The Wayland News December 2015

FREE - Issue Number 229 - December 2015
in digital & online at www.thebrecklandview.com
Town Carol
Service at the
Queens Hall
Watton Churches Together have organised the

Town Carol Service, which will be held in the
Queen's Hall this year. The service starts at 4pm on
Sunday 13th December and is free to all, with
refreshments at the finish. Shine will provide the
music, and the audience provide the singing. This is
a traditional way to start Christmas, and we look
forward to seeing young and old join us for our
Christmas celebration. Every year we have a
collection for a local charity, and this year the
donation will go to 'Youth For Christ', which have
started a youth club for year 6 upwards, held at the
Community Centre every fortnight. Their
representative, Ang Fox, will give a short talk about
the charity and youth club. We look forward to
seeing you all for an enjoyable evening.
Julie Jennings (Chair)
Mistletoe
The Scott family will be selling mistletoe again this

year to raise funds for The Colney Centre at the
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and
Keeping Abreast which is a breast cancer
reconstruction support group. Bunches of mistletoe
will be on a table in the gateway of Hipkins Cottage
on the Thompson Road in Griston priced at 1.50
from Monday 14th December.
Thank you for your support and Merry Christmas.
Wattons
Festive Market
Sunday November 29th 1-4pm
Hattie and Emily (above) and all the

children from Westfield Infant &
Nursery School have been learning
about the importance of thinking of
others less fortunate than themselves
and some have made up shoebox gifts

with their families which will be sent
with the Methodist Church collection to
Operation Christmas Child. More on
Westfields activities inside.
From the Editor
people behind the printing and most

importantly the distribution of the paper
so that you, dear reader, can get your
monthly fix of news and views from the
Wayland Area. Since I manage every
year to miss someone, this time I just
want to say thank you all. You really are
a fantastic community and long may
you prosper. Julian.
Many of you know that the Wayland

News could not be published without the
help and co-operation of so many people.
Every year I do like to thank people
publicly for their amazing efforts in
contributing
articles,
news
and
photographs as well as the invisible
In Town: Scratby Donkey/Reindeers rides for the

children; Justo James the Clown and Balloon
modelling; Arnies Attic Characters
Both above acts will mingle with Children till 4pm
Festive Market Stalls with a large variety of Treats and
gifts for Christmas
Funfair with rides for the little ones,and a burger van
Most Pubs and Cafes and High Street Shops will be
open. At 1.05pm The Smokehouse Blues Band will
lead Santa and his elf helper to his Grotto where Santa
will meet and greet every child, giving them a free
present. Also playing in the High Street will be the
Phoenix Pipes and Drum Band with all local
performers. Shine will lead the singing round the
Christmas Tree and will be joined by the Beavers and
brownies, to sing whilst our Festive Lights come on.
Thanks to TTSR for providing and erecting our
Christmas Tree, and to Andy Francis for Santa's Presents
The Wayland News Page 2
December 2015
December 2015
Exciting New InterGenerational

Technology Project
in Wayland
The Wayland Partnership is offering

IT training to older people through a
new project funded by the Norfolk
County Council Youth Social Action
Fund via Norfolk Community
Foundation.
The training will provide assistance
to older people who want to learn
how to use a smart phone or a tablet
or to get online and use programs
such as Skype or online shopping.
The training will be delivered by
young people aged 15 and older who
have the skills and confidence to use
this technology.
If you are aged 15 -19 and would like
to get involved wed love to hear
from you so please get in touch via
email
Suzanne@wayland.org.uk.
This project will give you a real
chance to make a difference to
someones life whilst benefiting you
through new experiences and skills
to enhance personal statements or
CVs. (We can offer assistance with
transportation costs to get you to us
if required). We will be holding an
information evening on Monday 15th
December at 5:30pm in Wayland
House, Watton (next to the Police
Station) for you to find at more.
If you would like to receive training
in any of these areas and think that
we can help, please get in touch now
on 01953 883915 or pop in and see
us at Wayland House, High Street,
Watton to register your interest.
Courses will be starting in the New
Year once enough young people
have been recruited.
A musical
tribute to
David
ONeale
Some of you may not have heard of

David ONeale but he was very wellknown in the musical circles of
Norfolk both in schools as a teacher
and amongst musicians and singers
throughout the county. He also had a
passionate interest in local history
and wrote several books about the
village of Bridgham where he lived.
His influence in Wayland came as
musical director of the fledgling
ladies choir, Songbirds now better
known as Breckland Harmony back
in 1997. David had a flair for making
tuition fun and under his guidance,
the choir expanded their repertoire to
include all genres of song from
madrigals and fugues to songs from
the shows and pop.
Sadly David, at the age of 59, passed
away last year as a result of Motor
Neurone Disease and Breckland
Harmony, now under the guidance of
Julia Grover, is holding a concert at
Bridgham Church as a tribute to his
positive influence and encouragement
over the ? years he was with the
choir.
Please join us in this celebration at
7.00 p.m. on Saturday 28 November.
Tickets cost 5.00 and can be bought
from Julia Grover tel: 01953483654,
e-mail julia464@btinternet.com, or
on the door. There will be a raffle
and all proceeds will go to the MND
Association (charity no. 294354).
News from the Inner Wheel
Alison Dickson (above) was once again

our teacher at our November meeting held
at Brenda Daviss home. Last year it was a
table decoration this year a Christmas
wreath and amidst piles of foliage, wires
and ribbon she was able to inspire all of us
to be able to take home a very impressive
work of art and a new skill!
We always give away some of the money
we have raised, to help charities at the
Christmas season and this year we are
giving 150 each to the Thursday Club,
the St. Martins Housing Trust and the
Salvation Army (Norfolk).
The meeting ended with President Pauline
presenting a Diamond Wedding rose to
Brenda Davis on behalf of the club, to
congratulate her and her husband, Ken, on
their recent Diamond Wedding.
Our Christmas events are fast approaching
our first will be our stall at the Town

Christmas Market on 29th November
when we will have our Pretty Parcels and
masses of homemade goods to tempt you.
Then on 5th December we will have our
Coffee Morning at the Queens Hall from
9.30 to 11.30am with our usual array of
homemade cakes, a tombola and a raffle
for a Christmas hamper. Not content with
that, we will be back in the Queens Hall
on Wednesday, 9th December from
12noon to entertain you, together with the
West End Waiters, and we will provide
you with a delicious Christmas light lunch
all for 5 tickets are on sale at
Mullengers.
We hope to see you at one or all of our
events and would like to wish you all the
very best for the Christmas season.
Jenny Simons.
Local poet
breaks into
childrens books
made people cry so Id say that was a job

well done. I also make personalised poetic
gifts and Ive had all sorts of strange
requests, which makes my work very diverse
and interesting.
Stacys first grandchild will be two next
month and that was what gave her the
inspiration to start writing for young
children. Her other two books are an animal
alphabet, also in verse, and the other
contains two poems designed for bedtime
reading, although she is working
on a third poem which she
will add to this and
then re-publish it. I
was hoping to write
a Christmas story
book, she added,
but Jess took
longer
than
I
expected and Ive
had so many orders
to fulfil recently that
I just havent had the
time.
All three of Stacys
books are available on Amazon and you can
also buy them from Crafty Bee, the new
wool and craft shop in Chaston Place,
Watton. You can see examples of her work
on her website:
www.perfectlypoetic.weebly.com and you
can contact her via the website or via her
Facebook page
www.facebook.com/perfectlypoeticgifts
Stacy Rayner is a published poet who has

recently expanded her talents by writing
childrens story books. Her latest offering,
Jess the Stripey Tiger Cub, is her third book
and tells of a young tiger who goes on a
journey to find new
friends. Along the
way she makes
friends with all sorts
of animals. Its an
enchanting story, told
completely in verse,
which
teaches
younger children that
friends come in all
sorts of shapes and
sizes.
Stacy, from Watton, has
been writing poetry for
years and has written
dozens of personalised poems for people for
all sorts of occasions. I wrote my very first
poem for my mum years ago and that led to
people asking me to write ones for them,
she said. I find it easy to write in verse and
once I get the necessary information it
doesnt take long at all to complete, but I
must admit I have had a few challenges.
Apparently Ive made people laugh and Ive
December 2015
In your
garden
with Lotta Potts
POSTAGE
STAMPS
FOR SALE
Buy postage stamps at
discounted rates
Please contact Colin
Tel: 01953 499 968

email: whiteheadcwa@aol.com
We had some really weird weather

up to the middle of November. To
illustrate: just before the middle of
the month I saw fuchsias, second
flush
delphiniums,
bedding
geraniums and primroses all in
bloom together. Primroses! In
November. Unbelievable but true
and in more than one garden both
locally and close to Norwich. As
well as the mild weather we
experienced heavy gales so that by
the end of the month all the leaves
should have been off the trees. The
railway people had cancellations
due to a lot of the leaves coming
off the trees at once, all on to the
lines causing all sorts of mayhem. I
used to use trains a lot and this never
happened for several reasons: steam
trains produced sparks which set fire
to the immediate surroundings and
the maintenance teams made sure
there were no trees or shrubs in the
area. They carried on when trains
were all diesel. 'Nothing higher than a
blade of grass between the lines and
the fence'. Sounds like a good idea.
If you have a lot of leaves lying
around, rake them off the lawn as
they will damage it. Remove them
from herbaceous plants on the
borders as this will cause rot once
the leaves are wet. Bag the leaves
in black bin liners make sure they
are moist, poke holes in the
bottoms of the
bags
for
drainage and
park
them
somewhere out
of the way for
a year.
The
leaves
will
have
rotted
into
mould
which is lovely
stuff
for
mulching
round shrubs,
soil
conditioning
with compost and even sowing

large seeds when mixed with seed
compost and grit. It's not advisable
to put leaves into normal compost
bins as they don't rot down at the
same speed as the rest of the
garden and kitchen waste as most
of this is softer-textured than
leaves. There's no need to remove
leaves from bare soil. Theyll give
the worms something to do,
improving the soil as they go. The
garden will look better as well.
You might be surprised to see the
leaves of spring bulbs poking
through sometimes they appear
as early as September. These are
usually grape hyacinths and a good
tip I heard years ago was to plant
them round areas where other
bulbs are planted so that you know
where they are when it comes to
autumn digging. The downside is
that these pretty blue or white
flowers want to take over the world
and will spread like mad. A better
option might be to go for the larger
-flowered varieties some are
sweetly scented as well as these
are a bit slower to spread. You
can, of course, dig up any clumps
you don't want and give them away
or bin them or put them in pots
where they do very well in spring
and the flowers last quite nicely. I
have seen them in hanging baskets
as well but don't think they look
quite right.
So to practical matters for
December. Most of it is a bit
dreary but will save time in spring.
If the lawn needs repairs to broken
edges or worn patches now's the
time to do it if the grass isn't frozen
or waterlogged. To repair an edge
cut out the turf, level out the soil
underneath, turn the turf round and
replant. The ragged edge is now
inboard and can be fixed with seed.
If the weather is dry and mild and
the grass is growing sadly it will
need cutting. This just goes on.
Under some circumstances you
may find fungi appearing. Don't be
tempted! Dig them out and bin
them before they can spread spores
everywhere. Some might be 'fairy
rings' of tiny toadstools that expand
Diabetes UK
Our November meeting was our A G

