walk up the path to the church from the clock tower will confirm. Yes, a few feet of elevation can transform what might at first glance appear to be the dullest places, and most people, particularly those interested in walking, cannot resist any opportunity to reach high points. For instance most visitors to Llandudno cannot wait to climb the Great Orme, the large rock formation that dominates the town, and while Norfolk cannot offer such peaks, equally inspiring views are offered on the high ridge that parallels the north coast inland from Cley right round to Sheringham. In fact one of our most impressive views is from the top of the countryside above Salthouse, marked on the survey map as The Hangs, from which a 360 degree prospect takes in not only the scenery down to the sea, but inland over several miles, and on a clear summer day this outlook could hardly be bettered. Of course everyone who is lucky enough to live in a house with one of these nice views is incensed when anything is proposed that might change that outlook, which is why every building application invariably meets local opposition. Usually these days, in the open country areas it is the threat of wind farms, but it is lucky for us that three or four hundred years back the landowners were so much in control that they could build what they wished un-opposed, otherwise the famous great Houses that we treasure today would probably not have come into being. Imagine the rumpus a plan to erect a 300- roomed mansion in the prime position on the skyline today would cause. Or even an old-style windmill, for that matter. Surprisingly, quite frequently when new erections are mooted, against vigorous opposition, after they have taken their place in the landscape they become accepted, and sometimes even welcomed eventually. This can even apply to buildings that in themselves are eyesores. For instance, when one visits the Blue John Caves near Castleton in Derbyshire, the exciting climb to nearby Mam Tor gives a magnificent view over the local terrain, which includes the main landmark - a cement works, one of the ugliest buildings imaginable, yet accepted as an asset to the view. And the tower at Broadway, in the heart of the Cotswolds, must have caused a few arguments before becoming the main attraction for miles around. Luckily Norfolk is not afflicted by many eyesores, apart from a few television transmitter masts, which are not too annoying, and the Bacton gas terminal, so what pleasant scenes the county can provide can mainly be enjoyed in their own right, and when added to the magnificent beaches, surely our county, in its own way, can compete with anywhere in the country.

Did you know . . .

By Rosalie Davis Gibb . . . Cormorants have increased substantially in Britain since the 1970s, particularly at inland waterways? Excellent for the Cormorants but the downside is the increase in damage to fisheries and threat to fish stocks. Since these large, almost prehistoric and rather sinister looking water birds are extremely good fishers, they inevitably come into conflict with anglers. (Fossil evidence of Cormorants has been found from the Middle Pleistocene era, about 500,000 years ago). An estimated 7,500 pairs nest in the UK, with 1,500 pairs nesting inland. Of the 25,000 Cormorants wintering in the UK, 10,00 winter inland. Although often perceived as seabirds, Cormorants are also freshwater birds, with one species in particular, Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis, favouring inland breeding sites, particularly in trees. Although the coastal Cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo carbo, normally nests on cliffs and offshore islands, even these have ventured inland during the last few decades, possibly due to the creation of many reservoirs and quarries since the 1960s, often stocked with fish, so providing an ideal habitat. Two species of Cormorants occur in North West Europe the Great Cormorant and the Shag. Shag refers to the birds crest, which the British Cormorants lack. Cormorants have always been found in Britain and although numbers have been controlled since Medieval times, increase in numbers is causing concern amongst fishing and fisheries fraternities, particularly since the protected status of Cormorants in the UK prevents any form of culling. Quite right say the conservationists, concerned that any widespread effort to control numbers could threaten the Cormorants conservation status. Whereas Cormorants are resident around almost the entire coast of the British Isles, East Anglia is the only coast visited only during the summer months. Should you be even remotely interested as to where Cormorants have been espied around Norfolk and in particular around the Wayland area, visit www.cormorantwatch.org/ which has nice little pictures of Cormorants scattered all over it, 63,883 sightings when I had a look on the 15th of May, 3 of which were in the Wayland area. Should you perchance see a Cormorant, you can add your own sighting to the map. Since a Cormorant eats around 400500g (about one pound) of fish a day, a sizeable flock could soon dessimate fish stocks. A normal diet would consist of fish between 5 and 15 cms (2 to 6 inches) long, particularly roach, perch, rainbow and brown trout. 40 cms (16 inches) long fish and 60 cms (24 inches) long eel have been recorded as having been devoured. Whilst on the subject of the size of the fish a Cormorant can swallow, you may have seen the TV advert

