The Mallard

Issue 308 June 2017

Presentation of Award to Deborah Reeve.
Thank
th
You Deborah! You Are a Star!
On Thursday 25 June, Deborah Reeve received the first Mike Tilbury Award in
recognition of her contribution to the community of Great Massingham over many years.
Appropriately the award was presented at a bingo night which Deborah has been running,
supported by husband Rod, for over thirty years. Deborah was also, from 1981 for many
years, treasurer and book keeper for the Village Hall.
The award was presented by Vic Cross,
Chairman of the Parish Council and Isobel
Tilbury, widow of the late Mike Tilbury.
Isobel read the following letter to Deborah
from Mikes sons, Paul and Richard, who
are living in North America:
On behalf of my brother Richard and my-
self we are delighted that Deborah is the
first recipient of the Mike Tilbury Award.
We have known your family for many years,
both Richard and I playing football with
Roddy many years ago when we were still
young lads. Dad was a huge fan of your
family, the way you have always supported
others in the village and been community
leaders. He would be delighted that Deborah was chosen for this recognition and on his
behalf we wanted to make sure that we extended our congratulations as well.
Both Richard and I miss the village but, even though we live in North America, so far
away, we feel connected to Massingham in a way that is difficult to explain. It was, and
always will be, a significant part of our life.
Isobel has added, In the year since Mike died, I have felt supported and loved by the
people in Massingham and am very fortunate to live here. Thank you Great Massingham.
Deborah received an individual, engraved shield. A larger shield, where recipients
names will be inscribed as awards are made, will be kept at the Village Hall.
The Mike Tilbury Award has been set up by Great Massingham Parish Council in
memory of Mike Tilbury who served as borough councillor for many years and contribut-
ed a great deal to our community. It is to be awarded biennially to persons who have con-
tributed voluntarily to improve the lives of residents. Andrew Bickerton

1
Mallard News
This parish magazine is Latest on the Village Hall Rejuvenation
published every month for the
There has been a lot going on behind scenes with the Refur-
residents of Great and Little
Massingham with the support ofbishment Committee working hard to overcome the obstacles
the Great Massingham Parish that must be cleared before the project can get underway.
Council, the Parochial Church
Council and Massingham Firstly, a very big thank you to the Parish Council who have
Village Hall Trustees. pledged a very significant sum to match funding we are seek-
www.greatmassingham.net ing from the Big Lottery Fund. This support strengthens our
e-mail:
mallard.editor@btinternet.com case with the Big Lottery and should greatly improve our
Editorial Committee chances of financial support.
Editor: Bev. Randall. Given that we have costed plans for the planned rejuvenation
6 Abbeyfields the issue that has worried us from day one is VAT. Despite
Great Massingham being for a charitable purpose and funded by money from char-
01485 520 899
Treasurer: David Baines
itable sources we were still in line to be liable to VAT at 20 per
01485 520 966 cent. This, as you can imagine, makes a huge difference to
Website : Caroline Boyden what we could achieve. After seeking advice from a VAT spe-
01485 521 816 cialist and Community Action Norfolk (CAN) we have found a
way to mitigate the potential burden to a manageable level.
Deadline for the This potentially frees up funds to improve the entrance and
next issue drive to the Hall. We have costed plans now to improve the
th
20 June sightlines down the road when leaving the Hall, improve the
lighting along the drive and plans to introduce a delineated
In this issue path to keep pedestrians and vehicles apart. Hopefully this
should make coming to and leaving the Hall a lot safer espe-
Thank You Deborah cially for those on foot.
Open Garden To achieve this change in VAT status we will need to modify
Village Hall Latest the way the Hall is constituted to become a Charitable Incorpo-
Film Club rated Organisation (CIO). The downside to this move is that it
Music in Church will take more time as we work with CAN and complete the
Social Club Fees legal process, (although it should not delay our Big Lottery
Village Hall Events
West Norfolk Folk submission) the upsides are we can modify our constitution
Quiz Night and improve our VAT position. In addition, we will have only
Craft & Chat one registry to deal with The Charity Commission, whereas a
Bottle Bank limited company charity also must file accounts with Compa-
Fitness For Health nies House and the Village Hall will have a legal personality of
Gert & Daisy its own, enabling it to conduct business in its own name, in-
Historical Walk stead of the names of the trustees.
Histry Bits So, its onwards and upwards towards the refurbishment. We
Strollers will keep you informed of progress in future Mallards. P.Ward
Tennis Open Day
Ducklings Pre-School
Grassroots Malawi
Health Visitor Clinic Thursday June 15th , 7 for 7.30pm, 4 entry.
Baby & Toddler Massingham Village Hall. Refreshments available after the show.
Revd Judiths Letter Lion
Mobile Library A five year old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Cal-
Church News cutta, far from home. He survives many challenges before
Church Services being adopted by a couple from Australia. Twenty-five
The Lovat Scouts years later he sets out to find his lost family..
Dates for your Diary Coming in July .. The Olive Tree