M. After the statements from the Chair,
Secretary and Treasurer, the financial
report was given and the Committee
was re-elected back en-masse. 27
members attended and after the
business of the day, a quiz was
arranged by Pat, followed by a fish &
chip lunch, arranged by Barry. Our
thanks go to them both for their
contribution. Thanks also go to Gary,
as well, for supplying the aforementioned food.
Our December meeting will be on the
14th at 10.30am. This is our Christmas
party meeting and there will be food
and a festive atmosphere at the
Pentecostal Church, Watton (who we
thank for the generous use of their
facilities). All members, past and
present, are invited.
We will also have a stand at the Festive
Market on 29th November, please
come and say hello.
Our first meeting in 2016 will be on
Monday 11th January at 10.15am. Our
speakers will be talking about RAF
Coltishall. For further details of any of
our meetings please phone Helen,
01953 884713, or email
rjwhrt56@btinternet.com
and the underground mycelium

stops the rain getting to the grass in
the middle of the circle so this can
go yellow and starved. So these
certainly need to go if you have a
really posh lawn. I just checked
out methods and the only one that
seems to be certain is to dig out the
lot to a depth of 45cm/18 and
15cm/6 beyond the outer extent of
the toadstools. Then refill with
new topsoil and reseed.
This
sounds like one heck of a lot of
work but if you have a more
relaxed garden and attitude leave
them to it as they will disappear
once it becomes very cold or wet.
OK so they'll be back but the
suggestion was, if you decide to let
them be, is put a seat or container
in the middle and turn the whole
thing into a feature. I'm not sure.
Otherwise, keep off the grass.
Probably the only good news about
it.
Continue winter digging if the soil
is workable and you do winter
digging. If you don't have them
why not look at raised beds?
These don't have to be feet off the
ground, some are just 6 but
remove the need for annual
digging. Make sure you can reach
the middle from either side and
they aren't too long so you tread
across the soil. Jumping might
work for the very young. The
optimum size per bed is usually 4ft
x 8ft. The paths between should be
wide enough to get a barrow down
and to accommodate a kneeling
gardener (for those of us who find
bending
difficult).
The
maintenance can be done with an
initial dig over and the addition of
compost or topsoil. All they need
after that is mulching and weeding.
Oh and planting and harvesting of
course.
They do make crop
rotation easier if you grow veg in
them.
This is a month to plant or move
deciduous trees and shrubs, again if
the soil is workable. The best
times are just after leaf fall or in
early spring (March) before new
growth starts. If you don't have
much in the way of colour or scent
Great
Hockham
Gardening
Club
We welcomed twenty-three members to

our November meeting. As winter
approaches the nights are getting darker,
but at least its not too cold yet. Late
Colour in the Garden, a talk by Trevor
Harrison.
Trevor comes from the South Creake
Plant Centre, just the other side of
Fakenham. He is part of The Norfolk
Nursery Network, a group of specialist
plant Nurseries in Norfolk. You will
probably remember another nursery in
this network: Walnut Tree Nurseries
which we visited in July 2014. Trevor
bought along a vanload of plants to
illustrate his talk and to sell afterwards.
As the title of the talk suggested, the
plants that Trevor concentrated on were
useful for late colour and included
salvias, hellebores, cyclamens and some
late grasses.
The salvias were available in various
heights so as to be suitable for different
areas of a border, different colours
now would be a good time to visit

a garden centre and buy winter
jasmine (no scent but lots of bright
yellow
flowers),
shrubby
honeysuckle (beautiful scent and
tiny white/pale yellow flowers).
This one is normally deciduous but
might hold its leaves in mild
conditions. Christmas Box (not
something for the postman) but
another shrub with small fluffy
white flowers and strong scent. All
these shrubs can be kept after
purchase in containers then planted
out where they can be enjoyed
during future winters. Then there
is the wintersweet which I have
mentioned several times before.
This year it's had a really hard
prune and is still wafting around
near a path. It truly is a proper
shrub but if you don't have a large
garden I would reluctantly caution
against. The others tend to be
smaller but don't take the five to
seven years to flower. I'm not
entirely sure I like the scent either!
One thing about buying small
flowering shrubs you know what
they look like and smell like as
scent is so subjective.
So youve moved the shrubs and
maybe acquired some for keeping in
pots for the winter to smell nice
towards the door and ignored the
lawn so what else? Check stored
fruit and veg and while you're inside
the shed give it a tidy (find all those
hand tools that went adrift in
summer), wash pots and trays (ugh!).
Before Christmas the nicest thing is
to buy a tree. I know the artificial
ones are very realistic and don't drop
needles or need watering but
honestly, if you have any interest at
all in gardening or plants do get a
real one. Keep it watered whilst it's
indoors and it won't make such a
horrible mess. See if you can bring
in something from the garden to add
to your decorations and if not try and
acquire something for next year.
Read the seed catalogues and put
your order in before all the best
things you want are gone.
Have a very Happy Christmas and
if there is no snow on the ground
keep weeding.
flowering at slightly different times.

There were varieties that flower right
through the winter, some less hardy than
others, depending on location and
proximity to the coast.
There were some new and interesting
varieties of hellebores including one with
a tall central stem and others with a habit
that was a mixture of the old and new
varieties.
Cyclamens were represented by the hardy
autumn flowering hederifolium and the
winter flowering coum.
One of the unusual tips was the idea that
some of the ornamental grasses could be
grown in pots.
The presentation must have been
inspiring as there was an immediate
move by the members to buy the plants
illustrating the talk. We certainly carried
out far less than we carried in.
As is usual our speaker judged the
competition:
Floral:
First:
Matt
Cunningham. Second: Sue Thomas.
Third: Lyn Sparks.
Fruit / Vegetables: First: Sue Thomas.
Second: Jane Dalton. Third: Prue
Szczepanowski.
Seasonal Photograph:
First: Ed
Szczepanowski.
Second:
Prue
Szczepanowski. Third: Chris Dalton.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday
9th December. This is our annual party
and games for members only.
December 2015
Exciting new project for Diamond

Children and Young
Wedding for Ken
People in Wayland
& Brenda Davis
The Wayland Partnership has just been awarded funding from

the Norfolk County Council Youth Social Action Fund via
Norfolk Community Foundation to kick-start a project with
children and young people in Wayland.
The idea for the project came from Charlotte Franke, one of
our young volunteers and a local resident, who has a passion
for the environment and wants to share this with her peers.
Charlotte has helped to create and develop our Wayland
Exciting Environmental Programme (E.E.P!) where we aim
to get children and young people aged 10 to 14 planting trees
and sowing wildflowers in the community, along with any
other activities they would like to do and help plan, that
preserve and enhance our local environment.
We do this not only with the goal of benefitting the immediate
environment, but also to teach young people new skills
through a variety of experiences; for them to learn the
importance of environmental preservation, and to increase
their confidence in their abilities.
We are aiming to go ahead with the planting activities in the
Spring, however, within the next few months we want to
gather groups of young volunteers together from across the
Wayland area, to help create and plan the activities that will
take place next year.
It would be great to get a team from each parish so there will be a
prize of 100 to spend on plants etc. for the best plan devised by a
group and two runner up prizes of 50 each (although all groups
will be able to access some free plants etc.).
If your child may be interested in getting involved in planning
and doing these activities, you or they can register that interest by
liking our Facebook page: Waylands E.E.P, or alternatively,
by emailing: suzanne@wayland.org.uk .
We are also holding an information evening on Monday 14th
December at 4pm at Wayland House, Watton (next to the
Police Station) for you to attend to find out more about what
the project involves. We can help with costs for transportation
to get you to the meeting if needed.
If you are a landowner, business, group, or just a keen adult
individual with skills to share that is interested in lending a
hand (in any way at all all help is appreciated!), then please
do let us know, by Facebook or by email (as mentioned
above), or alternatively you can call Wayland House on:
01953 883915. We will pay for any DBS checks so you will
incur no costs by kindly volunteering your time.
Ashill and Holme

Hale Garden Club
About 50 members at the October meeting were offered much
practical advice by Pauline Harper on the subject of growing
vegetables in small spaces and containers. As modern gardens
get smaller there is a need for gardeners to be inventive and
imaginative in the use of space and most containers can be
used for growing vegetables (even an old washing-up bowl as
long as there is sufficient drainage). Pauline suggested that
where space is limited the gardener concentrates on vegetables
they like but are expensive to buy or difficult to obtain and
succession growing avoids waste. Grow-bags are very useful
and disguised inside willow baskets can look very pleasing on
the patio. Alternatively, potatoes can be grown in used
compost bags and runner beans look very attractive grown in
the flower beds. Gardening can be made a little easier on the
back by planting in raised beds, although Pauline
recommended a maximum size of 10ft x 4ft.
The downside to containers is that compost contains only
sufficient nutrients for 4 to 6 weeks and therefore a regular
liquid feed is needed. Whichever way vegetables are grown it
is important to use netting to protect against pests such as
cabbage white butterflies. Carrot fly is attracted by the scent
from the leaves so care must be taken when thinning, weeding
or pulling carrots. Another deterrent for the slugs and snails is
coffee grindings and, apparently, Costa Coffee are pleased to
supply this waste product.
Pauline's husband operated the slide projector to illustrate her
talk and during the tea break she was much in demand to
answer questions and provide some free vegetable seeds too.
Hopefully, this has inspired more of the membership to enter
our Vegetable Show next year.
Tip for Today It is not too late to plant tulips in pots as they
are prone to rot if they are in boggy compost too long over the
winter. Place about 8 bulbs close together but not touching
about 6 inches deep in well drained compost. Leave outside to
flower in the Spring.
December 10 Christmas Party
January 28 Prof. Wendy Harwood 'Developments in Crop
Genetics'
Brenda and Ken met in 1952 in the local park

when Brenda was recruiting boys to come to the
local Church Social dance and Ken was 'hanging
out' in the park with a group of lads. Brenda
caught Ken's eye and that, as they say, was that!
Their Diamond Wedding was on 29th October
this year but their celebration took place among a
large group of friends at the Queens Hall on
November 6th.
Their wedding took place on a cold October day
in 1955 and they spent a few days honeymoon in
London returning to their first home of two
rooms in an old lady's house. Ken changed jobs
to become an order clerk for the local brewery
and Brenda worked in a chemists shop in their
home town of Chichester. A move to a much
larger flat followed and many activities took over.
Ken was out singing at least four times a week,
they both belonged to two amateur operatic
groups, and they found time to run a youth club
in a nearby village.
It was this interest which led to a major career
change when the local Youth Officer suggested
they try for entrance to a new Training college for
Youth workers set up following the Albermarle
Report in 1960 Setting off for Leicester in that
year was an exciting time and an introduction to
many new ideas. At the end it was to bring them
to Norfolk for the first time when the then Chief
Education Officer, Sir Lincoln Ralphs offered
them a job as Youth Leaders in Kings Lynn. Ken
roamed the area as the District Leader and
Brenda ran the YouthCentre in Tower Street.
Night hikes, camps at Santon Downham, dances
in the old Corn Exchange, (now the Corn Hall
Theatre) huge 5 a side football tournaments
involving hundred's of youngsters were run also
in the Corn Exchange and marked major events
in their working life.
In the second year of their time in Kings Lynn
their first daughter, Rachel, was born, to be
followed shortly by their son, Jason, and a career
change presented itself with a move in 1965 to
take over the running of what was to become
Wensum Lodge in Norwich. The Lodge was to
be their life for the next twenty eight years as the
Centre grew and grew bringing thousands of
people from all walks of life to study and enjoy a
huge variety of subjects and activities. It was not
work it was a way of life!
Four years after Jason, a second daughter, Barley
was born and to their delight, all three children
have remained in Norfolk with their own
families, presenting them with six grand children
and now the first great grand daughter born to

Rachel's son Harley and his wife, Lucy.
Ken and Brenda retired from Wensum Lodge in
1993 and moved to Watton to live in 'The Pink
House" in Thetford Road. They have both had
major interests in the town including the Rotary
and Inner Wheel clubs, The Watton
Festival ,Watton Twinning, the Town Carnival
committee and the initial introduction of flowers
into the High Street. Ken has never stopped his
singing activities and today has the Westend
Waiters and the Thetford Singers to keep him
occupied, while Brenda is busy also with the
Waiters, with her Inner Wheel activities, her
garden and preserve making, while both enjoy as
much travel as they can during an active year.