News
with the Japanese fisherman complete with a Cormorant on a pole, the Phalacrocorax capillatus, or Japanese Cormorant, native from Taiwan through Korea and Japan to the Russian Far East. The Japanese Cormorant, known as umiu (Sea Cormorant) has been domesticated by fishermen and used in a tradition known in Japan as ukai, which can be traced back 1,300 years. Feudal Lords bestowed the honour of Master-Cormorant-Fisherman, or Cormorant Fishermen of the Imperial Household Agency, a hereditary title that is passed on from father to son, affording the fishermen privileges and promoting Cormorant fishing. The Sea Cormorants are caught and trained to catch fish, primarily ayu (sweetfish), which takes about 3 years. Hemp strings are tied around the Cormorants throats to restrict swallowing so that only small fish can be swallowed and partly swallowed larger fish can be retrieved by the fisherman, although sometimes fish are also regurgitated. These days, ukai is only found in the city of Gifu on the Nagara river, at night, between 11th of May and 15th October, except when the river level is high and during the Harvest Moon (the nearest full moon to the Autumn Equinox, when the centre of the sun is in the same plane as the Earths equator), having evolved from a means to live, to a profitable industry to the present day tourist attraction. Three Master-Cormorant -Fishermen man each 13 metre long, pine board boat, each with a flaming beacon in a basket on the end of a pole at the bow, reflected in the water, which must be a beautiful, magical, memorable sight. Because cormorant fishing is part of the Imperial Household, the Nagara has become a protected river, ensuring it is kept clean and healthy, allowing cormorant fishing to continue. The birds have become such a part of Japanese lore, that they have given rise to the expression unomi, to swallow whole like a cormorant or accept without questions, because they can swallow fish whole without choking on the scales. Following a centuries old tradition, the first sweetfish of the season are still sent to the Imperial Household Agency today and Royal Viewings for members of the Imperial Household are held eight times a year. Cormorant fishing is also carried out in China using River Cormorants, smaller than Sea Cormorants, and, apparently, hot tempered and more difficult to capture! Cormorant fishing is also an ancient tradition in Macedonia, especially on Dojran Lake in the South Eastern part of the country, where it is still practiced today by some traditional fishermen. In Western Europe, cormorant fishing took place briefly from the 16th to 17th centuries, primarily in England and France. Though the fishing method was similar to those used in Japan and China, the European method was developed independently and more closely related to falconry. Most peoples immediate image of a Cormorant is of a large black bird with wings outstretched, apparently having a preen! However, there is a very good reason for this, but what is it? Answer in the July issue.

News

The Wayland News Page 13

In your garden with Lotta Potts

So here we are in flaming June. Or maybe not. The drought-driven hosepipe ban certainly took off in April (the wettest on record) and the first half of May. We also had frosts and hailstorms, sometimes on the same day. Despite all this I am still amazed that plants continue to grow however badly they are treated. The only thing that seems to faze them is shortage of water so we are back to the draconian measures taken by the suppliers of the essential supply, based on a monopolistic system. We are even being told that the hosepipe ban will last until the end of this year, maybe longer. When asked about their unacceptable leakage rate we are blackmailed by being told that if we want the leaks fixed the rates will go up. This from companies that make billions of pounds profit and dish out huge bonuses to Australian and Canadian bankers. Write to your MP!! Supposing we have a normal June there will be lots to do as this is the month the first veg start coming up to harvest, to be followed by successional sowing. I will get it right one of these days! The flowers are showing signs of the bounty to follow either late this month or into July. I am particularly thinking about roses and large flowered clematis. There used to be a saying that if you dug a hole for a rose you should plant a clematis in it as well. This is still good advice but its best to make sure that the rose is vigorous enough to hold the clematis and they dont need to be pruned at different times. This holds good if you have two different varieties of clematis growing together. The effect is stunning if its right but a horrid mess if wrong. I think the safest way would be to put a late/early clematis such as cirrhosa types (Freckles is a good one that flowers January onward or even December if its mild) to flower on bare rose stems. These clematis dont need a lot of pruning, just a tidy and this can be done when the roses are pruned in spring. That way you have a double period of flowers. The large flowering clematis can be grown through climbers and ramblers either to tone or contrast with each other, then the clematis are pruned early spring and the roses later according to whether they climb or ramble. Check this out when buying. Whilst the asparagus comes to an end in mid-June, the earliest potatoes may well yield a harvest, albeit probably a small one. To find out if there are any ready just rootle about with your fingers under the plants. If there are potatoes larger than a medium egg its worth rootling on to fish out the biggest. No potatoes taste as good as these first few. If the fates are kind you just might get the last of the asparagus and the first potatoes on the same plate. Now thats what I call a result. The veg prone to frost damage such as sweetcorn, peas and beans can go out now or be sown in situ. Squashes can be sown or planted out and it seems (not tried before) that the best place is on top of the compost heap or a pile of well-rotted manure. They need a lot of room. Having said that I remember seeing various squash plants grown up trellis arches at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show some years ago. They did it with cucumbers as well so it was necessary to duck quite frequently as its allowable to go into the gardens there. Hanging baskets can now be put outside if May was too inclement. That will be a relief if theyve been cluttering up the greenhouse. Herb, fruit and veg baskets are pretty as well as productive. Strawberries grow well in baskets but have to be sited so you get the ripe fruit before the birds do. A bracket on a house wall is best as the birds are a bit more timid than they are with ones further out. Tomatoes of the tumbling varieties are fun as well as yielding delicious fruit (oh yes they are!) and its not harmful to mix them with trailing flowers such as lobelia, million bells, petunia surfinia, fuchsias and other trailing plants readily available at sheds and garden centres. Just about any herbs can be used and also mixed with tomatoes but I wouldnt mix leafy herbs such as parsley, basil etc with flowers as it would be too easy to mistake one lot of leaves for the other. Perennial flower seeds can be sown if you have room for a small seed bed. You can also do this in trays and pots but at this time of year theres usually too much going on to be bothered with the way you sow seeds in winter and spring. If you have time you can also sow seeds of winter and spring bedding. On top of all that the perennials and flowering shrubs will need deadheading, the lawn will need regular mowing unless we have a really dry spell, the indoor tomatoes will need to have side shoots removed and regular tying in of the main stems. Dont forget to keep on the successional sowing when theres room for things like lettuce, carrots, annual flowers for autumn colour now first frosts tend to be later than a few years ago, peas and just about anything that will give a quick crop. Pests need to be controlled as well. There will be the usual slugs and snails but also lily beetles, greenfly, blackfly, caterpillars and ants. These last dont do a lot of harm but the nests will get under plant roots leaving an air gap so the plants will die. They also look unsightly, particularly on paving or the lawn. There are lots of ways of getting rid of most pests and diseases but try to avoid anything that might harm the bees. Were short of bees. One last thing, when youve done all the tasks and are looking forward to that sit down with a glass of something cool, keep weeding! And at this time of year feeding.

