The Mallard

Issue 316 February 2018

Ace
Christmas
Party!
The Tennis Club’s
Christmas party
was held at the Vil-
lage Hall this year,
which proved to be
a great move as the
hall was trans-
formed into the
perfect party venue
with the help of the
new round dining
tables, lots of fairy
lights and Max Pratt’s innovative use of silver card! Over 70 members enjoyed a
delicious supper courtesy of Sarah Shapero-Lown and her team which was followed
by a brilliant acoustic session by our very own ‘Glastonbury-famed’ Jake Morrell.
Boogie Monster, Bruce Riches then led the dancing to ‘The Hobblers’ with Dave
and Helen Morrell performing a great rendition of ‘Fairytale of New York.’
Guests of Honour were Vic and Daphne Cross. Vic kindly presented the Herbert
Raspberry award for the Most Improved Player, which was won jointly this year by
Maggie Prue and Mandy Bennett. Men’s Single’s Champion 2017 was Luca
Ramasso and Women’s Single’s Champion was Diana Carrington-Smith. (See pic-
tures and on page 9. Also news of the Club’s latest success.)
Vic gave a moving speech about how much the club has developed over the last few
years and how he feels it has become a truly inclusive club and a great asset to the
village. Committee members were thanked for their hard work during the year and
thanks were also given to Arthur for being the ‘driving force’ behind the club’s suc-
cess. As a thank you for his contribution he was presented with a voucher towards a
‘Day Out’ at Wimbledon.
Many thanks to the ‘Party Committee’ for organising the bash and to the ‘Dream
Team’ for helping to decorate the hall. Ali Ward
COME TO THE
‘Valentines Dinner & Dance’
th
Gt. Massingham Village Hall, Saturday February10 , 7 for 7.30pm
Tickets £25 per person include hog roast & dessert and complimentary
drink on arrival. Smart dress. Raffle on the night. Music from DNA.
ALL FUNDS FOR THE VILLAGE HALL
Tickets available from Mel Whitmore 07833 475 864 or the Hall
1
Mallard News
This parish magazine is
published every month for the
residents of Great and Little
Massingham with the support ofMassingham. For all but the most severe cases, ‘Doctor’ Whar-
the Great Massingham Parish
Council, the Parochial Churchton Forster, landlord of the Swan, would be sent for. He was
Council and Massingham
Village Hall Trustees.
www.greatmassingham.net
e-mail:
mallard.editor@btinternet.com toothache. Despite my protests, I was sent to have the offend-
Editorial Committee
Editor: Bev. Randall.
6 Abbeyfields
Great Massingham
01485 520 899
Treasurer: David Baines
01485 520 966
Website : Caroline Boyden
01485 521 816
Deadline for the
next issue
th
20 February
In this issue
• Ace Christmas Party
• Valentines Dance
• ‘Histry’ Bits
• Clerk Vacancy
• Wanted
• Craft & Chat
• Health Visitor Clinic
• We’ll Remember Them
• Village Hall Events
• West Norfolk Folk
• Clothes Sale Date
• Table Tennis
• Baby & Toddler
• Gert & Daisy
• Parish Council
• Special Quiz
• Ducklings Pre-School friendly, supportive group. Our of books and not take it too
• Ant’s Book Review
• Tennis
• Strollers
• Peter Osborne’s Visit
• From the Rector
• Church News
• Church Services
• Toad Watch
• Rare Bird Visitors
• Race Night
• Film Club
• Pre - School Request
• Dates for your Diary
‘Histry Bits’.... A Noisy Young Davil
‘A century and a half ago, there was no qualified doctor in
greatly respected by the villagers, doubling up as a vet and,
when necessary, as a dentist.
I remember vividly as a small boy suffering from a very bad
ing lower molar extracted. The doctor took me into the veteri-
nary surgery. On the shelves all round were horse medicines,
horse balls, horse forceps and other paraphernalia which go to
make up a vet’s equipment. I can smell that smell now, many
years later. The old gentleman spread out a corn sack on the
floor for me to sit down on. I did so, with fear and trembling.
Standing over me, with my
A Painful
Extraction head firmly held between his
knees, he examined the sce-