Hasn't life changed in those 60 plus years? The
wedding reception cost 7/6d a head,
housekeeping started at 3 a week, nearly
everything cooked from fresh. The babies wore
proper nappies, washed by hand, televisions were
rented, and black and white, no central heating,
very little traffic - readers will remember more.
Health has caused some problems, with Ken
battling both cancer and two embolisms and
Brenda had a pacemaker fitted this year
following a heart block. But both are still here,
still enjoying their life, their family and their
many good friends.
Here's to the next ten years!
December 2015
Clear memories of
Czech and Polish
aircrew on a grey
morning
Watton Mayor, Ken Birch, lays the first

wreath at Watton War Memorial on
Remembrance Sunday.
Picture by Martin Anscombe
The strains of three buglers playing the Last

Post faded away and the only sound during two
minutes of silence was the smattering of
raindrops on autumn leaves.
Earlier heavy rain cut the attendance at this
years tribute to Czech and Polish aircrew who
flew Wellingtons from East Wretham airfield
during WW2 and are buried in a corner of St
Ethelberts churchyard but approaching 60
people stood in the damp greyness of a
November morning to honour their memory.
In a ceremony staged by Thetford branch Royal
Air Forces Association, the Rector (the Rev
Canon Bob Baker) led a short service at the war
memorial before Mayor of Thetford Robert
Kybird led wreath laying.
The parade, with six standards from Royal
British Legion, RAFA and
ATC then moved to the war
graves, where poppy crosses
were planted.
In his address, Canon Baker
recalled those who had and
were laying down their lives
but urged that prayer should
also be offered to diplomats
A huge
thank you
The St Marys Church,

Watton, Auction of Promises
organ
refurbishment
fundraiser was very well
attended and bidding brisk,
resulting in a total of 3,255
being raised on the evening.
We had some marvellous
promises and gifts so a very
big thank you to everyone
who supported us in any way.
We have now reached
29,000 for the restoration
fund with another 8,000
needed thus we hopefully will
reach our target goal very
soon.
St Marys is a really lovely
Church so we are very excited
at the prospect of restoring
the Organ to its former glory
in order to serve the people of
Watton and surrounding area.
Thank you all once again for
your marvellous support.
Ann Reeve (Mrs)
annmilner@btinternet.com
On behalf of the Organ
Refurbishment Committee.
01953 882065 07733211410
www.stmaryswatton.org and
Follow us on Twitter
@StMarysWatton
from all countries trying to bring lasting peace

in the world.
The last post was sounded by three buglers from
Stowmarket Boys Brigade band. Wreathes were
laid by representatives from the Czech, Slovak and
Polish embassies, Free Czech Air Force, RAF
Honington, RAFA, RBL, ATC, Wretham Parish
Council and Thetford Town Council.
Later in the village hall, RAFA chairman John

Macpherson handed engraved tankards to the three
representatives of the embassies involved and
thanked everyone for their part in the morning.
Flying in from the Czech Republic especially for
the ceremony was Pavel Hamberger, whose
grandfather is among those buried in the Wretham
war graves. He placed a wreath on the grave.
Museum 4 Watton
wishes you a Merry
Christmas and a very
Happy New Year!
cloths and paints I set off. Now I use a Moby

(mobility scooter) and it was taller than the
milestone so I manoeuvred myself down to
the ground on a cushion and set to. I should
just like to say thank you to all the drivers
who stopped because it looked like I had
fallen off Moby. It was much appreciated
and brought a smile.
One exceptionally generous donation to the
cause was the gift of the History of Watton
web site by the Pentecostal Church. They
have done a marvellous job putting this site
together and have asked us to take care of it.
And we will, thank you.
We have also located one of the Bloodhound
missiles was based at RAF Watton and also
the Glos Meteor that used to stand as gate
guard.
Hero the skeleton who was the inspiration for
this will soon be returning to Watton, well a
model of him will. Bennett Homes have very
generously agreed to have a mould of him
made and it will soon be in the Library in
Watton. Thank you to Bennett Homes and to
Toni and Sue in the Library,
So what about 2016? It will soon be your
turn! A major project will be the Oral
Tradition when we will be recording your
stories and memories of living, growing up in
Watton. Do get in touch if you would like to
help, we shall be pleased to hear from you.
01953 88 54 00 or info@museum4watton.org
Use these details too if you would like to
help on the stall or maybe some fundraising
or even form a Friends Of Watton Museum
group.
Many good wishes for the Christmas season
and we look forward to meeting you in 2106
We hope 2015 has been as good to you as it

has been to us. We been actively keeping an
eagle eye open for premises and despite
losing two potential properties we still have
another four we are energetically pursuing.
So what have you done, I hear you say. We
were in attendance at Watton Carnival, at
Wayland Agricultural Show and at Forces
Day and how lucky we were with fine
weather.
Our
collections/procurement
manager was very busy with the Black and
Decker erecting a very fine and sturdy
marquee which housed all manner of
information and artefacts from gold coins
discovered locally to pottery to maps of
Watton railway station. The Star of the
Show for the children was of course the suit
of Roman soldier armour. They could try it
on and have their photo taken as souvenir.
The 50/50 raffle was very popular especially
with the winners! Thank you to Chris
Edwards for drawing the winning tickets and
thank you too to Richard, Ollie, Irene,
Andrew and David who all gave up their
time to help.
One unexpected bonus of having a high
profile was an approach made by The
Milestone Society. They had run out of
volunteers to maintain the milestone on the
Norwich Road. Of course, we leapt at the
chance. So armed with cushion, brushes,
December 2015
Watton Twinning Association Oktoberfest
Pictured L to R Megan Blake, Margaret Devine (WTA Chairman), Watton Town Mayor Ken Birch, Aimee Neale and Valentina Rose.
Our Oktoberfest event, which ran for the whole
weekend 16th - 18th October, was a huge success.
We were absolutely amazed at the number of
people that attended; it was brilliant with such a
lovely atmosphere throughout.
The event, held at The Old Bell pub in Saham
Toney, was officially opened on Saturday 17th at
1pm by Watton Town Mayor Ken Birch, several
Watton Councillors also attended the opening.
We are really grateful to landlady Debbie for
allowing us to hold it there she really did us proud;
all the steins which had to be reserved, sold out on
Friday evening, the German speciality food (which
was delicious) also sold out on Saturday afternoon
there was yodelling and sausage eating
competitions (very entertaining) German food,
drink and traditional German costumes.

We enjoyed live music Friday evening, Saturday
and Sunday afternoon with Ian von Strutt and
Saturday evening with Herr Vic Martin, Saturday
afternoon our special guest Nick Wiesmann treated
us by playing German music on his accordion.
This was the first time we have held an
Oktoberfest just to see how it would go and to
raise awareness of the Watton Twinning
Association which is now in its 29th year, it was so
successful that we are planning with the help of
Debbie in the Old Bell to hold another next year,
hopefully we may have some of our families from
Weeze our German twin town visit Watton at this
time.
I personally would like to say a huge Thank You to
Debbie, the Musicians, Watton Town Councillors,

our members and everyone that attended the event
for all the help and support given in making it such
a great weekend. WELL DONE.
Events for next year begin with a New Year Gettogether in January, our 29th Anniversary Meal in
February and our AGM in March.
We are still looking for new members especially
young families and singles and couples in their
forties, fifties and sixties.
If you are interested in making a link with a
German family in Weeze please contact me by
telephone or email below for more information.
Margaret Devine (Chair) Tel:- 01953 883317 or
email me on magsdevine@tiscali.co.uk or visit
wattontwinning.wordpress.com
The Mid Norfolk

Singers at
Hingham Church
much its dramatic power, impressive though

that is, as its unashamed romanticism.
The works title is misleading, since the Petite
Messe Solennelle is neither petite nor
particularly solemn. It lasts well over an hour,
and despite the religious text is unmistakeably
operatic in style. Such was Rossinis genius that
even when the spirit of the music seems to
depart from the spirit of the text one cant help
but be captivated by the beautiful melodies and
sheer joie-de-vivre of the piece. As he himself
said, Delight must be the basis and aim of this
art, and that is what he has achieved a work
not of profound religious insight, but one that is
a delightful, life-enhancing musical experience.
Tickets (adults 10, under 16s 6) are available
from: Mullenger & Co 18 High St Watton 01953
883473 or Dereham Travel
Church Street
Dereham 01362 694211 or Ceres Bookshop 20
London St Swaffham 01760 722504 or reserve by
emailing tickets@midnorfolksingers.org.uk
the killings.
She told the tale of arsenic bought and given
to the victims in dumplings and also in the
sugar used to sweeten tea. The effects of the
arsenic poisoning were recounted in very gory
and gruesome details! The women killed
Kates husband Robert Frary, Mary Taylor
who was a neighbour, a child living with the
Frarys and the sister of Robert Frary. They
also attempted to dispatch Mr. Billing but he
survived. The two women were eventually
brought to trial, found guilty and hanged at
Norwich in August 1835. During the very
entertaining talk the Widow Sayer had a drink
of tea (no sugar!) offering the drink to the
U3A members. Everyone declined!!!
There will be no more pub lunches until
February. Arrive for Christmas lunch at the
golf club 12.30 for 1.00.There will be the
usual free raffle. Food donations are welcome
for the Christmas party on Friday 11th at the
Sports & Social Club. You will be entertained
by your very own Ukulele group. Anita will
be doing her 'Guess Who' Quiz again, plus a
quiz called How Old Are You all about
money, the answers will be in pounds,
shillings and pence! The afternoon will finish
with the free raffle.
Please contact our Membership Secretary,
Anita Taylor on 01953 881110 if you would
like to become a member of the Watton U3A,
or would like further details.
For further details on the National U3A, go to
www.u3a.org.uk
Mid Norfolk Singers is a choral society based in

Dereham boasting up to 80 members. Next year
is our 70th Anniversary and we are putting on
some excellent concerts. We sing under the
Musical Directorship of Duncan Barlow who is
also currently the Director of Performing and
Creative Arts at Norwich High School for Girls.
He was previously Head of Academic music at
the Norwich School.
Mid Norfolk Singers have performed in many
venues close to Dereham but also in Norwich
Cathedral and will be singing in St Andrews
Hall, Norwich in April. We have sung
impressive works such as The Messiah, Brahms
and Mozart Requiems and Bach St Matthew
Passion but also have delighted our audiences
with Songs from the Shows and Christmas
Carols!
On 5th December at 7.30 pm we are performing
the Petite Messe Solennelle by Rossini in the
magnificent St Andrews Church in Hingham.
Rossini is justly celebrated for his immense
contribution to the Italian operatic repertoire,
but he also produced two important pieces of
sacred music that are notable, amongst other
things, for their overtly operatic style. What is
original about Rossinis sacred music is not so
Gruesome Tales
at Watton U3A
At the October meeting of Watton U3A the

speaker was Sian Hogarth telling the story of
the Lady Killers of Burnham Market. She
read the story, in costume, in the person of
Widow Sayer. The widow Sayer told the
members about two women, Frances Billing
and Kate Frary, who resided in Burnham
Market and the methods they used to achieve
December 2015
Bingo at Ashill
Westfield Infant & Nursery School
Ashill Community Centre (ACC)