Shipdham & District Book Group

For the second month, the group read something from the spy genre for discussion on 17th April. The general consensus on The Spy Who Came In From The Coldby John Le Carr, was that it was not the easiest of reads. Starting and finishing in 1960s communist East Germany, it reveals Western spying methods at odds with the social norms and mores of the time. Alec Leamus, the central character, as a result of some failings, has been sent on a complicated mission of triple bluff. Characters and motives are difficult to disentangle. Some thought the narrative was arduous and found it difficult to differentiate who said what to whom and why. What ifs and wherefores were as confused as the time line. It was felt too much detail added to the lack of clarity but it was agreed that treachery and double or triple dealing are difficult to simplify. Embedded in the story was the protest against the loss of individuality, which one member found reminiscent of Orwells 1984, with its impending doom. Another member thought it was a super plot, despite its being two dimensional. However, she also found the syntax facile and irritating. There was a lone voice, who spoke in the books favour, she enjoyed the twists and turns and didnt think it a complicated read, although she felt it deserved a happier ending. As we are all old enough to recall the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, an interesting discussion followed the reviews. Do characters like this still exist and what draws people to this dark art? Has spying changed? How much spying is carried out? Who is doing it and for what reason political or industrial? Is China the new Russia? Thus the book proved thought provoking, if not enjoyable. The book discussed at the meeting on 15th May was The still have tickets available, to both members and non-members, for our Annual Summer Day Trip. On Thursday 5th July 2012, we will begin the trip by visiting ST GEORGES DISTILLERY THE ENGLISH WHISKY COMPANY AT HARLING and continuing on to BRESSINGHAM STEAM MUSEUM AND GARDENS, NEAR DISS. The total cost for the day will be: Members -20 Non members - 24 Why not come along for what is likely to be a fascinating and enjoyable day! Looking ahead, on Saturday 8th September 2012 we will be holding our Autumn Show: so to give everyone advance notice or to allow preparation time we feel it may be useful to know we do have a number of classes open to both non members and members. In the Vegetable section - Class & Quantity required: (1) Potatoes, White 4; (2) Potatoes, Coloured 4; Handbag and Wellies Yoga Club by Lucy Edge. This is the second volume of the autobiographical account of a dedicated career girl who had decided to give it all up, travel and discovered yoga and aprs yoga initially in London. This book tells of her, having met the love of her life in her early 40s, deciding that she must move to Norfolk and immediately start breeding. To say that, apart from one, the members found this book irritating would be to put it mildly and to describe it as Chick Lit an insult to that genre. Apart from an initially seemingly astute summary of Chelsea by the sea AKA North Norfolk Edge opts for a farmhouse near Beccles, including that lovely Suffolk town as being in Norfolk. We found her attitude to Norfolk and its inhabitants patronising and inaccurate throughout, not helped by referring to Normal for Norfolk, only truly recognisable to natives and offensive when used by outsiders. For an intelligent lady she shows little knowledge of her own body and the fact that fertility in women decreases with age as eggs deteriorate in quality and quantity. We expressed sympathy with those failing to conceive for many years as opposed to seeing it as a lifestyle add-on accessory as in this case. There were far too many yoga terms which even those who had practised it did not understand; some very strange ladies with names like Angel Wah Wah, always bizarre in appearance, and if all the Pinot Grigio drunk was accurate that certainly wouldnt have helped conception, any more than her partner being away all the week. To sum up, we didnt like it. For the meeting on 19th June we are reading Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson. (7) The Longest Runner Bean, 1; (8) Tomatoes, any ripe 6; (16) Courgettes, 2; (19) A trug of mixed vegetables (may include salad and herbs), 1 In the Flower Section - Class, Quantity required: (30) Vase of Annuals, single stem, 5; (31) Vase of Sunflowers, any cultivar, 5; In the Fruit Section - Class Quantity required: (36) Apples, Dessert, 4; (40) A Bowl of mixed fruit, 1 For note, there are additional classes in the Domestic Section, both members and non-members can enter, but details on this and information about the Show will be mentioned later in the year. If you are interested about coming on the summer trip or need further information about us then please do not hesitate to contact: Belinda Ashman, Publicity Officer. 01362 821442 Or Margaret Arnold, Events Organiser: 01362 697686.