ne of operation. Then he
reached for a huge pair of
horse forceps, which nearly
filled my mouth.
After ordering me to keep
still and not to make a noise,
he applied the forceps to the offending molar and, with a jerk I
shall never forget, wrenched it out. Up I jumped yelling with
pain. The doctor picked up a hunting whip and gave it a loud
crack. “Go you home you noisy young davil,” he said. And I
did so, very quickly, I can assure you!’
From the Massingham memoirs of Ernest Johnson
David Miller
Great Massingham & Harpley WANTED
Federation Governing Body We are looking for a couple
We are looking for someone to of new members to join our
be our clerk of governors. It is a Reading Group – nice people
paid post and we are a very who like to read a wide variety
current clerk plans to retire this
year but will offer support and seriously.
training. Why not join us? We chat about the books in
Call Great Massingham School an informal setting whilst
on 520 362 or Bev Randall, enjoying a glass (or two) of
Chair of Governors, on 520 899 wine!
For more information just call
Craft and Chat Sue Nash on 01485 520476.
Village Hall Bar, 2pm - 4.30pm
£1.50 includes refreshments. Health Visitor Clinic
Mondays February 5th & 19th 11.30 to 12.30 on 22nd February
th th
Also March 5 & 19 Massingham Village Hall
2
Mallard News
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Can you help?
Massingham Historical Society is preparing a book commemorating the people of Great
and Little Massingham who died in military service in World War One.
Our starting point is the list of men recorded on the memorials in our churches. We are
able to obtain some information from public records but it would be very useful if we
could gather further information from the families of the men. The coverage of the book
could be extended to include non-military war casualties from the Massinghams such as
nurses, if you can tell us their story. If you have any information to share please contact
Geoff Randall on 01485 520 899 or by email via: mallard.editor@btinternet.com
Men remembered on the memorial in the grounds of
St. Mary’s Church, Great Massingham are:-
Charles (William) ALLCOCK, Chief Stoker, Royal Navy. George Barnes, Pte, 14th
(Service) Battalion, Hampshire Regt. Frederick BARNES, no further information cur-
rently. Frank BECK, Pte, 1st Battalion, East Yorkshire Regt. Herbert BIRD, L.Cpl,
101st Company Labour Corps. Sidney W. (William) GAGE, Pte, 9th Battalion, Norfolk
Regt. Albert GEORGE, Pte, 12th (Norfolk Yeomanry) Battalion, Norfolk Regt. John
W. (William) GOLL, Pte, 8th Battalion, East Surrey Regt. Horace (Arthur) HOL-
SEY, Pte, 7th (SDGW states 1st/8th) Battalion, Cheshire Regt. Robert W. (William)
HOWARD, Pte, 12th Battalion, Norfolk Regt. Ernest C. JARVIS, Cpl, 7th Battalion,
Rifle Brigade. Thomas R (Richard) MOORE, Rifleman, 18th (London) Battalion
(Territorial), Rifle Brigade. Ernest W. (William) POWLEY, Pte, 1st/9th Battalion,
Durham Light Infantry. Peter POWLEY, L.Cpl, 8th Battalion, Norfolk Regt. Charles
E. (Edward) READER, L.Cpl, 14th Battalion, Royal Warwickshire Regt. Harry SIL-
LIS, Pte, 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regt. John W. (Willie) SKIPPER, Sgt, 9th Bat-
talion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regt). Aubone H. (Henry)
TOOKE, Pte, 16th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers. Horace WARNES, Cpl, 1st/5th Bat-
talion (Territorial Force), Norfolk Regt. Arthur G. (George) WHITBY, Driver, Army
Service Corps. Albert W. (Watson) WHITBY, Cpl, 1st/5th Battalion (Territorial
Force), Norfolk Regt.
Men remembered on the memorial in
St. Andrew’s Church, Little Massingham are:-
Frederick Thomas BARNES, Pte 5th Norfolk Regiment. George BIRKBECK, Lieut.
The K.O.R. Regt. Norfolk Yeomanry. Arthur James MASON, Gunner Royal Garrison
Artillery. William Morris MEREDITH, A.D.C. Capt. 1st The Kings Regt. James O.
OLLEY, Pte The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regt.).