Tuesday 1st December
Cash Prizes - Eyes down 7.30pm in aid of ACC
Watton Hockey Club
Christmas Bingo
Thursday 15th Dec At Watton Sports Centre
Doors 7pm - Eyes Down 7.30pm
Wells Cole Community Centre

Cash & Prize Christmas Bingo
Thursday 15th Dec At Wells Cole CC
Doors 6.30pm - Eyes Down 7.30pm
Griston Church Bingo

Wednesday 2nd Dec Caston Village Hall
Doors 7pm - Eyes Down 7.30pm

In aid of Griston SS Peter & Paul Church
Lola, Riley, Jake, Damian and Neve

Wow! What a busy term we are having! As usual, the children are
doing us proud and enthusiastically engaging in their learning.
You may have noticed that we are undergoing some big changes.
Our very old mobile classrooms are soon to be replaced by a lovely
new classroom block which we hope to move into in the New Year.
The existing block is also being remodelled and we will have a new
entrance, bigger hall and improved office space. We cant wait!
October saw us celebrate Harvest Week and Reverend Gerry Foster
from St Marys Church joined us for a special assembly. In
November we have enjoyed Space Week and were visited by an
alien who crash landed his rocket on the school field! The children
also all took part in a silence to commemorate Remembrance Day
on November 11th and our pupils who have a parent in the armed
forces created a very poignant display (right). We have held a non
uniform day to raise money for BBC Children in Need (above) and
are looking forward to our Book Fair at the end of the month.
The biggest excitement, however, with almost 270 small children is
that Christmas is on the way! We are having a stall with lots of fun
and games (plus our ever popular magical reindeer food!) at the
town festive market and the children have also been practising for
our Outdoor Christmas Extravaganza performance to parents. If we
are really lucky we may get a visit from an extra special visitor on
our party afternoon when all the children get to wear their festive
jumpers and enjoy celebrating with their friends.
On the subject of Christmas, we are holding a Grand Raffle to raise
money for new outdoor play equipment once our building work is
complete. The first prize is six tickets to see the pantomime Snow
White at Norwich Theatre Royal, worth 117 and generously
donated by RG Carter Ltd. There are lots of other prizes also kindly
donated by local businesses. Tickets are 1 each and available from
the school. The draw will take place on December 14th.
Tuesday
Afternoon
Fellowship
At the November meeting Mr Tobi

Amadasun the pharmacist at Boots, spoke
about his role in the community.
He said all pharmacists are able to advise
on medicines and general queries about
over the counter medications thereby
talcing the pressure off the doctors. For
example If a cold is developing, drink lots
of water and take paracetamol, although
one should always check with the
pharmacist if you are on medication for
other things.
He also explained that many drugs get
thrown away because people get repeat
prescriptions and then not use them. It is
always important to order any medication
required.
After his talk many of the group asked
questions of general interest which he was
able to answer.
On December 1st there will be an
illustrated talk on Norfolk Wildlife Trust,
and on the 15th there will be a Carol
Service.
Everybody is welcome to come to our
meetings which always end with
refreshments, we meet at the Watton
Christian Community Centre on the first
and third Tuesday of every month at
2.30pm.
Protecting
Libraries
Although proposals to close 27 libraries

were rejected by Councillors, they are still
considering a number of other options,
including an entirely self-service system for
libraries. The proposals for cuts to all
departments are now open to public
consultation, and includes all departments
as well as the Norfolk Fire and Rescue
Service draft Integrated Risk Management
Plan. Go online to have your say at

bit.ly/1Q2FnPi
If you cant access the internet, you can
collect a paper copy from Watton Library,
or
participate
by
email
at
haveyoursay@norfolk.gov.uk, on Twitter
using #norfolkbudget, by phone on 0344
800 8020, or via your county councillor contact details at www.norfolk.gov.uk/
councillors
Watton
Churches
Together
Our first event in the New year will be on

January 24th, and is the Unity Service. This
will be held in St Mary's church this year,
and starts at 6.30pm. We hope you can join
us. Best wishes to you all from Watton
Churches Together.
Julie Jennings (Chair)
December 2015
Singing Our Faith

Throughout The Year
Shellrock
Circle Club
for Rocklands and the
surrounding districts
Venue: The Village Hall, The Street, Rocklands.

On the 14th of October, Mrs. Margaret Thomas
gave our Club a demonstration of flower
arranging using autumnal flowers in glorious
yellows and rusts. Margaret supplemented the
flowers with cuttings from her garden and
slowly built them up to form a balanced
display. Margaret gave the resulting displays
to the club, one of which will be auctioned on
Saturday at our Autumn Fete. The smaller of
the two was put in the raffle and was won by
our newest member on her first visit to the
club. The letter for October was "C" and was
won by Mrs Theresa Sills with a basket of
ceramic chickens.
On the 17th of October, we held our
Some of the Singing Group members admire the calendar

Members and friends of Watton Methodist
Church have taken their enthusiasm for the not
-quite-so-new new hymnbook, Singing the
Faith, to another level by producing a calendar
based on some of their favourite hymns. Soon
after the hymnbooks publication, a singing
group was formed with the specific aim of
learning the new hymns in order to be able to
lead the congregation as they are introduced.
Now members have been invited to submit
original photographs illustrating lines from
some of the hymns and the calendar has been
designed to incorporate these.
The calendar has been produced entirely by
the Church: the original idea and design being
handled by Lesley Cowling and the
technicalities of reproducing the finished copy
by Martin Neave. Martin also ensured that all

issues of copyright had been addressed and we
are very grateful to those writers who were
willing to give us permission, free of charge,
to use extracts from their work.
The calendar is being sold in and around the
Central Norfolk Circuit and so far the response
has been very encouraging. After minimal
expenses have been paid, the profits will be
divided between Watton Methodist Church
and the Meningitis Research Foundation, the
latter as part of ongoing support in memory of
one of our young people, Caroline Neave who
died from this dreadful disease.
Anyone interested in ordering a copy should
contact me on 01760 441094.
Thank you from Lesley Cowling
Watton Country
Market
Christmas may almost be upon us, but we at the
Country Market are still taking last minute orders
for general bakery and festive fayre. Our last
Market this year will be held on Wednesday 23rd
December at Wattons Christian Community
Centre, from 8.30 to 11.30am. In addition to our
normal range of baked goods, we have a variety
of seasonal products including Christmas
Puddings and Cakes in a variety of sizes.
Our Crafters - knitting, cards or handicrafts - will
also have a wide range of items for sale, all of
which are reasonably priced, and would make that
fundraising Autumn Fete. A cloudy, dull day

did not seem to encourage many visitors but
we were very grateful to all who turned up to
help us to remain solvent. A BIG THANK
YOU to all the helpers and members who gave
donations etc.
On the 11th of November, our entertainer was
Mrs. Georgette Vale who introduced us to the
art of making fabric flowers and in the process,
she showed us the easiest way to thread a
needle!
The schoolchildren of Rocklands Primary
School will be visiting our club to entertain us
with a Christmas programme of carols on the
9th of December. Please arrive early as the
children have to return to school for their
parents to collect them at the end of the school
day. There will be no letter for this month as
there will not be room for the necessary display
table, so letter "E" will be carried over to
January.
We wish you all a Happy Christmas and please
come and pay us a visit if you see anything on
our programme that interests you.
New members are always welcome and there is
no age limit.
gift a little more special. As our eggs already
very popular, why not order the size and quantity
you require to avoid disappointment. Inevitably
our fresh produce lines are now rather limited, so
an early visit is to be recommended.
We will again be holding our free raffle for our
customers. Entry will be on the 2nd and 9th
December, with the winner of a 10 Watton
Country Market Voucher announced on the 16th.
Our January sabbatical will be followed by our re
-opening for the first Market of 2016 on
Wednesday February 3rd at 8.30am. Eggs will
still be available during January (from the
adjacent coffee room).
May we, the Marketeers, thank all our customers
for their loyal support and wish you all a peace
full Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We
look forward to seeing you in 2016.
December 2015
wear them, share them - LACEUPFORBONES
Recently, the National Osteoporosis

Society ran a campaign to raise
awareness of the huge impact of
fractures caused by the condition.
Every 2 minutes someone in the UK
suffers a bone fracture; it is
estimated that over 3 million people
has some form of osteoporosis
resulting in over 300.000 fractures a
year.
Regrettably,
the
NOS
campaign did not seem to attract
much media attention despite the
rather novel idea of distributing
orange boot laces with a wear
them,
share
them
-
LACEUPFORBONES
slogan.
Fortunately, our Dr Mike did know
all about it and persuaded members
to donate a bit of cash in exchange
for a pair of the laces. That they were
actually rather to big to fit the
average Rotarians usual footwear was
not a problem we simply wore them
to a recent meeting in various
innovative ways, recorded for
posterity by Dr Mike (see picture).
Anyone wishing to donate to the
Society can do so by texting LACE2
to 70070. If any reader would like a
pair of orange laces in exchange for a
small donation just contact us by

email at wattonrotary@aol.com.
Despite losing some of our slots on
the Wednesday market due to
weather, our RBay paperbacks
and
bric-a-brac
sales
have
amounted to 431 so far this year
(up to 15/11). As we have a number
of larger items for sale we have
updated the RBay page on our
website see
www.wattonrotary.org.uk/rbay.htm
and we hope to continue with our
small ad in the notice board at
Edwards Newsagents under the new
ownership. These will include