Watton Ballroom Dancing Association

Queens Hall, Watton
8 to 11.00
Admission 3.50 Saturday 2nd June Saturday 7th July Mike 01953 882799

Bradenham and District Horticultural Society

Now we have had the showers, we feel its time for some sun! So, for us this month we are having a variety of exciting events for your diary. For our members, the next meeting on the 21st June 2012, will be a talk by Angela Youngman titled Grey water and recycling within the garden. It is likely to be useful talk particularly with us enduring hosepipe bans and droughts at present. In addition that evening the mini show is open to members to bring along A vase of perennial flowers. As the summer is approaching we

Church Times and News

Watton Churches Together

Service Calendar for June
St. Marys Church, Watton

The Wayland News Page 14

Breckles, Caston, Great Hockham, Griston, Merton, Stow Bedon & Thompson Worship Calendar for June Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols: Tel.: (01953) 483222; Email: revbobnichols@gmail.com Sunday 3rd June - Trinity Sunday 10:30 am United Holy Communion
th st

Thought for the Month

Rev. Barbara Winner Methodist Church.
Because I am retiring in the summer we needed to find somewhere to live. We have recently reserved a new house we have never done this before so its exciting and a bit scary at the same time! When we first saw it there were a few rows of bricks for us to see now there are wooden joists on the roof. It is good to watch it being built but one of the things we cant see (and here we have to trust the builder who Im pleased to say has an excellent reputation) are the foundations. Good foundations are important if buildings are to stand firm. In the early 20th Century Winchester Cathedral was in serious danger of collapse as the wooden foundations were rotting away. Through the long hard work of dedicated people the foundations were eventually rebuilt and the cathedral saved. Good foundations are also important for the community in which we live, work and play. These foundations determine how we conduct ourselves, our church life, our businesses, our politics every part of life. Jesus told the story of a man who built a house on solid foundations. When the storms came the house stood firm. Jesus likened this to those who heard his word and obeyed it kept to what he asked of them. Being a Jew his foundations were based on the Ten Commandments but he summarised them for us all like this. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul, and your neighbour as yourself. Jesus told of another man who built his house on sand and when the storms came it fell down. There were no good foundations. It does seem that many of the standards in our country have been shifting like the sand. It doesnt have to be like this. It is always possible to encourage and where necessary re-establish good foundations. So let us go on building on the good which is already established, and lay new foundations where they are needed.

1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion, 2nd Wednesday Morning Worship. Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm Tel: 01953 881252 margaret@churchadm.freeserve.co.uk
Sun 3rd 8.00am 10.00am 7.00pm 7.00pm 8.00am 10.00am 7.00pm 8.00am 10.00am 12.30pm 7.00pm 8.00am 10.30am 6.30pm 7.00pm Holy Communion Diamond Jubilee Celebration Service Sunday at 7 Informal Worship at the Colin Mackenzie Centre (Colin MC) Holy Communion Holy Communion Informal Worship in the Church Room Holy Communion Holy Communion and Holy Baptism Holy Baptism Informal Worship in the Church Room Holy Communion Healing Celebration Service with The Revd Russ Parker Praise & Worship with Shine Informal Worship at the Colin MC

Breckles

Sunday 10 June - 1 Sunday after Trinity 9:00 am Matins (BCP) Merton 10:30 am United Holy Communion Caston Sunday 17th June - 2nd Sunday after Trinity 10:30 am United Holy Communion Gt. Hockham Patronal Festival of the Holy Trinity Sunday 24th June - 3rd Sunday after Trinity 9:00 am Holy Communion (BCP) Merton 10:30 am United Holy Communion Griston Patronal Festival of Sts. Peter & Paul Sunday 1st July - 4th Sunday after Trinity 10:30 am United Holy Communion Patronal Festival of St. Botolph Stow Bedon