Why not join us at the next Historical Society meeting, 12 th February, 7.30pm, Village Hall

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Mallard News Village Hall
VILLAGE HALL REGULAR EVENTS Change of Date
Keep Fit Wed.1.45 to 2.45pm Next clothes Sale
Bingo Fridays at 7.30pm
Auction Sundays Thursday May 3rd
Coronation Club (4th Wed.) 2pm - 4pm Not March 1st
Baby &Toddler Thurs. 10am - 11.30am Details in the April Mallard
W/Norfolk Radio Sundays 7pm -10pm
Craft & Chat (1st & 3rd Mon) 2 - 4pm Thinking of taking up a
Trefoil Guild 2nd Thursday, each month new hobby in 2018?
Film Club 3rd Thursday, each month Why not join us for
Quiz Nights 4th Thursday, each month Table Tennis at the
Bowls - Practice Mondays 2 - 4pm. Village Hall?
Bowls - Short Mat Wednesdays 7pm - 9.30 Depending on interest
Historical Society 2nd Monday 7.30pm and evenings available
Youth Club Tuesdays 6.45- 9.15pm we hope to start by the
middle of March.
Please note: No ‘Yoga With A Chair’ If you are interested, just give me a ring
Tues 10am -11am, for two weeks. on 01485 520476. Bob Nash

West Norfolk Folk Live Shows Great Massingham Baby and Toddler
Village Hall Bar 7-10pm, free entry. EVERY THURSDAY
11 February Live. Rosewood & Bernard From 10 - 11.30am
Hoskin. at the Village Hall
18 February Live. Red Oktober & Kete £1.50 with snack of tea & cake
Bowers.
4 & 25 February CD’s and festival excerpts at Followed by the Health Visitor
www.westnorfolkradio.co.uk Clinic on February 22nd

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Mallard News
Gert & Daisy.... .... Cor, thas a bit chilly int it? At least the snow dint hang abowt but
we’ve hed a fairsum lot of rain. That int no wonder the pits are overflowing and the
drains are blocked. Never mind, summer’s cumming.
We wus roight abowt the Easter eggs being in the shops! Daisy saw sum in Morrisons on
Sunday and Gert saw sum th’other day too. Whatever next!
Daisy hev ter apologise ter her young Daisy – she wus 11 afore Christmas, not 10! Time
don’t harf fly! Torking abowt birthdays – we wud loike ter wish our village centenarian,
Mrs Flower, a very happy 101st birthday on February 1st. We hev googled it and she
ownt git a card off the Queen loike larst year. She hev ter wait til she’s 105 so we hope
she git a lot from other people instead. Not quoite so old is Daisy’s Sid whose birthday is
on 28th February.
There will be a Valentine’s Dance on February 10th up the Hall. There’s grub anall.
Hopefully Sid and Bert will buy us a rose.
Hope yew’ve awl avoided the flu – if yuv anything else don’t go up the Doctors corse
you’ll probably pick the flu up there as well. Apparently thas not very noice but luckily
we hint hed it else you’d hev heard abowt it!
Gert’s mother went ter Iceland – not the one in Swaffham. She loved it but was a little
bit disappointed not ter see the Northern Lights. Awl the bootiful scenery med up fer it
though. That wus an earlu birthday present. In September we are taking her somewhere
much warmer.
Expect you’ve noticed Gert’s posh new car?! Unfortunately Daisy needs a step ladder
ter git in and owt of it.
We wud loike ter wish Ray awl the best for his retirement which shud be happening
sometime in the not too distant future. Suppose he’ll be spending more toime riding his
horse and going on sailing holidays.
We are still a bit short of gossip (which is unusual fer us!) so if you hev anything that
would be alright to print please let us know. Dew yew keep atroshing, Gert and Daisy.
Thought of the month
Maybe if we tell people the brain is an app, they'll start using it!
Norfolk words
Huxterer - Dealer in rabbit skins and odds and ends Gawping - Staring