Christmas items and surplus/
secondhand Christmas lights.
Further fundraising is taking place
at the Town Christmas Fayre &
Market on 29th November, where
the usual bottle & giftware straw
draw will be supplemented with a
roulette game, 50/50 word squares,
and other games with prizes, some
free for the children.
Last month, we appealed for tools for
the Falconer Trust; however, further
discussion with them has revealed that
cash would be better due to the high
cost of transporting small amounts of

heavy goods to Africa. Hence a
donation has been given in lieu but we
have identified another charitable
organisation requiring old tools and
equipment, including electrical items
(e.g.
sewing
machines)
for
reconditioning and distribution. Thanks
to those who have already delivered
items to us in the last few weeks, it will
all be useful.
We wish all our supporters and
contributors a very happy Christmas
and prosperous New Year. Martin
Anscombe.
Wayland
Festival
Roundup
crime early on in the evening! A big

thank you must go to our local
butcher Steven Smith and his Staff
for providing the excellent barbecue
which helped make the evening
special.
The week continued with great 50s &
60s music from the Hillbilly Cats, an
amazingly varied programme of piano
music from Mark Fowler, wonderfully
smooth singing from local talent Dale
Bullimore and ended with a brilliant
finale of mixed music and comedy
from returning group Bowjangles, who
came to us via the prestigious
Edinburgh Festival. In between we
enjoyed learning about the Seven Ages
of Woman from the multi-talented
Rachel Duffield, the amazing story of

how May Savidge moved her house to
Wells, as told by her niece Christine
Adams and watched artist Paul Bryant
produce three beautiful paintings in
quick succession before our very eyes.
And as if that wasn't enough, we were
entertained with stories and poems by
Doreen Reed, laughed our socks off at
the comedy of Mervyn Stutter and
learnt the story of the last two women
to be hanged in Norfolk in the play
"The Poisoners' Pact" presented by
Stuff of Dreams.
Wayland's children weren't forgotten
either. The ever popular Professor
Jingles enthralled them with his
traditional Punch & Judy show
combined with a little mystery and

magic and Watton Library put on a
drop in event based on the Babes in the
Wood story. Added to all that, the
Festival Art Exhibition ran throughout
the week at St Mary's Church and
proved extremely popular with displays
of work by several local art and
photographic groups plus Wayland
Academy and Wayland Prison.
The Festival Committee would like to
thank all the performers and partcipants
who provided us with such a varied
week of entertainment but most of all
we'd like to thank YOU, our loyal
audiences, for supporting us. Without
the audience there would be no
Festival. Here's to the next one!
Watton CAB
opening extra
centre
Well, the Wayland Festival is over

for this year and what a Festival it
was! The opening event was a new
venture, a Murder Mystery Night.
This proved to be extremely
entertaining and the Company
performing
the
action
very
professional. They even managed to
work into the action the member of
the audience (who shall remain
nameless!) that "confessed" to the
We are opening an additional drop in

centre in Unit 2, Ventura House,
Norwich Road, Watton, IP25 6JU
next to Mr Reads Carpets, on
Wednesday 25th November 2015 and
every Wednesday thereafter. The
current premises in Harvey street will
be used for appointments only and
meetings. There is a bus stop just
outside the offices and there is ample
level parking.
December 2015
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Dance Away at
The Queens Hall
Ballroom, Latin and Sequence Dancing
Dec 5th 8pm to 11pm Admission 4
December 2015
A Quick Look
Round
By Orbiter
Once more Christmas has crept up upon
us when it seemed that we had only just
finished with Autumn, and if the weather
men are to be believed, by the time you
read this we may be knee deep in snow,
since they tell us that everything points to
the biggest freeze up since 1940, based
on the fact that a swan has arrived from
Siberia one day earlier than ever before,
bees have been seen flying upside down,
and crows have built their nests facing
north, or something of the sort. But after
a succession of winters and summers
incorrectly foreseen by the experts, we
shall, as usual, deal with whatever comes,
as and when . . . But things are set to
change, as the Met Office is to have
opposition from outside agencies, so
maybe better weather will result.
As is usual these days there is always
something that will set the country
aflame with indignation, and a few weeks
ago people were up in arms in protest at
the introduction of a 5p charge for plastic
bags at our shops and super- markets.
What a fuss was made, and it all died
away in about three days, when folks
realised how simple it is to take a bag
with you, instead of throwing it away
after the previous shopping trip. An
occasional lapse of memory could cost a
few pence, but would that really be such
a hardship ?
Another big talking point is the move to
make it legal for the big stores to open for
longer hours on Sundays, Is there really
any need for this? Surely if folks want to
shop on Sundays the opening time of 10
a.m. is quite early enough, particularly as
most people like a lie-in on that morning,
and if shops shut at four hardly anyone
will be inconvenienced.
What a
difference to the days not so long ago
when no shops were open at all on the
Sabbath day, except at the seaside where
cafes were permitted. With pubs open for
just a couple of hours in mid-day and
evenings, most towns and almost all
villages were completely deserted,
though as this was the norm, few people
were unduly perturbed as they knew
nothing better.
On a somewhat similar theme is the
question of taking the children on holiday
in school term time. Surely law abiding
citizens would not consider this, as rules
are rules, whatever the context. Yes, there
are seemingly valid reasons, such as
father being compelled to having his own
vacation fixed by his employer, or that
holiday firms put their prices up when
school terms end, but rules are not just
for some, and if the majority can obey
them, then so should everyone. After all
the childs education should come
first, and if the parents have to miss
out for a few years, they will still
probably have half a century in which
to do their own thing. This is not just
the smug opinion of an old fuddyduddy, but from a parent who had to
face the same problem, although quite
a few years ago. No doubt this will not
go down well with some, but there you
are, everyone is entitled to his views.
There is a proposal to re-introduce the
lynx to various locations in Britain,
including Thetford Forest, partly because
it is a fine animal, but mainly to help
control the escalating numbers of deer.
While, on the face of it, this seems to be
an excellent idea, caution should be
exercised, since it seems there are many
instances where introductions of exotic
creatures have proved disastrous in the
long run, since the cure turns out to be
as bad, if not worse than the disease. Of
course it would be quite exciting to meet
a lynx while walking through the forest,

but people said that about wild boars in
the Forest of Dean ten years ago, and
now the animals are a mortal danger to
the local population.
While on the subject of forests and
similar habitats it is good to see that a
special award has been given to Brandon
Country Park, in recognition of it being
one of the most well looked after open
spaces in our local area, where one can
enjoy a pleasant walk, cycle ride or
simply a quiet sit by the pond, while there
are excellent facilities for children and
adults alike, with refreshments and light
meals available in the well- appointed
caf.
Although the site is actually in Suffolk
(just over the border) it is as close as our
other favourite woodland spots, such as
the Pingo Trail at Stow Bedon,
Thompson Common, and other parts of
Thetford Forest, and we are, indeed, very
fortunate that these places are so near to
hand.
Hardly a week goes by than some local
faction lodges a protest against proposals
to erect houses, and usually these protests
are soundly based on the lack of access
roads and other infrastructure shortages.
But even when these problems have been
sorted out, contractors often tell us that
there is a dearth of competent bricklayers, a situation which gets worse from
year to year.
Surely this should be a signal for the reintroduction of prefabricated buildings,
which can be erected in next to no time,
and with little or no brick-work involved.
Every three or four years our local TV
stations feature the speedy installation of
a group of these buildings, which are
delivered in sections that are fitted
together on site, with all the main fittings,
baths, toilets and kitchen furniture
already in place, simply waiting to be
connected to the mains supplies. Then,
after the programme we hear no more
about them for another three or four
years.
Most people remember the pre-fabs that
went far to solving the housing crisis in
the 1950s, and those buildings, which
were intended to last about ten years,
were still in use fifty years later, and in
quite a few cases, still are. With the
modern materials available there could be
quite luxurious accommodation, at
affordable costs.
We are all used to reading about the
rather strange goings -on in Parliament,
and yet another came to prominence
when the House of Lords refused to ratify
a Finance Bill that had been passed in the
Commons,
which
caused
great
consternation for the Govern-ment, for
the Lords are not supposed to vote down
such Bills. If that is so , we may ask,
what is the point of the matter being
raised there at all?
In keeping with the modern trend of
inadvertently (or is it deliberately?) under
-estimating costs of major projects, the
new northern ring road around Norwich
has been found to have a shortage of
funding to the extent of over five million
pounds, and this may have to be made up
by shortening the road to terminate at the
airport.
Do not these surveyors/accountants/
engineers have any experience ? One can
imagine a project over-running by some
thousands of pounds, but Five Millions is
scandalous, but then who can remember
anything big that came to fruition within
its budget ? Its the way of the world
today.
Well, theres another year gone, tempus
fugit and all that. I hope you all left your
lap-tops open for Father Christmas on the
Big Eve, for dont forget, he doesnt
come down the chimney any more he
comes on-line !
Good afternoon, and Happy New Year.
Is your
dedication in
the book?
Lets make history together is

your dedication in the Book yet?
The Book for dedications and
sponsorship for the Organ
Refurbishment Fund is available at
St Marys when the Church Office
is open
Tuesday -Thursday 9am-1.00pm
Coffee
Morning
Thank You
The coffee morning at 95, Nelson

Court, was once again very well
attended and resulted in the
magnificent total of 360 being
sent to Macmillan Cancer Support.
Our thanks to all who came and
supported this worthwhile charity
and those who gave donations.
Particular thanks must go to our
helpers who do all the work on the
morning Jill Beech, Sue Bunce,
Pam Challand, Brenda Davis,
Helen Glibbery, Stella Leonard
and Val Semlyen. Special thoughts
are with Lesley Cowling who
arrived to help but, unfortunately,
had a bad fall hope your arm is
soon out of plaster! Thanks again
to everybody involved. Dave and
Jenny Simons.
Rocklands
Community
Shop
Where has the year gone! Once

more
we
are
approaching
Christmas, the shop is filling up
with some beautiful Christmas
stock, including lovely tins of
biscuits, which make excellent
Christmas presents, as well as lots
of delicious Christmas goodies.
Our new supplier Adnams, can
supply all your wine needs over
Christmas, including an excellent
champagne. Barnards can supply
all your meat over Christmas, but
it is best to pre-order, please ask at
the Counter. The Then and Now
Calendar is available, produced by
Shirley, which contains pictures of
bygone Rocklands and pictures of
how they look now, these are
retailing for 5, of which the shop
keeps 4. These were extremely
popular. They can be pre-ordered
or bought on the day on 12th
December, when Shirley is
holding a craft day. There are also
bygone and modern Rocklands
Christmas cards together with
religious cards, this time sold
entirely in aid of the shop. All of
these cards can be personalised to
suit your requirements, and the
calendar can be adjusted to include
some of last years pictures,
should you prefer them. Please
enquire at the counter or ring
01953
488567.
Personalised
birthday cards can always be
ordered.
On Christmas Eve at Midday for a
couple of hours the shop are
serving mulled wine together with
mince pies. At the time of writing
the opening hours over Christmas
are still to be sorted out, but please
see the shop for details. They will
be open Christmas Eve, Boxing
day and New Years day, but the

actual opening hours are to be
confirmed. They will be closed on
Christmas day. A reminder that the
Post Office is open, all the hours
that the shop is open, including
weekends.
Volunteer slots may be hard to fill
during the Christmas period, so if
you have an hour or two to spare,
please enquire over the counter,
even if you have not volunteered
before. They will be delighted to
see you.
There will be a series of Craft days
leading up to Christmas on
Saturdays.
Saturday Nov 28th GUMMY
BUTTONS Toy and decorations
Saturday Dec 5th STEPHEN
HOUCHEN local photographer,
printed mugs and more
Saturday Dec 12th SHIRLEY
CARDS Rocklands Then and
Now calendars, Rocklands
Christmas cards and personalised
Christmas and birthday cards
Saturday Dec 19th LESLIE
CROSTHWAITE
Retro
handbags, antique furniture
All this leaves is to wish all our
customers and very Merry
Christmas and a Happy and
Prosperous New Year and thank
everybody for their custom
throughout the year.
Normal shop/PO opening hours
Mon-Fri 7.30am 6.30pm, Sat
7.30am 5.30pm, Sun 8am-1pm
New Year, New