Sun 10th Sun 17th

Sun 24th

Watton Methodist Church

Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection and prayer between 10.00am & 12.00noon Its your quiet place. At 10.30 there is a half-hour Midweek Service in the Large Vestry led by the Minister or a Church Member. www.wattonmethodist.btck.co.uk
Sun 3rd Sun 10th 10.45am 6.30pm 10.00am 6.30pm Sun 17th Sun 24th 10.45am 6.30pm 10.45am 3.00pm 6.30pm Mr B Lawrence Mrs J Roebuck onwards The church will be open to view the Flower Festival Rev B Winner Songs of Praise for Flower Festival Mrs E Warby Mr A Warby Rev B Winner Dereham Local Preacher Recognition Service for the whole circuit No Service at Watton

Wednesday Pram Services Every Wednesday at 10:15 am in Caston Primary School Hall For those with children aged 0-5 Short Communion, kiddies Christian songs; social & play time The WAY Youth Group (ages 11+) 6th and 20th May, 7-8:00 pm, Rectory Enquiries: The Revd. Bob Nichols: Tel.: (01953) 483222; Email: revbobnichols@gmail.com

All Saints Church, Threxton

Sunday 3rd June 10am

Flower Festival
Watton Methodist Church are hosting another Flower Festival over the weekend of 8 - 10th June. It will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and this year's title is "Everyone a Winner'. Do come and visit us, there will be an amazing display kindly put together by various local groups as well as by church groups and members. Light refreshments and lunches will be available on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday afternoon Afternoon teas will be served from 2 - 4 p.m. A Concert will be held at the church on the Friday evening, 8th June, at 7.30 p.m. when "Seriously Saxy" will be entertaining us, tickets price 4.00 are available from Adcocks, High Street, Watton. The event will conclude with a Celebratory Service at 6.30 p.m. in the Church and everyone is invited to come. Hope you will visit us when possible over the weekend. Proceeds are for nominated charities - Action for Children, Methodist Relief and Development Fund, the local Air Ambulance and church funds.

Roman Catholic Community

Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church

Pentecostal Church, Dereham Road, Watton

Children have their own programme during the Sunday morning services
Sun 3rd 10.30am The Christian Seated in the Heavenly Realms and Prayer for the team going out to The Falconer Childrens Home, Zambia 6.00pm Prayer Meeting Sun 10th 10.30am Open Church - Various displays and refreshments throughout the Watton Carnival period Sun 17th 10.30am The Christian Wealth in the Heavenly Realms Sun 24th 10.30am The Christians Warfare in the Heavenly Realms

Mays Did You Know . . ?

By Rosalie Davis Gibb Victoria, Princess Royal, daughter of Queen Victoria and mother of Kaiser Wilhelm II, had a country house built at Friedrichshof, near Kronberg, Germany in the style of Sandringham. Since 1954 this magnificent building has been a five star hotel, complete with an impressive collection of antiques and paintings from Victorias private estate. Princess Victorias son Wilhelm II (Frederick William Victor Albert of Prussia, 27 January 1859 4 June 1941) was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia, ruling the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from 15 June 1888 to 9 November 1918. It was during his reign, in World War I, that Nurse Edith Cavell, born in Swardeston, Norfolk, was executed for treason by firing squad at 7.00am on the 12th of October 1915. Although Edith helped an estimated 1,500 to escape, at no time did she knowingly assist Allied soldiers to cross the border into Holland and freedom specifically for the purpose of joining the Allies and the enemy of Germany, the crime required to warrant the conviction of treason in time of war. Since her trial responses were in French and translated into German, she was tricked into signing a false translation by altering the sense of her confession. Kaiser Wilhelm was apparently so appalled at Ediths execution that he decreed no more women should be executed. However, this proved not to be the case as several more female executions subsequently took place.

St. Nicholas Church, Ashill

Sun 3rd Sun 10th Sun 17th Sun 24th Tuesdays at 10.00am Said Holy Communion 9.30am Lay Led Morning Worship 9.30am Morning Worship 9.30am All Age Worship 9.30am Morning Worship & Holy Baptism 10.30am Healing Celebration Service with The Revd Russ Parker at St Marys Church.

Watton Bereavement Support Group

June Programme
Wed 6th 2pm Meeting Tea and Chat at Watton CCC Mon 18th 12 for 12.30pm Lunch at Griston Wagon & Horses.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON TEAS

Hosted by St. Marys Church in June
Sunday 17th June at Watton Christian Community Centre 2.30pm until 4pm Brighten up a Sunday Afternoon by joining us, a warm welcome awaits you and your friends.

