November 2004

ARCHIVE 2004 • MidDec-January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • Novembe r• December
ARCHIVE 2003 • January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November/Mid December

News from Alby, Aldborough, Calthorpe, Erpingham, Ingworth, Thwaite & Thurgarton

FROM THE RECTOR
I've recently spent two most enjoyable days taking part in one of Bure Valley Railway's driver training courses. In the company of a few others and under close supervision, pulling coaches empty of fare-paying public, I've been introduced to the wonders of steam.
What are my first impressions? In the control of the brakes I've much to learn - but to learn is my desire and intention.
Those of us who spend most of our time engaged with people can sometimes feel that in a multitude of ways we may miss the mark. Thankfully the expert on the footplate of our lives is not diverted from such concerns.
Fr Brian

FROM THE REGISTERS
Funerals
At St Mary's Aldborough 17th September Mike Chapman
At Earlham Crematorium 20th September Jill Turner
At St Lawrence's Ingworth 5th October Paul Barker

GROUP SERVICES
A reminder:- Sunday 31st October, 10.00, at Calthorpe Church, for All Saints' tide
(Don't forget to alter clocks and watches!)

GROUP SERVICE FOR ADVENT SUNDAY
Sunday 28th November, 10.00, at Alby Church
We come together to begin our preparations for Christmas
There will be no other act of worship in our six parish churches on this day.

TRAILBLAZERS for children of primary school age from any parish
Sunday 14th November at 11.00 in the Church Room on Aldborough Green
CPAKS and Trailblazers. There will be a workshop in preparation for the Advent service at Alby Church during the week leading up to 28th November. Ring Eleanor Faulkner, 768073, for more information.

REMEMBERING November is a month for remembering.

All Saints Day is traditionally 1st November; another name for it is All Hallows, hence Hallowe'en, the Eve of All Hallows, on 31st October. This is a great festival of thanksgiving for the great company of God's people, known and unknown, who have served him faithfully on earth and now join in the worship of heaven. Recently this has been celebrated in this country on the nearest Sunday (for us 31st October at Calthorpe at 10.00). In many parts of Europe it is the equivalent of a Bank Holiday, on whatever day of the week it falls.

The following day is All Souls Day. For a variety of reasons we will commemorate this on Thursday 4th November this year, with one service for the benefice, a said Holy Communion service at Calthorpe at 7.30pm. If you wish names of departed loved ones to be remembered at the altar at that service, please tell Fr Brian, preferably in writing.

Remembrance Sunday will be on 14th November, when we will remember with thanksgiving those who died in the service of their country in war The services at Aldborough and Thwaite churches will begin at 10.55.

Please support the Royal British Legion's 'Poppy Day' appeal.

Then there's "Remember, remember, the fifth of November .... " See the event organised by the Friends of Aldborough School advertised on page 5. How many people remember what it was all about on the 5th November 1605? Guy Fawkes and his friends were demonstrating their opposition to new laws which were creating tough penalties for those who remained Roman Catholics instead of accepting the comparatively new Church of England. They thought that blowing up the Houses of Parliament would result in freedom to practise their religion in safety, but one of the conspirators 'leaked' the plot to the King and Guy Fawkes was caught red-handed. These were desperate measures in the cause of religious freedom which is still an issue in many parts of the world today.

JOINT PCC Meeting
Tuesday 2nd November, 7.30, in Aldborough Church Room
This is for all Church Council members from this benefice's six parish churches.
Planning for the future. Please bring diaries for 2004 and 2005.

CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
On Tuesday 23rd November at 2.30 we shall be welcoming artist Ian Loe as speaker. He always gives a creative insight into the Gospel. Come and join us at the Church Room on Aldborough Green. You will be most welcome. P.H.ALDBOROUGH GARDEN CLUB
All are welcome to the next meeting, on Thursday 18th November, at 7.30 in the Church Room. Speaker: Mrs Bridge 'The China experience'

ALDBOROUGH & THURGARTON WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
Meeting on Wednesday 17th November at 2.30 in the Church Room.
AGM and Beetle Drive. (No Competition)
The Christmas Party will be on 15th December.

ALDBOROUGH COMMUNITY CENTRE
The Race Night was great fun and well attended. Many thanks to all who sponsored races and horses. At time of going to press we haven't had time to work out the proceeds - which are going in the extension fund - but signs are that it was a success all round.

TAP DANCE CLASS
A six week course will start on Wednesday 10th November 7pm - 8pm. Cost: £16. Surprisingly our teacher Lyndsey says that tap shoes are not vital!
Please ring Sue 761310 to book or for more information.

FIRST AID COURSE: This was mentioned back in the summer and a list of names
has been started. However we need 10 - 12 to make it viable. It is an 8 hour course and may
be run over two Saturday afternoons if required.
For more information please ring Sue 761310

BLOOD DONORS WANTED
On Tuesday 2nd November the Blood Donor van will be on Aldborough Green - probably on the middle road where you can't miss it! Look out for posters with details.

ALDBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL
Next meetings on WEDNESDAY 3rd November and WEDNESDAY 1st December at 7.30 in the Community Centre. Please note change of dates.
The Youth Action Group is planning a social event - details not yet finalised. The Community Centre is willing to make the top room available until Christmas, free of charge. Social reps: Catherine Batch, Kody Dawe and Louise Morrison. Their role is to consult the other young people and then discuss and plan events with Jane Maguire, Chairman of the Parish Council.
Parish Council youth links: Catherine Batch, Kody Dawe, Catie Haynes, Araminta Jackson and Charlotte Middleton. Their role is to pass on to the PC any concerns or questions of the young people in the parish and to be there for the PC to consult on issues relating to young people.
The Parish Council values and respects the opinions of young people, and wishes to involve them in decisions that will affect all of us. The formation of a Youth Action Group is an acknowledgment that we have very many pleasant, mature young people with whom we want to establish ongoing dialogue. J.M.
Road repairs on the Green The state of the road at the Church Room end of the Green needs professional attention: quotations are being sought.
Speed limits The 30mph-limited area will be extended on Thwaite Hill Road. Public notices are now displayed. The proposed 20mph limit would result in an excessive number of road signs which would not be acceptable in a conservation area.
Licensing laws New laws will come into effect in November 2005. The government is proposing to treat land as premises and any event on the Green involving the public and entertainment will need a licence. The status of the annual fair, operating by a charter granted in King John's reign, is to be investigated.
Village Correspondent for Aldborough & the North Norfolk News
Please note that Fiona Morrison is no longer able to perform this service. Jean Wheeler, 768280, will continue and is learning how to use a computer. Jane Maguire, 761578, is temporarily providing the computer link on Sjmaguire0401@aol.com.
It would be much appreciated if Secretaries and other representatives would volunteer information, not wait to be asked, and would also notify the editor of 'In Touch', 768063.

ALDBOROUGH CHURCH ROOM

Now that the cricket season is over, the Church Room is once more available for bookings at weekends. Parents tell us it's ideal for children's parties, so it's ready for the party season. Bookings should be made with Ruth Elliott, 761468.

There has recently been a notice about permissive paths in general so perhaps it's an appropriate time to remind people that there is no public right of way to the field behind the Church Room. The land to the side and immediately behind does not belong to the PCC.
External repair and redecoration is now complete so indoor refurbishment is again on the agenda. Users are invited to suggest improvements, bearing in mind that the budget is very limited! (Contact Ruth Bayes, 768063.)

Fundraising at Mannington: the Editor has received letters from both the Lady Walpole and Sharon Green representing Victim Support Norfolk, appreciative of the Church Room's contribution to the Charity day. The final total raised for Victim Support was £1,305, which includes Grounds & Gardens Entrance £730, House Entrance £283 and Stalls £292. Substantial sums were also raised by participating charities at their own stalls.

"It was a beautiful day and we were very pleased with the final amount. A big thank you to all who supported the day." Next year's date will be Sunday 4th September.

N.B. Victim Support is an organisation that anyone affected by Crime can access, regardless of whether an incident has been reported to the Police. Sharon Green, North Norfolk Victim Support, can be contacted confidentially on 01263 511170 or 07881910389.

INDIAN BAZAAR
in Aldborough Community Centre
Saturday 20th November
2pm-5pm.
Beautiful fabrics, clothing, jewellery, incense and gifts from Northern India.
There will also be food and drinks for sale and the proceeds of this will go
to the Delhi Street Children to enable them to set up a chai shop.
For further information contact Angie761 641.

FRIENDS OF ALDBOROUGH SCHOOL
Bonfire Fireworks Hog Roast Bar
Saturday 6 November
Field opposite school - Gates open at 6pm, Bonfire lit at 6.30pm, Fireworks at 7pm
Admission: £6 per family (2adults:2children), £2.50 per adult, £1 per child
Advance tickets available from 1 November from Spar Shop and school
See poster for more details
Christmas Fayre
Monday 6 December, 8.30am - 2.30pm
in the Church Room.
Details later

ERPINGHAM with CALTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL
From the September meeting:
Unfortunately our clerk Mr Roy Williams had been taken ill and was unable to attend the meeting. We would like to thank Mr J Bell for taking the minutes.
Parish footpaths :- this is an ongoing matter, we still await letters from North Norfolk Council. Mr Peter Willcox explained that another Parish Council was also looking into the use of Blacksmith Lane, he will obtain the relevant phone numbers so that we can work together.
Parish Plan:- The Chairman Mr A Moore thought that we should concentrate on the environment and to try to make our village a better place to live. Further discussion on how this can be done will be discussed at future meetings.
The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on 10th November 2004 in the Village Hall.
The Parish Council look forward to seeing you.