Parish Council Report – January meeting with a reduced central grant of £318 available.
Seven councillors attended the meeting of the
Two members had attended a training ses-
Parish Council on 15th January. Also present
sion regarding the new Data Protection regu-
were the Clerk, Tim Tilbrook (Borough Coun-
lations which are due to come into force in
cillor) and one parishioner. May, 2018. This legislation is currently pass-
There had been a number of complimen- ing through Parliament and there is some
tary remarks regarding the excellent work uncertainty regarding implementation, so no
carried out on the ponds in the village. further action will be taken until clarification
Norfolk Wildlife Trust had also provided is forthcoming.
positive feedback. The next meeting will be at the Village Hall
The Clerk had submitted a budget for the on Monday 19th February, at 7.30 pm.
2018/2019 financial year at the previous
meeting. Information had been received MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS
from the Borough Council and it was From 11am, 13th February
agreed to request a precept of £13,000 and 13th March
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7
Mallard News
A Special Inclusive Quiz for February
to raise funds for Steve Parker to help beat the
‘MonSter that is MS’
On Thursday 22nd February, at Great Massingham Village
Hall, there will be a Special Quiz evening for both regular
quizzers and non-quizzers alike.
The Evening will be a Quiz and Chilli Event to raise funds to
support Steve Parker’s stem cell transplant in Mexico, to
mitigate his multiple sclerosis.
The object of the event is to get as many people together for
a light-hearted Quiz and fun evening with lavish food that
will be mostly chilli and baked potatoes! There may be breaks for liquid refreshment too!
Please get together a team (no more than six quizzers) or just come along and we’ll find
you a team.
Entry fee: £1. Chilli: £5. 7pm for 7.30 pm start. There will be a 50/50 raffle too.
All proceeds will go to Steve’s fund.
If you should like to join us and if you would like a tasty bowl of chilli, please let us
know via e-mail: alicward@hotmail.co.uk or by phone: 520700. Many thanks.
Phil & Ali Ward

Ducklings News.... Serendipity and Reminiscent

Lights ,camera, action. Amazing Christmas
performances by Rudolf et al and thanks to
Lily who came in at short notice.
A week of ‘Castles and Dragons’ meant lots
of dressing up as characters, a history lecture
on a time before cars, dragon painting and,
on one day, we ran up and down Castle
Acre castle because we wanted to.
The cardboard castle morphed into ‘HMP
Great Massingham’. Burglar Bill turned out
to be a really good guy who returned the
stolen goods. Good ethics for 2 year olds.
A dad had made us a lock board with a
combination of padlocks, key locks and
bolts. The level of concentration from each
child as they worked on picking the locks
probably should give some cause for con-
cern if it wasn't about developing fine motor
skills! The HMP is now morphing into a
twitcher's hide complete with binoculars
and sightings checklist. It is the RSPB gar-
den bird watch weekend so we are hoping
families will get in on the count. Pip
Two of my favourite words
in the dictionary.
I have just read the book that contains
both of these words. Namely, Bob Nash’s
‘Village Paths and The Day I Walked Them’.
My memories were reac-
tivated page after page
and chapter after chapter.
His turning left or right
from his house to walk
one of our footpaths, his
passing a house or a
comment, his noting
what the farmers are
growing, the state of the hedgerows, the
birds in evidence and the weather all
stirred the memories. This is the Bible for
walkers, nature lovers and nosey parkers!
Published by Bob’s family (well done you)
it is a must for keeping next to the toilet!
If John Timpson were alive he would have
written a preface in praise of its contents
and dedication to Massingham’s country-
side. Ant Robinson