St. Georges Church, Saham Toney

Sun 10th Sun 17th Sun 24th 11.00am 12.30pm 11.00am 10.30am 12.30pm Sun 3rd Sun 10th Sun 17th Sun 24th 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am 10.30am Morning Worship Holy Baptism All Age Worship and Holy Baptism Healing Celebration Service with The Revd Russ Parker at St Marys Church. Holy Baptism Benefice Service of Holy Communion Holy Communion All Age Worship Healing Celebration Service with The Revd Russ Parker at St Marys Church. Holy Communion Healing Celebration Service with The Revd Russ Parker at St Marys Church

S.S. Peter & Pauls Church, Carbrooke

MND Tea Thanks

The MND tea held at 10 Mallard Road, Watton, on Friday 4th May was a great success. Thanks to the hard work of a great team the grand total of 805 was raised for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Our grateful thanks to all who helped, the many who visited and to all those who donated for such a worthwhile cause. Pam and Roy Challand

St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington

Sun 10th Sun 24th 9.30am 10.30am

News

Mayors Mardle
With Michael Wassell
Well, where has this past year gone, this is the last Mayors Mardle that I will write during my current term as Mayor. I have to say that it has been a great honour to be able to have this ability to communicate with the residents of Watton, and I want to thank Julian Horn for all of his efforts in keeping The Wayland News such a vital part of our community. My wife Jan and I have immensely enjoyed representing our town at all sorts of disparate events; we have visited many places that we would not otherwise have seen and met many interesting people. I want to thank Jan for her unfailing support, without which it would have been impossible to pack as in as much as we have, and it definitely would not have been as much fun. I want also to thank my fellow members of Watton Town Council for their assistance and support, especially my deputy Mayor, Councillor Paul Cooper, who has been an immense help to me. A special mention must also be made of the Watton Town Clerk Jacqui Seal and her staff for all of their work in the background, often invisible but extremely vital. At the Annual General Meeting of the Town Council on the 29th May I will stand down and Watton will have a new Mayor and Chairman of the Council. In the normal scheme of things, this should be Paul Cooper who has been my deputy for the past 12 months. I know that Paul is immensely honoured to be the Mayor of his town for unlike me, Paul is not an

incomer, he was born in the old cottage hospital on Thetford Road, and his family have deep Norfolk roots. I would like to wish Paul and his wife Maureen all the best for the forthcoming year, I hope that they have as great a time as Jan and I have. In the past year there have been a number of changes in the way that the council conducts its business on behalf of the town. We have moved to a system of holding 2 full council meetings per month, away from having a number of committee meetings. This allows decisions to be made in a much more timely and efficient manner, and means that all councillors can be involved in all decisions made by the council. I am delighted to report that this system, which was initially trialled, has now become approved by full council as the way that we will conduct council meetings in the future. The council chamber has moved into the main hall within Wayland Hall, we are in the final stages of completing all aspects of this move. This will allow Watton Town Council to provide a much better venue for the people of the town to take part in local democracy. The transfer of the playgrounds at Stokes Avenue and Lovell Gardens from Breckland District Council to Watton Town Council is in the final stages. Once this has been finalised Watton Town Council intends to improve the facilities available and will be consulting with townspeople to ascertain what form improvements should take. Obviously we need to take account of both financial constraints and also planning regulations, but within these we hope to be able to provide a much improved play environment. Let me say that neither of these areas lends themselves to having a Skateboard Park installed, because of planning considerations, so I am afraid

that a suitable site still needs to be identified. There are a number of allotments in Watton that are currently available, with the recent weather I can assure people that they are well watered! There are two allotment sites, one on Church Road the other on Thetford Road. The plots that are vacant are available for rent to residents of Watton. If you would like to rent one of these then please contact Watton Town Council. (01953 881007). As I say every time please remember that all of Watton Town Council meetings are open to the public, they are all held in Wayland Hall. I would encourage Watton residents to attend so that they are more able to hold their elected representatives to account. If you cant attend please do not hesitate to contact me or any other Town Councillor with your concerns. I do hope residents think that council members and I, as Chairman of the Council and Mayor, are doing a good job. If not then please do not hesitate to contact me, rather than just silently fuming, or indeed giving up on the whole idea of local government. Without your input we cannot be sure that the decisions that are made by the council reflect the opinions of the majority of the people of Watton. And that is what you elected us to do! And finally may I say a big thank you to all of the people of Watton, both for electing me a year ago, and for your continuing support, I have enjoyed meeting with you. I will, of course, remain a member of Watton Town Council and indeed Breckland District Council and I look forward to speaking with you about any issues of concern. Michael Wassell, Chairman, Watton Town Council michael.wassell@wattontowncouncil.g ov.uk telephone 01953 882884

Letters to the Editor

Monica Dumble (who is still going strong!) Yes Monica Dumble has moved to 43 Lime Tree Walk. Moving house is very stressful, next one Heaven only. Rumours may have put me there early due to the large skip outside no. 7 East Road and of course the empty house at present. I can laugh about it and realise it would be concern and kindness so no conscience please. My apologies to anyone who I did not tell, just no time to spare, accepted bungalow and moved in 10 days. First a big big thanks to my special family who have been brilliant and got me through it all. I could not have done it alone. Second thanks to my wonderful friends/adopted family at no. 6, who since 1970 have always been there for me and the family. We have history, laughter, tears, drama, anything life threw at us over those years, simply but sincere thanks, just keep in touch. Finally, our Editor Julian might like his readers to know 7 East Road was his birth home ?? years ago, Ill leave you to guess. Ed: sometime in October 1952 Monica, so long ago I forget when exactly. However I keep waiting for the Blue Plaque to go up that will tell me!