Features in your
Wayland News
Starting in the New year there
will be a couple of new features
in this wonderful local paper,
both supplied by members of the
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship at
the Methodist Church. This
group celebrates its 80th birthday
in 2016 and plans to mark the
milestone in as many different
ways as possible, one of which is
to make regular contributions to
the Wayland News. You may
have already noticed that the last
two months have carried reports
of meetings, as a result of which
we have already gained one new
member
(more
always
welcome!). Following a talk by
Editor Julian Horn, the ladies
suggested that a Recipe of the
Month feature might interest
some readers so look out for
that! Nothing too extraordinary,
but just recipes that have,
perhaps, been handed down
through families , some that have
come home from abroad and
some with new twists on old
favourites.
The other suggestion involves
something completely different.
Have you ever wondered Who
on earth was George Trolloppe?
Why is it called Stokes Avenue
or Mary Shanks Close? Some
people will know, others may not
one would-be historian in the
group aims to find out and share
her findings in this paper. (This
very same historian will, over
time welcome any additions or
corrections to what she knows,
thinks she knows or has tried to
discover !)
The Fellowship ladies hope you
will
enjoy
their
monthly
contributions to the paper.
Watton Churches Together

St. Marys Church, Watton
www.stmaryswatton.org
Follow us on @StMarysWatton
If I can be of help to you please do not hesitate to contact me,
on 01953 881439, I shall be available at church on Tuesdays
between 10.30am and 12 Noon - Gerry Foster
1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion 2nd
Wednesday Morning Worship
Tuesdays 7.30am-8.00am, Thursdays 5.00pm5.30pm
Saturdays 9.30am10.00am Parish Prayers.
Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm
Tel: 01953 881252 margaret@churchadm.freeserve.co.uk
Sun 6th
8.00am
Holy Communion
10.00am Holy Communion
Sun 13th 8.00am
Holy Communion
10.00am Informal Holy Communion
4.00pm
Town Carol Service at The Queens Hall
Sun 20th 8.00am
Holy Communion
6.30pm
Carol Service
Thur 24th Christmas Eve
4.00pm
Christingle Service with
Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick, Bishop of Lynn &
Shine Music Group, specially for children and families
11.30pm Holy Communion
Fri 25th
Christmas Day
10.30am Family Holy Communion
Sun 27th 8.00am
Holy Communion
10.00am Morning Worship
Watton Methodist Church

www.wattonmethodist.btck.co.uk
Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection and
prayer between 10.15am & 11.30am. 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.
Sun 6th
10.45am Mrs E Wright
2.30pm
at Great Cressingham
6.30pm
No service
Sun 13th 10.45am Mr A Warby
6.30pm
Rev J Forsdyke
Sun 20th 10.45am Carol Service Mr J Hull
6.30pm
Rev E Reddington
7.00pm
Carols by Candlelight
Fri 25th
Christmas Day
10.30am Family Service Rev E Reddington
Sun 27th 10.45am Mr A Warby
6.30pm
No Service
Roman Catholic Community

Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church
4.30pm
First Mass of Christmas at
Watton Methodist Church
11.30pm Midnight Mass with Carols at Our
Lady of Pity Catholic Church, Swaffham
Fri 25th
Christmas Day
9.30am
Morning Mass, at Swaffham
St. Nicholas Church, Ashill

Tuesdays at 10.00am Holy Communion
Sun 6th
9.30am
Lay Led Worship
Sun 13th 9.30am
Family Holy Communion
Sun 20th 4.00pm
Carols, Crib and Christingle Service
Thurs 24th Christmas Eve
11.00pm Holy Communion
Fri 25th
Christmas Day
9.30am All Age Worship
St. Georges Church, Saham Toney

Sun 6th
Sun 13th
Sun 20th
Thur 24th
11.00am Lay Led Worship

11.00am Family Holy Communion & Holy Baptism
Christmas Eve
3.30pm
Christingle & Family Carol Service
9.30pm
Holy Communion
There will be no service at St Georges on Christmas Day
Sun 27th 10.30am Benefice Service
S.S. Peter & Pauls Church, Carbrooke

Sun 6th
Sun 13th
Tues 15th
Sun 20th
Fri 25th

6.00pm
Carol Service with Carbrooke School
Christmas Day
St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington

Sun 6th
Sun 20th
Fri 25th
9.30am
Holy Communion
6.00pm
Carol & Christingle Service
Christmas Day
10.30am
All Age Worship
December 2015
WATTON BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Wed 2nd December 2pm Christmas Social, tea, cakes and
chat at Watton CCC
All Saints Church, Threxton

We are holding our Christmas Carol Service here at
Threxton, on Sunday 20th December at 3 p.m.
and will be joined by Watton Silver Band.
ASHILL COMMUNITY CENTRE
WI Carol Concert
Sunday 13th December 3pm With
Watton Silver Band plus Ashill
Harmony Choir. In aid of Tapping
House Hospice. Home-made
refreshments. Adults 2 Child 1
Creative Arts East
A warm welcome to all.
Alice In Wonderland
WATTON PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
Sunday 20th December 2pm Tickets

5 from K Collins 01760 441196 or
J Oxborough 01760 441651.
Refreshments in aid of ACC.
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Might There be More to Christmas? The Christmas Story in Focus
Sunday 13th 10.30am: Family Carol Service
Sunday 20th 6.00pm: Christmas Carol Service
Friday 25th 11.00am: Christmas Morning Service
Sunday 27th 10.30am: Christmas Communion
We offer you a warm welcome this Christmas.
Thought for the

Month
By Rev Eleanor Reddington, Methodist
Minister
This is my first contribution for the
Wayland News, so I think Id better
introduce myself. Im Rev. Eleanor
Reddington and Im the new Methodist
minister for Watton, Hingham, Great
Ellingham, Great Cressingham, Saham
Hills, Swaffham and Sporle. Im married
to Malcolm and we arrived in Swaffham
in August, ready for me to take up my
appointment on 1st September. My father
was also a Methodist minister, so I spent
my childhood moving around the country.
The nearest I got to Norfolk as a child was
the 2 years we spent in Keadby in
Lincolnshire, and my own ministerial
travels didnt bring me near here either.
Malcolm was born and brought up in
Kent, but did have a holiday in Great
Yarmouth when he was 5. This is,
therefore, a new part of the country for
both of us, and were looking forward to
getting to know the people with whom we
are serving and the countryside here. We
both like birdwatching, so we couldnt
have come to a better place.
Some years ago now, when we were living
in Shropshire, we had a phone call from
the residential home in Kent, where
Malcolms mother was living, to say that
shed been taken into hospital after having
a slight stroke. By the time Malcolm got
there shed had another, and major, stroke
and was unconscious. A week or so later
we got a phone call from the hospital one
evening to say shed taken a turn for the
worse, and we needed to go and see her.
When we arrived at the hospital, in the
early hours of the morning, the nurse on
duty said I feel a bit guilty for ringing
you, now, because she has improved
slightly. We stayed for an hour or so, and
then, at about 3 oclock in the morning, set
about finding somewhere to sleep.
Naively, I thought that it would be fairly
easy to find a hotel with vacancies in the
built up area of the Medway Towns, even
at that time of the morning. It wasnt.
Eventually one receptionist took pity on us
and rang round a few other hotels for us,
and eventually found us somewhere to
stay.
Why have I told you that story? Well, at
the time I said to Malcolm Now I know
how Mary and Joseph felt in Bethlehem!
We will soon be singing the familiar
carols, and reading again the story of them
going to Bethlehem and finding no room
in the inns they visited until one kindly
innkeeper offered them the stable, where
their child, and Gods son, was born.
Its very easy to get so caught up in our
preparations for our family Christmas that
CAROL SERVICE
South Pickenham Church
Sunday 6th December 3pm
Refreshments
we forget we are celebrating the birth of

Jesus. In the midst of your busyness, make
time to pause and think what Christmas is
really about.
Have a very happy and peaceful Christmas
and may the Christ-child find room in our
hearts this Christmas.
No Present Like
The Time
By John Egerton
Yes, its Christmas time again, and, as
usual, there is a problem. And the
problem is me. When I turn up the
volume control on my hearing aid I can
hear my family all be-moaning the fact
that they dont know what to buy me.
Its true, there is nothing I need at my
age; the clothes Ive got will see me out,
while tools for D.I.Y. and gardening are
to hand in plenty, though I rarely use
them any more: I dont go out much,
and , in fact, even if I was asked to buy
myself a present, I would be hard put to
decide on one.
Last year the family clubbed together to
buy me a special watch, which they told
me had a Yachting app. I said Im not
wearing one of them, but they said it
was an app, not a cap, and that it had a
button, which when pushed could tell
me the time for anywhere in the world.
For a couple of months I had the local
Indian take-away deliver twice a week in
the hope that the driver would say
Pardon me, Sir, but do you by any
chance have any idea of what the time is
in my home town of Bombay ? (My new
present calls it Mumbai !), but he never
asked me.
Another button brings up details of the
local wind speed in knots, whatever they
are. I have an idea that knots are
something to do with what they call
naughty miles per hour, and that makes
me wonder what granny knots are, but I
know she used to have a lot of trouble
with winds.
The third and last button actually tells
me the time here and this was alright till
I pressed it at tea-time, and it said 15.35.
Well I dont understand all that decimal
coinage, and am only used to clocks that
go up to twelve, so I just use it in the
mornings.
Actually my folks neednt go to any
trouble, they can just buy me a bottle of
whisky, maybe Glenfiddich, (that comes
from somewhere up north, I think)
which is quite nice. I can have a wee nip
while my wife is watching Downton
Abbey or something. At my age I dont
watch those long serials myself in case I
dont last out, though I might take a
chance on a three-parter.
Of course I wasnt always such a
problem. Back in the nineteen-fifties,

when I first bought a car, buying a
present for me was easier than for
anyone else, as cars in those days were
not exactly bristling with extras. We
were lucky to have three pedals, a gear
lever, a steering wheel and a hand-brake,
so at Christmas everyone came up with
things like wing mirrors, indicators, stop
-lights, rear screen heaters, radios, seat
covers and floor-mats, and one of those
wind deflectors that clipped on the
outside of my window so that I could
keep it open while I made hand signals
without getting blown away.
Younger members of the family, who
couldnt afford much might give me a
tin of wax polish, or a bottle of antifreeze, or maybe a pair of miniature foot
-balls to hang over the interior mirror.
The point is that in those days I was no
problem, and it must have been a
pleasure to but a present for me.
However they have obviously decided
on what to get me this year, as it came
this morning. There was a ring at the
bell, and my wife went to the door, and
when she came back in, she had this
parcel, which said it came from the
Amazon.
Well, I dont know anyone in South
America, but a present is a present. So I
eagerly started to tear off the wrapping,
and there was a box with the words
Enclosed is a Tom-Tom on it, which
was a bit of a downer, as Ive never been
keen on African jungle music. However
when I opened it up there was no drum,
but one of those Sat-Nav things, with a
notice saying Plug this in your car and
youll never get lost.
Well, I think they are probably right
there, since the only driving I do these
days is the five-minute trip to Tescos
every Thursday, and Im not likely to
get lost on that, for I could do that
journey with my eyes shut.
In fact I do sometimes, especially when
the sun is a bit dazzling.
Dont get alarmed, theres no danger !.
If anythings coming my wife gives a
nudge ! And I always keep a good eye
open when I go down the High Street,
because there are always likely to be
pedestrians wandering across the road,
and Id hate to miss one. Miss seeing
one, I mean.
Well, thats sorted out Christmas for this
year. If I last to see another one, I
wonder what theyll get me then.
Houghton Church
CAROL SERVICE
Thurs 10th December 2pm
Hot Mince Pies. Wrap up Warm
December 2015
Jazz at the
Movies is
coming to
Dereham
THEYVE become a Christmas