8
Mallard News
More Tennis News………
Pictures right show two of the presentations of awards at
the ‘Ace Christmas Party’ reported on page one.
Top picture shows Maggie Prue collecting the Herbert
Raspberry award for the Most Improved Player. She
shares this award with Mandy Bennett.
The second picture shows Luca Ramasso, collecting his
award for Men’s Singles Champion 2017.
Tennis Club Success….
Great Massingham is ‘Club of the Year’
What a great start to 2018! Great Massingham Tennis
Club is awarded Norfolk LTA ‘Club of the Year’ for the
second time.
It’s quite something to be one of the best of the 42 tennis
clubs in Norfolk and a great tribute to the many volun-
teers who have made this happen. Well done!
Richard Palmer, Norfolk LTA President, said the Club
has done great things to get so many people playing tennis.
The Award will be presented at the end of February.

Strollers…… A Cold Stroll

On a bitterly cold morning on Sunday 21 st January four strollers set
off from thee Village Well. We walked up Barracks Yard lane and
made our way over the hard rutted path frequented by local dog walk-
ers. At the top of the field we turned right and joined the start of Green
Gate lane. This took us past the radio masts and water tower where
some major construction work was underway. When we reached Ped-
dar’s Way, the three old strugglers turned left to take a shorter and
easier route to Drunken Drove and back into the village whereas the
‘weak and female’ member of our group turned right and disappeared
into the mist as she strode off to reach Harpley. Needless to say she
reached the Rose and Crown in Harpley before we had managed to get back to the Well.
With the aid of cars we all managed to meet up at the Rose & Crown where we received
a warm welcome and ate an excellent Sunday lunch. Our next walk, weather, flu and
mobility permitting, will be on Sunday 25th February. Route and venue to be decided.
Andrew Bickerton
Editor’s disclaimer: I am not so sure about the ‘weak and female’ , Mr Bickerton!