ERPINGHAM with CALTHORPE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
Wednesday 24th November, 7.30, in the Village Hall
AGM Business Meeting and Social Evening

ERPINGHAM VILLAGE HALL
will be holding a
CHRISTMAS FAIR
and Craft Stalls
with items suitable for Christmas presents
on Saturday 4th December
from 10am to 12 noon

WE NEED YOUR HELP
1. Are you crafty? Can you make or donate items suitable for Christmas presents, table or other decorations etc for the Village Hall stall?
2. Plants?Are you green fingered? Plants for indoors or outdoors would be welcome. 3. Cakes? Is cookery your talent? Could you make a cake or two for the cake stall?
4. Tombola? Daphne is looking for small prizes for this stall.
5. Your time? Can you spare time to stand behind a stall?
6. Decorations? Have you large streamers, Christmas lights, etc. which we can borrow to decorate the hall and FATHER CHRISTMAS's GROTTO. Yes, he will be there!
For contributions (we can collect) to any of the above please phone
01263 768209, 768655, 761704, or 768784
(In aid of the refurbishment of the Village Hall)

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: BINGO, on 28th January 2005

STOP PRESS A very successful Quiz Night at Erpingham Village Hall hosted over 60 people and raised £158.50 towards new doors, new barge boards and a new sign.

Erpingham Village Hall 200 Club recent results:
£10 £5
13-9-04 29 T.Hoolhouse 10 L.Brett
20-9-04 102 P.Wilcox 167 S.Devine
27-9-04 88 A.Alston 55 K.Ayres
4-10-04 26 C.Hoolhouse 139 D.J.Nichols

THWAITE COMMON
The NNDC Rangers came last month to cut the paths and were delighted by the variety of wildlife they saw. Judging by footprints on the paths they cut, they have been regularly used and enjoyed by humans and animals alike (wild and domesticated).
Flowers have all but died off, but there’s still colour in the berries and autumn leaves.
The profusion of busy birds from geese and swans to linnets and goldfinch don’t seem at all bothered that summer is over, unlike us! Perhaps we should take should take their lead and enjoy the dramatic autumn sunsets. AM

ATLANTIC CROSSING
After husband Matt's successful solo crossing, Ingworth rower Ali Boreham is aiming to be a member of the first women's four to cross the Atlantic, even if it does mean spending Christmas at sea. It's an expensive venture so they are seeking sponsorship, and they will take our good wishes with them.

CONGRATULATIONS to Aldborough's centenarian. Mr Albert Gooch of Margaret Lilly Way celebrated his 100th birthday in October at the Aldborough Luncheon Club in the Community Centre where he is a regular attender. Gaby Kleissner, founder of the Luncheon Club, presented him with a gift from the Club, and Jane Maguire, Chairman of the Parish Council, presented a gift from the Council. Mr Gooch also attends the Over 60s club and plays bingo, and a sunny day will see him out tending his garden.

GOODBYE to Father Peter Marsh, the Roman Catholic parish priest for this area for about ten years. He has been a familiar figure at community events in our villages - in Aldborough we especially recall his enthusiastic involvement in Twinning affairs, and he always wanted a ticket for the pantomime! We wish him a happy retirement.

AND WELCOME to Father David Bagstaff who succeeds Father Peter and is now established in North Walsham. We shall look forward to seeing him in our communities.

LOCAL AUTHORS

1) Keith Entwistle, who edited the Aldborough Village History Society's book two years ago, has been working in a similar fashion on the history of Holt. Volume 1of a 3 volume project will be launched in the Holt Community Centre on 13 November with the help of Neil Haverson of the EDP. 190 pages, more than 150 images, more of Geraldine's delightful maps. Pre-publication price, £12.50. (£15 afterwards.) Brick Kiln Books, Brick Kiln Farmhouse, Lower Gresham, NR11 8RE. 011263 577388. info@brick-kiln-books.com

2) David North, who lives in Thurgarton, has produced, with his photographer friend Martin Hayward Smith, Norfolk born and bred, a stunning book, 'Elements of the North Norfolk Coast', covering the area from Hunstanton to Cromer. Martin has worked for BBC television on award-winning programmes such as Living Britain and the Natural World series, David has worked for RSPB and the National Trust and is now education officer for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. (Some of us met him in Aldborough Church Room last summer when he shared a programme of wildlife videos with John Snape.) The book is in large format, 176 pages, with more than 170 colour photos including beautiful and dramatic aerial landscapes and an exploration of both the natural and human history of this very special coast, a quirky and fascinating tour of the area.
From Birdseyeviewbooks, Villa Farm, Thurgarton, Norwich, NR11 7PD, £25 (p&p £2.50) or from bookshops at £27.95. Tel. 01263 761450.
The website gives a good taster - www.birdseyeviewbooks.com

WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY
This November solicitors around the UK will be taking part in WillAid, drawing up wills in exchange for a donation to certain charities (which include Christian Aid).
To find a WillAid solicitor call 020 7523 2225 or visit www.willaid.org

THANKS for donations received from Alby & Thwaite Parish Council and a reader in Cromer.

THE NEXT ISSUE Copy for the December issue please by Monday 15th November.
The normal monthly timetable is for In Touch to be available for the last Sunday in the month. In December it's fairly certain that most of the people who deliver through letterboxes will be otherwise engaged on the last weekend, so the copy-date for January will be 6th December, for delivery after the 16th December.

Editor: Ruth Bayes, Chesterfield House, The Green, Aldborough, Norwich NR11 7AA. 01263 768063.
bayesaldborough@supanet.com