The Wayland News Page 15

Heating Oil Having read the letter on petrol prices in last months Wayland News I went online to investigate Heating Oil Prices. I found a site called The Oil Club (www.oil-club.co.uk). They are an independent online organisation with no links to any single oil supplier. Their aim is simple-reduce the cost of heating oil for its members by grouping deliveries by village or Postcode sector. There are over 800 village clubs in the UK, with over 40 in Norfolk. I have set the ball rolling by joining the club, and as I live in Griston they have called it the Griston and Watton Oil Club. There is no cost on joining so the more who do join the better they are able to negotiate on price and the more flexible deliveries will be throughout the year. One other advantage of the club which will help cash flow is top up your tank with 500L at various times of the year without paying a premium price. ITV have spent a day filming at The Oil Club to watch them in action so the programme should be transmitted soon. Please go to their site and all will become clear and how simple it is to join. John Smith, Griston

West Norfolk Aviation Society

On Tuesday 1st May, the society welcomed as guest speaker Martin McClelland whos illustrated presentation was Military Aircraft of the 60s, 70s & 80s (plus some interesting extras). Most of the photographs he had taken himself at surprising number of bases where he served during his 22 years of with the R.A.F. Martin showed an astonishing memory of aircraft types and technical detail of his subject, this together with many anecdotes and his repartee with his audience made for an entertaining evening. Our Next Meeting Tuesday 5th June 7.30pm at Methwold Social Club. Speaker: John Jones Flying Fortress Crews Sport & Recreation 1940s New members & guests welcomed. For more Information Tel: 01842 879210 or visit our Web Site www.westnorfolkaviationsociety.co.uk

News

Shellrock Circle Club for the over 50s

normal way, it dazzled the men following behind. To avoid personal injury they had to adopt a Charlie Chaplin walk. Trying to save as much of his wages as he could, he refused to purchase a snap-tin for his lunch until he found out that he was providing lunch for the mice that had found their way down into the mine in the food for the pit ponies. His wages were 2 - 12s per week out of which he paid 1 - 5s. for his digs, 5d for the return bus fare and then they had to walk 2 miles to the pit and back to the bus stop in the evening, sick club and injury 6d. And it was compulsory to join the Union. He resented this union component until one Easter he and his friend wanted to visit their families in Fakenham, so they went to the wages office to collect their wages, hoping to catch the 2pm train only to be told that there would be no pay out until 2.30pm. An appeal to the union rep., who threatened to bring work to a stand-still at the pit and in the next one as well, soon had the boys paid and on their way. As they were not allied to any of the recognised services, they were not issued with a uniform. A visit to the village usually involved questions from the police and taunts from the civilians. They have no Association and even the British Legion does not recognise them as all records of their war work were destroyed after the war. A very informative afternoon about a little known war effort.The task for May was won by Mrs. Theresa Sills of Gt. Ellingham. WHATS ON IN JUNE. 13th June Shellrock Circle Club, Games and Quiz and socialising. The task is to bring a family photograph . Everyone can take part in this one. Our fete will be held at the village hall on the 16th of June. This is an open invitation to everyone to attend. This is one of our two fundraisers for the year and we would really appreciate your help. We need items for the various stalls. The bottle stall, cake stall, vegetable and plant stall, tombola and raffle, also good items for the bric-a-brac. Please do come along and join in the fun. No need to have lunch first as there will be refreshments available. Doors open at 12 oclock. 20th June Marions lunch club is now meeting on the third Wednesday of the month at the Crown, Gt. Ellingham. For further details ring Marion on 01953 483431. Do come along and pay us a visit, you can be sure of a warm welcome and we are sure you will enjoy the afternoons you spend with us.

The Wayland News Page 16

Our meeting on the 9th of May, saw the start of our new year presided over by our new Chairwoman, Mrs. Joyce Briggs. She welcomed our speaker Mr. Jeff Rose who was a Bevin Boy during world war 2. At 18 years of age he was conscripted and after being passed fit for service was asked which branch of the services he would like to serve in. He wanted to go in the Navy but was told that he had to go down into the coalmines. He pointed out that he was from East Anglia and that he knew nothing about mining but his appeal fell on deaf ears and he was given two choices (1) down the mines or (2) go to prison. If he chose prison he would still have to go down the mines when he came out. After a basic training of three weeks, mostly learning how to march, he was sent to Doncaster where he had to find his own digs and had to pay for them out of his wages. He found digs with a miner and his wife. The husband was able to put him right about safety issues and relieve some of his anxieties about the venture. After reporting for work, he had to climb into a double- decker cage, each deck holding 30 men and surrounded by metal bars. The cage then made a very rapid descent of about two thirds of a mile down the shaft that made his ears pop as if he was in an aircraft. At the bottom, he was able to stand upright and thought I can handle this but then he had to descend by way of ladders another 350ft. into an area called the madhouse where the headroom was about 18 inches. He was issued with leather kneepads, boots with steel toecaps and a helmet. Down here, tall men worked on their stomachs with short handled pickaxes as there was hardly any room to manoeuvre. They were removing a very high quality coal that was not destined for the grate but for the extraction of valuable chemicals. They were met with a great deal of resentment because the regular miners thought that they were about to take their jobs. When they learnt that Mr Ernest Bevin had conceived this plan to cover up the fact that the able-bodied miners had been sent off to war and there was now a shortage of miners to keep the home fires burning, their attitude changed. Work was done by the light of a miners lamp, which, when filled with naphtha fuel, weighted 6 to 7lbs and only gave the same amount of light as a candle. This lamp was carried hooked on to the front of your belt. If carried in the