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9
Mallard News
Home again. The Memories and Reminiscences……
Following on from Peter Osborne’s report last month of his visit with his three sisters to
the village where he grew up, many years ago, part two is below….
…...Another delightful moment was when we were served tea and cakes in the church
and met more of the village people. A lot of other memories came flooding back such as
ringing the church bells on New Year's Eve when two members of the team climbed the
tower to the belfry, at one hour before midnight, to tie leather thongs to the clappers on
the bells and then came down to ring out the old year with muffled bells until just before
midnight. Then, at midnight, climbing back up to the belfry to remove the thongs whilst
the hammer on the big bell struck the hour, deafening the two bell ringers who now made
their way back down to ring in the new year with a loud peel, followed by a bottle of
beer brought in by the village shoemaker - Mr Norton. Peter, who had been one of the
four bell ringers and a member of the hand bell team, was also the senior choirboy and
was able to reunite with the cross he carried which is still clamped to the front choir stall.
Ann, Margaret and Elizabeth, however, recalled a full stage being built out from the pul-
pit steps every Christmas by the local builder, Mr Hodson, complete with full theatre
lighting by our father, Cyril Osborne. A full Nativity programme was enacted by the
school children whilst the church was packed full - all four columns of pews - with addi-
tional seating at the back of the church. Back in the day, we had two rear choir stalls of
men with one front stall of girls and the other front stall of boys whilst the body of the
church was usually fairly full - a real community gathering! Perhaps not quite so full
these days but it was good to see the church being used as a focal point for gatherings
over tea and cakes, with the opportunity for open discussion.
On the last day of a very memorable week, we were invited to Massingham school by
Ann Beardall, the head teacher who, together with the teachers, gave us a very warm
welcome. We sat at desks in the senior classroom in exactly the same spot that we had
done over 70 years ago remembering some of the teachers at the time. Mrs Morris and
Mrs Neal were still very clear in our minds. The children were a delight and full of ques-
tions which we hopefully answered satisfactorily. We were given the opportunity to view
some of the school's computerised historical photographs and delighted to identify our-
selves in some of the early prints. We called our visit 'Back to School' and thank good-
ness we were not punished for being 70 years late for school! We were very impressed
with the standard of the school and pupils which is, without doubt, due to the obvious
dedication and quality of the teachers. Well done to Massingham school. You deserve a
'Mention in Despatches' if not a medal!
The visit was a mixture of emotions and sheer delight and one we shall never forget. We
were met with a warm and gracious welcome from the village and we felt that, despite
the missing years, Massingham is still 'home'. We would like to thank everyone we met
for their kind hospitality.
Meanwhile, we can, at least, continue to stay in touch through the pages of the Mallard
and perhaps as members of the Historical Society? We would like to take the opportunity
to wish Ant Robinson a speedy recovery.
With very kind regards & best wishes for the future,
Ann, Peter, Margaret & Elizabeth - the Osborne family.
Very best wishes to all of you from the village and we look forward to further contact.
Fitness Mobility Norfolk Hospice Tapping House is pleased to
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Message To All Parishioners
Love is in the Air
We are well into 2018 now; Christmas and New Year celebrations are long gone and
there is a feeling of being back into the normal mundane daily routine of things.
However, at this time of year in the churches, we begin preparations with couples plan-
ning to marry in the months ahead, which is always a pleasure and a joy.
Furthermore, the middle of the month gives us an opportunity to celebrate once again –
to celebrate love. Many of you, I’m sure, will be looking forward to doing something
special on Valentine’s Day. Love is truly in the air this month.
So, for all you romantics out there, what is your best hope for the 14 th February 2018?
A card perhaps (at the very least!) or a message via social media so that the world may
know! Or maybe, it will be a dozen red roses, your favourite chocolates or even a meal
out. Or, better still, all of the above!
It’s a shame hardly any of us write love letters any more. Texts, emails, social media
just aren’t the same, or maybe I’m just becoming ‘old fashioned’.
Thinking about love though, I was struck by the words of Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer on
BBCs Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the day’ recently. His subject - ‘love’.
So, especially if you will be spending a quiet Valentine alone, remember this:
The bible is like a love letter from God to us. Inside its pages, we learn of God's great
love for us and everything that he has done. From the Creation stories to the Nativity we
learn who God is and, when we take the time to read those stories, we catch a glimpse of
not only the past but also the future. For the truth is, even though we may change, God
does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever and His love for us all is
constant.
When God sent Jesus, over two thousand years ago, to be born in a manger, into a world
of violence and suspicion, He did it with one purpose. To redeem the world and offer us
New Life in Him. God does not promise us an easy ride - but he does promise to be
with us always, in good times and in bad and His love for us is beyond measure – his
death on a cross showed us that. God was prepared to share in the world’s darkness and
Christ gave his all for us.
This was and is and always will be the most absolute total act of self-giving love the
world has ever, or will ever see. Much Love, Rev’d Jane
FUNERALS Women’s World
From the Parish Register Day of Prayer
2017
At Mintlyn Crematorium on 1st December, All God’s Creation is
Trevor Fordham of Great Massingham. Very Good!
At St. Mary, Great Massingham, A service for Women’s World Day of
7th December Linda Coe Prayer will be held on Friday 2nd March,
14th December Henry and Amelia at 2pm, at Pott Row Methodist Chapel.
Edwards The Christian women of Suriname in South America
2018 wrote the service and it has been translated into
At St. Lawrence, Harpley, 1,000 different languages and dialects, to be used,
25th January Pamela Watts across the whole world, on 2nd March, starting at
Our thoughts are with their sunrise over the island of Samoa and continuing
until sunset off the coast of American Samoa.
families at this sad time
It is not simply a day of prayer for women but
for everyone who cares about our world and
those who live in it
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Church Services
Date Time Service Location
4th February 8.30 am Holy Communion Ashwicken
2nd Sunday 9.30 am Family Service Harpley
before Lent 10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Morning Praise Gayton
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
Wed. 7th February 9.00 am Holy Communion Harpley
th
11 February 10.30 am Group Holy Communion Great Massingham
Sunday next 4.00 pm The Gap Pott Row Methodist
before Lent
14th February 10.30 am Holy Communion with Ashing Great Massingham
Ash Wednesday 7.00 pm Holy Communion with Ashing Grimston
18th February 8.30 am Holy Communion Roydon
First Sunday in 9.30 am Holy Communion Little Massingham
Lent 10.30 am Holy Communion Gayton
10.30 am Morning Praise Grimston
11.00 am Family Service Great Massingham
11.15 am Sung Holy Communion Harpley
21st February 9.00 am Holy Communion Grimston
th
25 February 8.30 am Holy Communion Congham
Second Sunday in 10.30 am Family Service Grimston
Lent 11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
3.00 pm Celtic Service Gayton Thorpe
Friday 2nd March 2.00 pm Women’s World Day of Prayer Pott Row Methodist
th
4 March 8.30 am Holy Communion East Walton
Third Sunday in 9.30 am Family Service Harpley
Lent 10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Morning Praise Gayton
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
6.00 pm Evensong Congham
Benefice Prayer Meeting, 4th February at 3pm at St Bartolph, Grimston.
For more news please visit our benefice website at www.ggmbenefice.uk