regular at Ronnie Scotts in London
and now theyre playing in
Dereham so break open the
popcorn and enjoy the unique
experience that is, Jazz at the
Movies.
The swinging quintet will be
playing at Dereham Memorial Hall
on December 5, presenting their
special Jazz at the Movies Swingin
Xmas Show.
This concert also sees the return to
her home town of Joanna Eden,
vocalist with Jazz at the Movies and
described by Time Out as the UKs
answer to Diana Krall. Joanne has
also been a singing teacher for 12
years and is justifiably proud that
her very first student, Sam Smith,
has become an international star
and singer of the new James Bond
theme tune.
Dereham Jazz Society has been
performing gigs at Lakeside
Country Club for the past seven
years but, following the sale of
Lakeside, the jazz club needs to
find a new home once it performs
its final gig there on December 16.
Jazz at the Movies features not just

the beautiful vocals of Joanna Eden,
but the Chris Ingham quartet. The
quartet comprises drummer George
Double, pianist Chris Ingham, bass
player the Rev Andy Brown and
Mark Crooks on sax and clarinet.
George Double said: Jazz at the
Movies A Swingin Christmas
will appeal to music fans and movie
fans alike. With an emphasis on
swing and accessibility, Jazz at the
Movies was formed specifically to
interpret movie themes. Along with
the music, theres some very
entertaining dialogue and, of
course, very much a Christmas
feel.
The band has been highly
acclaimed wherever it has played,
including Ronnie Scotts. Jazz
Journal International wrote: Miss
Edens way with a ballad is
something else. Movie songs like
these provide good material for
the best jazz singers. Joanna Eden
and her first-class band had a ball
with them and so did the
audience.
Tickets for the Dereham show,
which starts at 7.30pm on
Saturday 5 December, can be
obtained by calling Richard
Nelson on 01362 696741.
Also from the box office at Bead
This, Craft That, 4 Nunn's Way,
Dereham NR19 2AN Phone:01362
696943 Allocated seating, all seats
15.
We have some one-off specials of

our adult craft workshops in the run
up to Christmas this year.
On Weds 2 December come and
make a Christmas Rose Wreath or
Book Christmas Tree, both made
from recycling and decorating old
books. The workshop will run
4.30pm 6.30pm and will cost 10.
On Friday 4 December learn to make
Folded Flower Baubles. This runs
10.30am-12 noon and will cost 5.
On Friday 11 December we will be
making Christmas trees from old
books.
This
workshop
will
be10.30am-12.30pm and will cost
10.
On Friday 18 December we will be
making paper Christmas stars. This
workshop runs from 10.30am-12

noon and will cost 5.
Booking is essential for all the adult
workshops, as places are limited.
Fees are payable in advance.
Examples of the crafts can be seen
in the branch, so if youre not sure
what to expect, pop in and have a
chat. To find out more or to book a
place please phone Watton Library
on 01953 881671.
We havent forgotten the kids
either. On Weds 23rd December we
will be holding a special childrens
Christmas Craft workshop. This is a
drop-in workshop running from
4.30pm until 6.30pm. There will
even be music, hot chocolate and
mince pies. Come and join us!
We will be open on Christmas Eve
until 5pm, then closed through until
Wednesday 30th December. We will
also be closed on New Years Day.
Get crafty at
Watton Library!
Watton
Evening WI
visitors. This is becoming a regular

occurrence and we are delighted that
so many ladies are joining us to learn
and to enjoy friendship and fun
together at our meetings and through
the lunch and craft groups.
At a recent coffee morning Watton
and SahanToney members joined
together to raise funds for the
Wayland Group and we thank all
those who joined us on that occasion..
Our celebration wall hanging was
unveiled by member Margaret
Herbert who had masterminded its
construction together with Pat Kilday
and Hilary Rudge. It is now on
permanent display on the wall of the
Watton Christian Community Centre
were we meet as a reminder of two
fantastic milestones during 2015,100
years of the WI in Britain and 25
years of Watton Evening WI.
An outing to Ware Hall, Wells next

the Sea was enjoyed when members
and friends heard about the
determination of one woman to save
her home. She moved it brick by
brick, beam by beam from Ware in
Hertfordshire to Wells, doing much
of the work herself.
An informal get together for coffee
was held where we watched a DVD
on Climate Change , looking at the
lives of four women in different
parts of the world and how their
lives have been changed by climate
variations.
November is always our Annual
Meeting when we recalled all the
excitement of the celebration year.
This year both our President and
Treasurer were standing down. Pat
Holdcroft has been President for
some years and she was presented
with a Christmas Rose plant from

the members as a thank you for all
she has done over that time, she
will continue to be a member of the
committee. Lynne Tarbard had been
Treasurer for five years and, she too,
received flowers and our thanks.
The new President is Anita Maslin
who was wished success in her new
role.
For our December meeting we will
be having a meal at a local venue so
our next meeting when we will
welcome visitors and new members
will be on Thursday January 14th at
7.30pm at the Watton Christian
Community Centre when a local
American Square Dance group will
entertain and there is bound to be an
opportunity to have a go!
For further details contact Hazel
Gillingham 01953 881510
What Watton
Wants (WWW)
would create an extensive close

density of houses due to its location
between Blenheim Grange and
Redlands Park that will now include
an agreed further 54 Mobile homes.
The traffic implications are thought to
be unsustainable especially at peak
times on the present unclassified
roads in the area and the road
structure leading on to the Norwich
road. Letters to Breckland Council
concerning this development are
urgently required from local and town
residents. If you object to this or any
other development each individuals
message isthe first line of attack. It
will be too late when a decision is
made.
The planning decisions on both
Mallard Road for 177 houses
(application 3PL/2015/0254) and
Portland Avenue for 80 houses
(application 3PL/2014/1378) are
likely to be on the Breckland
Planning Committee agenda for
Monday 14th December. It is
indicated that the Planning Officers
will recommend to the committee
that the Mallard Road application be
accepted with no recommendation on
Portland Avenue at date. As with all

planning decision meetings it is
imperative that residents attend the
meeting to show Councillors their
concerns on these local over
development issues.
WWW members intervention in
Bennett Homes application to fell
three substantial trees on their Signals
site has resulted in two trees being
saved and preservation orders being
placed on other other substantial
nearby trees.
WWW will be present at the Watton
Christmas Market on Sunday 29th
November where local planning
matters can be discussed including
the possibility of writing letters to
Breckland Council.
The WWW Facebook page has now
attracted over 3000 comments
regarding the over development of
Watton. Have your say in making
Watton a better place to live.
We would urge all residents who
agree that our town and surrounding
parishes are being over developed to
express their views to Breckland
Council and our MP George
Freeman. Details are below and on
the WWW Website and Facebook.

Full details on Planning Applications
can be found on the Breckland
Council website:
www.breckland.gov.uk.
Go to Planning Search Search for
Planning Applications - Enter
Application Reference Number and
in Parish scroll to Watton Press
search.
Remember you can object to more
than one planning application and
each member of the household can
communicate their own objection.
Objection/Comment letters or e mails
to:- The Chief Planning Officer,
Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke,
Dereham. NR19 1EE
E Mail planning@breckland.gov
Telephone Planning Office 01362
656212. All correspondence MUST
quote the relevant Application
Reference Number.
Letters to George Freeman M.P
should be addressed to 8. Damgate
Street Wymonham NR18 0BQ
For further information or you wish
to help our group go to
www.whatwattonwants.co.uk
Members were interested to hear

Bronwyn Tyler talk about the part
played by Wayland men and women
during World War 1 and the
sacrifices families from both Watton
and the surrounding villages endured
during the conflict. Much research
has been done through the Wayland
Partnership to collect together the
history of these difficult times for
future generations. This culminated in
the commemoration weekend in
November at Watton Sports Centre
when some WI members demostrated
crafts from the period.
We were please to again welcome
another new member and two further
The WWW objective to implement a

Neighbourhood Plan for Watton has
now been approved by Watton Town
Council. A working party is now
being set up to move the plan
forward.
A Neighbourhood Plan is necessary if
Watton is to have any input into the
future planning of developments in
our town. Such plans are Government
sponsored and grant finances are
available for certain aspects of any
plan. To achieve a viable plan
consultations with residents, industry,
schools, health services and sports
clubs will be necessary.
WWW members were recently given
an insight by Vallerie Brown into the
Attelborough Neighbourhood Plan
that is now in its final consultation
stages prior to publication.
The Abel Homes application to build
98 houses at Watton Green
(application 3PL/2015/1191) is now
progressing via Breckland Planning
Office. This proposed development
December 2015
Tha
Ovington
Crower
Har yew gitten on tergitha, hent thet bin

moild of leart, Ire bin tempted ter set a
few arly teartas, jist tew see iffun I cud
git em up afore Horry, cos he dew crow
abowt how hisuns is allus afore mine.
Hed a bittof a hellup wi the ole cowncil
chairwummin larst week, she say Ide
bin hullin mud up har windas wen I wos
cartin beet threw tha Willage. I say ter
her I say, Well missus yore in charge o
tha Willage yew orta see abowt
stopping orl thet rearn wos cumin
down
I hatta duck down afore I gotta ding o
tha lug, she dint get my drift attorl.
Ill hev yew know Sid she say That
woteva people say abowt me I hent God
yit
So I say tew har I say Thas a rummin
cos yew sartinly act like it at yore
meetins, nun of yore cowncillors git a
word in wunce yew git gooin
This time I dint duck kwick enuff an I
hossed orf hoom wi a rite earake.
Dint dew much betta wi tha Wicca
eetha wen I arsked her if I cud git a bob
or tew owta tha lottry fund wot thar hev
got fer tha Church. Trubble wos she hev
got a cuppla sticks wot she yewes to git
rownd tha parish, and a dig o tha ribs wi
wunn on em kin knock tha wind owta
yore sails kwicker than thet.
Hevvin hed a run in wi them tew
mawthas I dassnt goo hoom an tell my
missus abowt it so haddta hoss orf tew
tha pub tew lick my woonds an hev
suffin tew dull tha pearn.
My missus still kip mobbing me abowt
a holdey, so I got tha bus an corled inta
thet Norridge airport an arsked tha
bloke ware tha went tew. He say. Sir
we goo anywhere an evrawhere, we ken
fly yew tew Amsterdam, Spain,
Channel Isles an even as far as Cyprus
Cor Blarst I say
hent hard o moost o them plearces, hev
yew got anyware more loocal
Well yis he say We go tew
Aberdeen, Manchester and Exeter, but
only when tha wethar is good, why,
where were yew thinking of going tew
Sir?
Thas like this I say My missus hent
tew intrested in gooin far, so hev yew
got suffin reel local?
Anywhere in paticlar Sir? he say. I
sed I wos sorta lookin fer sumware
arownd Hunstun or even Yaxham iffen
thet fust wun is orl booked up He sorta
gi me a funny ole look an putting on his
parts he say I dont think our Captains
would consider a landing at either of
those places sir, perhaps you might be
better off taking the bus
I gi him a mowthfull o Ovington cusses
and got tha bus hoom---waal I dint git
streart hoom, cos I haddta hev a ward
wi my cuzzin wot live at Hingham,
heeze got a van down at Bacton an I
thort I cud dew a deal alonga him fer a
few daers down thar.
He wos in tha White Hart, so that tuk a
while tew cum tew sum rangement and
corst me sevrul pints o best ter git him
ter let us hev his van fer jest a few bob a
week.
So iffen yew dunt hear from me next
munth I might be orf on holdy.
Jist a thort---- Thas no gud a putten yar
fut down if yew hearnt got a leg tew
stan on.
Teark care o yoreselves an iffen I dunt
git tew mardle wi yew nex munth, dew
yew hev a gud Chrismus and a prosprus
New Year.
Dew yew kip a troshin. Boy Sid.
Quizzers Supreme
Christmas
Coffee
Morning
Sat 12th
December
9.30 - 12Noon
St Marys Church,
Watton.
Bottle tombola,
gifts, preserves,
cakes, hamper
raffle, childrens
lucky dip, jigsaw
puzzles and CDs.
Nancy Robert, Daryl Woodward, Terry Fenge & James Robert receiving the Watton
Society Annual Quiz trophy at the Queens Hall from Chairman of the Society John Kerr.
Held on the evening of the 14th October
this is the 23rd consecutive year we have
held the quiz, which is supported by
regular quizzers. Although the over large
wooden spoon is a little tongue in cheek it
is fiercely contested over. Each year a
small silver shield is added to the surround
indicating the winning team. Personal
certificates are also awarded to the team
members. On this occasion a tie was