From Heart Transplant to Open Studios in 1 year

Claire Nelmes is an Artist who works mainly with photographs, the moving image and computers. She has participated in Open Studios since 2010. On 13th May last year, having lived with heart failure for a number of years she was taken to Papworth Hospital and underwent a complete heart transplant - this meant her Open Studio dates were of course cancelled - after a long recovery she is able to take part in Open Studios again this May. Claire is lucky as she lives only 50 miles from Papworth Hospital and she had regular & frequent visits from family and friends who lived nearby, an invaluable aid to recovery. For the relatives of many transplant patients there can be a journey of hundreds of miles. The subsequent pressure both emotionally and financially can easily be imagined. Papworth Hospital Charity manages to provide overnight hostel accommodation for some long distance visitors and Claire wants to help by donating 30% from any sale of her work during Norfolk & Norwich Open Studios (roughly the same as an Art Gallery would take in commission) this money will go directly towards the costs of the hostel service provided by the charity. The Studio will be open to the public on May 26 & 27 and June 2,3,4,5 and 9 & 10 (all other times by appointment) For more information about Claires Open Studios please contact Claire Nelmes: Tel: 01953 498761 or Mob: 07944719721 Email: jc@wobblymotion.co.uk The Stables, Mill Lane, Snetterton Norfolk, NR16 2LQ

WAYLAND EVENTS DIARY

June
Sun 3rd Tues 5th Fri 8th Sun 10th Sat 9th Sun 10th Tues 12th Rave On Buddy Holly and the Crickets Tribute See ad. West Norfolk Avaiation Society talk See article. } Methodist Church Flower Festival } 10 am - 4pm each day See article for details Ovington Village Fete 1 - 5pm See article for details Watton Carnival in the High Street From 11am 2-4pm. 30,Thetford Road. Strawberry Tea. 3 to include tea. See IW article Tue 12th Ashill C.C. Cash Bingo Eyes Down 7.30pm. All Welcome Wed 13th 6.30pm NWT Guided walk at East Wretham Heath See ad Sat 16th Entrepreneurs Market Watton High Street from 9am Sun 17th Swans Meadow Garden open at Rocklands 11am to 5pm Sat 23rd Stow Bedon & Breckles Fete 2 -5pm See article

July
Sat 7th Sat 7th Sun 22nd Sat 7th NWT Field trip to High Lodge & Thetford Warren Lodge } Great Ellingham 9th Teddy Bear Festival } Lots of amusing teddies on display at Great Ellingham Coffee Morning Queens Hall Watton 9.30 -1.30 in aid of Stow Bedon Church.

WAYLAND CMA
June 9th Travis Logan
Tel 01953 889 890 for details

The Best In Country Music 8 til late

TRY YOUR HAND AT CARPET BOWLS

Come on in and enjoy yourselves! Enjoy a very friendly atmosphere With very nice people

The Bowls Club is at the Queens Hall, Watton Playtime

Is every Wednesday at 1.30pm till 4pm With a leisurely cup of tea and biscuit thrown in.
Its your time now to be a member Of a club that prides itself in helping Others to enjoy playing carpet bowls.

COME ON IN AND ENJOY A GAME.

Membership fees are nominal For more information contact

Watton 881507 881809 884791

THE WAYLAND NEWS

Page space is allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Deadline is 12Noon on 16th of the month preceding publication and that is the last date and time that copy will be considered for inclusion. Arrival of copy before deadline does not guarantee inclusion, if you wish to be certain your entry gets published, then please make sure it arrives in plenty of time otherwise you may still be disappointed. If you are submitting on paper you MUST sign and include your contact details with each item. If you do not, the item will NOT be published. You can contact Julian by ringing (01953) 858908. You can write to 8 Princess Close, Watton IP25 6XA The e-mail address is julian@waylandnews.com Views expressed in articles in The Wayland News are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or printers. While every care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions. This issue of the The Wayland News was published by: Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE and printed by

Sharman & Company Ltd, Newark Road

Peterborough PE1 5TD. Phone: 01733 424 949