Family Services – What are they?

Well, it’s not a children’s service with adults present; neither is it a ser-
vice for adults with children present. It is not merely a service for families
or households with children in them. Rather, it is a worship time for the
old, young, married, widowed or single.
The service is informal with modern language and songs that all can join in with.
It’s simple Not trivial. The truths deep at the heart of the Christian faith are simple.
Whether you are in the habit of attending church regularly or not – give it a go!
Come and see!
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Shop window

D S PLUMBING
est 1990
Call 01485 542576
Or 07818 602258
Boiler Servicing, New Heating Systems,
Bathrooms, Breakdowns, Repairs,
Upgrades, All Plumbing Covered.

PRIVATE WING WITH TWO BEDROOMS, GAMES ROOM,

BREAKFAST ROOM AND GARDEN
Contact Su’en Miller
Tel: 01485 520 988 Parsley Barn
Mob: 07968 246 083 Weasenham Rd
Email: suen.miller@foxcotte.force9.co.uk Gt Massingham
Or book via www.airbnb.co.uk PE32 2EY

ALL ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer, A Warm Welcome Awaits
Children's Fitness Instructor, GP Exercise Referral Instructor
at
Nutrition and Weight Management,
Level 2 ASA Swimming Teacher, First Aid Qualified. Heath Farm, Lynn Lane, Great Massingham
01485 520828 www.lingscountrygoods.com

Welcomes old & new members

High quality fitted and free-standing

furniture. Individually designed,
Excellent facilities and
a friendly atmosphere. personally installed by experts from
Good beer, real ale, wines and spirits
all at competitive prices. our Great Massingham workshops.
Separate snooker room. www.tenacityinteriors.com
Satellite, large screen TV.
Outside drinking area.
Entertainment throughout the year.
Membership applications can be obtained CALL TODAY
from the club bar 01485 521888