reached for the first time with two teams
having 125 points. Tie breaker questions
resulted in a single point win by the "Team
with no name" over "Ovington Village
Hall". In third place came "Murphy's Law"
with a creditable 120 points.
Bryan H Wykes Vice Chairman Watton
Society.
Norfolk
Literature Project
involve developing the analytical skills of

those who join the course by looking intently
at the author's Bestselling book Without
You.
The course aims to help people develop their
ability to write in a way they may never have
expected through the use of fun and
interactive activities to release the inner
creative mind you have kept locked away.
As well as having access to the inner
thoughts of a successful writer to see how
their mind works and how they may be able
to take inspiration from the author and start
their own writing career.
For the low price of 35, including the cost
of materials, you can have the full extent of a
creative writing course while having full
access to a published author for less than
4.50 a week. The usual cost of a course that
offers the same curriculum would cost you in
excess of 75. The course has a limited
intake of 15 available places. These will be
offered on a first come first serve basis, those
who show great amounts of talent could also
be considered for The Next Generation. If
you are interested or would like to find out
more than please contact a member of our
team below.
Contact number: 07568 581 550
Contact E-mail: AuthorRobinreece@outlook.com
Or find us on one of our social media
pages: Facebook.com/RobinReece.Writing
Twitter @RobinTReece
Have you got that unfinished book hiding in

the deepest corners of your PC? Are you
searching for that great opening line? Then
you may want to consider working with the
Norfolk Literature Project, created by local
author Robin Reece. Robin has always had a
great passion for storytelling and creative
writing, over the summer the young author
published his first book and now has three
scheduled releases for 2016 and will be
working with The Next Generation to deliver
an anthology.
Robin has always tried to make it clear to
everyone he meets that he did not achieve
anything alone, and as such aspires to give
back to the writing community.
The Norfolk Literature Project is an
organisation that delivers English based
workshops to GCSE and A Level students.
The same experience is now being offered to
all ages, mainly those who have left school,
but at a more extensive level. An eight week
course will be held at Wayland House,
Watton. The course will be starting in early
January and there will be an hour lesson each
week to help people develop their creative
writing. The course will be taught by author
Robin Reece who is a local author based in
Watton and is supported by the Wayland
Partnership Trust. Part of the course will
Relocation, Relocation, Relocation!

Musketeers are coming to Watton. So are
Flappers, Pirates, Knights, Hippies, Witches
and Teddyboys amongst others. CHANGE
GEAR Costume and Fancy Dress Hire is
moving to a purpose built storage facility in
Watton after having been located in the Old
School, Swaffham for a little over two years.
This will allow for much more flexibility of
opening times and the opportunity to try on
costumes in a comfortable home environment.
There are over 500 costumes to choose from
at CHANGE GEAR - everything from Abba
to Zorro and Saxons to Seventies.
Something can usually be found to please
everyone from babies to grandparents of all
shapes and sizes. There is also a small

selection of evening dresses and D.J.s for
those all important parties and proms.
CHANGE GEAR is the result of more than
40 years of collecting costumes and textiles
from all over the world. In the past, many
costumes have been provided for the
Wayland Players and the Watton Pantomime
Group. We will be up and running in Watton
from mid December - just in time for
Christmas and the New Year! Hire charges
for up to a week start at just 15 with a 10
deposit for adults and 7.50 with a 5 deposit
for children. For more information speak to
Wendy on 01953 884649 or 07761 390 269.
December 2015
Richmond Park Golf Club Ladies Section
Mistletoe & Wine

All about the Christmas Season
Mixed Media Art Exhibition
Saturday 28th November to Saturday 19th
December to include coffee mornings on
Saturday 28th November and a final one
on Saturday 19th December. 10.00
12.30.
A delightful array of Art & Crafts will be
on
display,
including
Jewellery,
Photography, Paintings, Fabric Crafts and
many more interesting items. For all your
unique Christmas gifts in one space.
Call in and enjoy seasonal refreshments
whilst you browse.
Gallery open hours 10 4 weekdays,
Saturday 10 1pm The Dragonfly
Gallery, Wayland House, High St,
Watton. Contact Susan Hollingworth
01953 880205
www.thewaylanddragonflygallery.co.uk
On Monday 2nd November, on a damp

and foggy Autumn morning, the ladies of
Richmond Park Golf Club gathered for
their Annual General Meeting and New
Lady Captains Drive-In.
New Lady Captain, Lesley Matthews, was
welcomed to the course by the ladies
forming an Arch of Honour with their
golf clubs. The Captains chosen charity

for this year is the Lymphoma Association
and a sweepstake was held to estimate the
length of her Drive-In.
The winner was Eileen Chard who
correctly guessed it to be 143 yards.
Well done Lesley, a great shot in such
difficult conditions!
Shipdham & District

Book Group
forties with two daughters, one in her early

twenties and another three. She has
Alzheimers Disease and the book of the title
is a red, leather bound book bought by her
young husband for every one to write in, the
theory being that there will be retained
memories. The first to write, or rather draw
in the book is the self willed three year old.
Thus some of the background is told through
the eyes and memories of the characters.
With only one dissenting voice the book was
enjoyed by the members although several
admitted to having wondered if this would
be so given the subject matter, It was felt
that the characters were well crafted and
there was humour alongside the sadness.
Seemingly Claires illness is inherited from
her father and this led to discussion about the
genetic aspect of this condition. Many had
personal experience of younger sufferers in
addition to the more common elderly. It led
to discussion of the nightmare situation of
Claires widowed mother left with a
daughter approaching middle age and two
grand daughters, one very young, to care for
while the young son in law works. Given the
subject the novel is a good read, not
heavy, morbid or miserable.There was
agreement that we do not want to read any
more novels with Alzheimer's as the
theme for the time being as several
members had read others recently.
The 16th December meeting will begin
with lunch hosted by a generous member,
followed by the reading of members
chosen humorous passages of prose or
poetry. The book for January will be Amy
Snow by Tracy Rees
On 21st October we discussed Us by

David Nicholls. This tells the story of
Douglas, a scientist, and Connie, an artist,
plus their 17 year old son Albie. After more
than twenty years in the middle of one night
Connie announces to Douglas that their
marriage is over. Meanwhile they will go
ahead with the planned holiday of a life
time based on the historical Grand Tour of
the upper classes which has been carefully
booked and planned as a last holiday before
Albie leaves home.
This book was enjoyed by all. Nicholls has
an amazing knack of creating characters
who we love, hate and pity all at the same
time. There is humour, tragedy and absolute
stupidity alongside superb descriptions of
places and objects. We all questioned the
wisdom of expecting a modern 17 year old
to show enthusiasm for a long cultural
holiday with parents without getting into
trouble along the line. There was more
serious and lighter discussion about empty
nest syndrome; succesful and unsuccesful
marriage between seemingly incompatible
people; expectations of modern women;
opportunities not available in earlier decades
and whether theyve been used or abused;
differences in personal toiletry and hygiene
and much more. It was a most enjoyable
meeting inspired by a popular choice.
The book discussed in November was The
Memory Book by Rowan Coleman. The
central character is Claire, a teacher in her
Project Linus
Norfolk Thanks
We would like to thank the person who

anonymously left a quilt outside Watton
Christain Community Centre for Project
Linus Norfolk. It was found and has been
given out. In addition we thank the local lady
who gave us a generous donation enabling
us to make a quilt for a child in need of a
hug. In general we thank you all for your
support in different ways, which means that
so far this year we have distributed nearly
400 quilts to those children in Norfolk who
need some comfort.
You may be interested to know that The
Shipdham Wives Group has chosen
Project Linus Norfolk as their charity for
the Shipdham Christmas Tree Festival
which is on Friday 4th & Saturday 5th
December from 12 Noon until 7 pm and
Sunday 6th December from 12 noon until
4 pm. This is a beautiful occasion in a
lovely setting complete with refreshments
appropriate to all times. There will be
information leaflets and a collecting
bucket for Project Linus Norfolk by the
Wives tree.
THE WAYLAND NEWS

Page space is allocated strictly on a first come, first served basis. Deadline
is 12 Noon 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 may not reflect the
views of the publisher 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

The Wayland News December 2015

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FREE - Issue Number 229 - December 2015

in digital & online at www.thebrecklandview.com

Watton Churches Together have organised the

The Scott family will be selling mistletoe again this

Hattie and Emily (above) and all the

and some have made up shoebox gifts

From the Editor

people behind the printing and most

Many of you know that the Wayland

In Town: Scratby Donkey/Reindeers rides for the

The Wayland News Page 2

Exciting New InterGenerational

The Wayland Partnership is offering

Some of you may not have heard of

The Wayland News Page 3

News from the Inner Wheel

Alison Dickson (above) was once again

our first will be our stall at the Town

made people cry so Id say that was a job

Stacy Rayner is a published poet who has

The Wayland News Page 4

Tel: 01953 499 968

We had some really weird weather

with compost and even sowing

Our November meeting was our A G

and the underground mycelium

We welcomed twenty-three members to

now would be a good time to visit

flowering at slightly different times.

The Wayland News Page 5

Exciting new project for Diamond

The Wayland Partnership has just been awarded funding from

Ashill and Holme

Brenda and Ken met in 1952 in the local park

and now the first great grand daughter born to

much travel as they can during an active year.

The Wayland News Page 6

Watton Mayor, Ken Birch, lays the first

The strains of three buglers playing the Last

The St Marys Church,

from all countries trying to bring lasting peace

Later in the village hall, RAFA chairman John

cloths and paints I set off. Now I use a Moby

We hope 2015 has been as good to you as it

The Wayland News Page 7

Watton Twinning Association Oktoberfest

drink and traditional German costumes.

Debbie, the Musicians, Watton Town Councillors,

The Mid Norfolk

much its dramatic power, impressive though

Mid Norfolk Singers is a choral society based in

At the October meeting of Watton U3A the

The Wayland News Page 8

Westfield Infant & Nursery School

Ashill Community Centre (ACC)

Watton Hockey Club

Doors 7pm - Eyes Down 7.30pm

Wells Cole Community Centre

Doors 6.30pm - Eyes Down 7.30pm

Griston Church Bingo

Doors 7pm - Eyes Down 7.30pm

Lola, Riley, Jake, Damian and Neve

At the November meeting Mr Tobi