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 Useful Numbers
Organisation Contact Phone No.
Allotment Association Gill Goold 0750 824 2223
Biodiversity Project Mike Jackson 520 056
Borough Council Tim Tilbrook 01485 601413
Bell Ringing Denys Winner 520 598
Bowls Club Peter Wadham 520 796
Church Contacts Revd Judith Pollard 01485 601 251
or Revd Jane Holmes 01553 636227
Community Car Scheme Office 520 823
Coronation Club Jill Whitmore 520 609
County Council Stuart Graham Dark 07450 679 355
Doctors Massingham Surgery 520 521

The Film Club Arthur Allen/Barry Talbot 520628/07818 807 738

Fishing Warden Deke Overson 520 143
Football Club Barry Talbot (seniors) 520 653
Guide Trefoil Guild Shirley Rae 520 259
Massingham Historical Society Peter James 521 706
Tennis and Multi-Sports Club Arthur Allen 520 628
Parish Council Kevin Webb (Clerk) 01328 855 046
Vic Cross (Chair) 520 387
Pre-School Pip Armitage 07807 185 746
Police Non-emergency 101
School Ann Beardall 520 362
Village Hall Hall & Bar & Vic Cross 520 588/520 387

The Village Store & Post Office OVEN CLEANING

• Local Free Range Eggs
CARPET CLEANING
• Twice Weekly Dry Cleaning Service SOFA CLEANING
• Holiday Insurance & Foreign Currency
• Euros on demand Call the local experts now

Clean Tech
Ray and staff
FREE local deliveries
welcome you to
your local shop,
7days a week.
every Thursday ! 01485 609223
Mon. to Sat. Village Store Card, cheque and cash
8am to 5.30pm Great Massingham
Sun. 9.30 -12.30 payments accepted
Tel: 520 272

15
 Toadwatch at HAWFINCHES
Great & Little Massingham at St. Mary’s
In the spring of 2017, local You may have noticed
people saved over 3000 toads, frogs & newts some strangers in the
from being squashed by cars when they church yard recently.
were on their way to their breeding ponds. Birdwatchers from around the county
Without this help, the have been visiting to see the flock of up
local toad populations to fourteen Hawfinches, the UK’s largest,
would now be severely rarest and most elusive finch. They have
depleted and as a conse- been in temporary residence following an
quence there would be influx from mainland Europe which has
many more slugs! been attributed to poor seed crop yields in
We need more people to help with the 2018 the bird’s usual winter feeding grounds,
spring migration in late February & March. in Germany and Romania. Geoff Randall
Please Volunteer to Help
There is more information at toadwatch.org
or phone John on 01603 812472 or email Thursday February 15th
massingham@toadwatch.org 7pm for 7.30pm, £4 entry.
Great Massingham Village Hall
BOWLS CLUB
RACE ‘The Exception’
NIGHT A riveting thriller set in
World War Two that is
Saturday filled with espionage and
February 24th romance in equal measure.
7.30pm start Starring Christopher
Plummer and Lily James.
£1 entry including programme
9 races and 50p per horse betting Coming soon……..
Come and support the Bowls Club and 15th March - ‘Death of Stalin’
try your luck. It will be great fun. 19th April - ‘Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool’

Dates for your Diary – February

Date Event Time Place
5 & 19 Feb Craft & Chat 2 - 4.30 pm Village Hall Bar
10 Feb Valentine’s Dinner and Dance 7 for 7.30 pm Village Hall
11 & 18 Feb West Norfolk Folk 7 - 10 pm Village Hall Bar
12 Feb Historical Society 7.30 pm Village Hall
15 Feb Film Club 7 for 7.30 pm Village Hall
19 Feb Parish Council Meeting 7.30 pm Village Hall
22 Feb Special Quiz 7 for 7.30 pm Village Hall & Bar
24 Feb Race Night 7.30 pm Village Hall
25 Feb Strollers 9.30 am At the Well

Volunteer Trustees Wanted

Do you have experience of organisations, charities or finance and skills in
administration, management or projects? Can you spare 2 hours a month?
The Village Preschool needs you. Contact ducklingspreschool@aol.com
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