2
Mallard News
A GARDEN NOT TO BE MISSED Village Hall
A garden for nature and you Social Club Membership
Come and see the garden at Thank you to all of you who have re-
Johore, 9 Abbey Road newed your Social Club membership for
on Sunday 25th June from 2 to 5 pm. 2017/18 promptly. Your support is ap-
At the same time you will be supporting preciated to keep the club a vibrant part
Great Massinghams Biodiversity Project. of the village.
Membership subscriptions run from 1st
There will be refreshments and plants for sale.
April to 31st March the following year so
The garden is just over one acre in size with a
wildflower meadow, woodland walk, orchard, if you are yet to pay your dues we should
ponds and informal flower borders. be grateful if you could do so. We have
changed the fees slightly for this year:-
It aims to be a garden for nature with the aim
Adults
to encourage wildlife and support butterflies, 10
bees and other pollinators. Over 14 & in full-time education 5
Come along and enjoy a relaxing hour or two Concessions (Over 65 years) 7
in peaceful surroundings. Entrance is only 2Guests 2
per person. Accompanied children under ten The Social Club is run by the directors
years old are free. Please come and support. of Great Massingham Social Club Com-
Andrew Bickerton.munity Interest Company (CIC).
Appointed by the Trustees of the Village
MISIC IN COUNTRY CHURCHES Hall Charity (Charity No. 303959) the
25th and 26th July at St Marys Church directors are Vic Cross, Sandy Francis,
A varied & quality programme. Please support Debbie Lambert, Mel Whitmore and Phil
Buy your tickets -Box Office: 01485 535 071 Ward. The profits of the CIC support the
Mon - Fri 9.30am to 4.30pm Village Hall and playing field.
Website: musicincountrychurches.com CIC Directors

Shop window

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3
Mallard News Village Hall
VILLAGE HALL REGULAR EVENTS Craft and Chat
Keep Fit Wed.12.30 to 1.30pm Village Hall Bar
Bingo Fridays at 7.30pm 2pm - 4.30.
Auction Sundays 1.50 includes refreshments.
Coronation Club (4th Wed.) 2pm - 4pm Dates for June: 5th & 19th
Baby &Toddler Thurs. 10am - 11.30am Dates for July: 3rd, 17th & 24th
W/Norfolk Radio Sundays 7pm -10pm
Craft & Chat (1st & 3rd Mon) 2 - 4pm
Trefoil Guild 2nd Thursday, each month NEXT QUIZ NIGHT - 22nd June
Film Club 3rd Thursday, each month Meet 7pm for 7.30pm start,
Village Hall Bar
Quiz Nights 4th Thursday, each month If you are interested in helping run the
Bowls Sessions Mondays 2 - 4pm. (2) Quiz Nights please contact Keith Bowes.
Historical Society 2nd Monday 7.30pm
West Norfolk Folk Live Shows VILLAGE HALL BOTTLE BANK
Village Hall Bar 7-10pm, free entry. The Village Hall will always
4th June Kings Lynn band Boxwood appreciate and benefit from
Chessmen and Massingham duo empty bottles which you
The Baroness and the Bear.
18th June Peterborough band take to their Bottle Bank.
The Malingerers. Please use the Hall Bottle Banks.
25th June Lincolnshire band Pennyless and They help provide much needed income
Kings Lynn/Massingham duo
Jerry Seaton and Paul Borley towards refurbishing the Hall.

Bowls Club. Fitness Mobility

The new Bowls Pavilion was officially opened Every Thursday, Docking Surgery,
on May 23rd. Full report next month. 11.30 - 12.30.
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Shop window

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5
Mallard News
Gert & Daisy........ Well, how are yew gitting on tergether? Did yer miss us?
Well weve hed a luvly holiday and seem ter hev brort the weather back with us you
lucky lot! We met several more furriners a nice couple from Kent and a couple from
Wroxham. The food and drink wus luvly. We hed a very norty child behind us on the
plane cumming hum and hev decided that children should go in the hold with the lug-
gage.
We went ter the Trefoil Coffee evening afore we went and hed a couple of wins on the
quizzes and raffle. Daisy won two nice puzzle books ideal fer our holiday but when she
opened them they were owt of date and hed already bin started!
We wus hoping Ben Mortons wife wud hev hed their baby by now but its not here yet
so well hev to report on sex and weight next toime.
We must hev missed a lot of gossip whilst we wus away but hint hed toime ter catch up.
Gert and Bert are off ter see Mrs Brown and her Boys in June. Gert loikes him/her very
much as they speak almost the same language. That cud come in handy when they go ter
Ireland with Sid and Daisy later in the year.
Sid hev med a gud job of the Bowls Club garden and hev even put a sculpture up there.
He hev recycled Gert and Berts garden bench and Daisy sed she wishes he wud do the
same for the one at home!
Thas Gerts special birthday very soon and we will be enjoying a luvly meal at the Fox.
Daisys not-so-special birthday is later in the month.
Hopefully well hev more news next month.
Dew yew keep atroshing. Gert and Daisy.
Thought of the month
War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Norfolk words:-
Blunder: To fall over: I hoolly blundered over in the rud, I did!
Brawk: To belch loudly after meals!

Village Historical
Walk
At least twenty people
joined the Historical
Society walk on the
22nd April led by our
local history expert
Ant Robinson.
Ant travelled in style as
you can see from the
picture left although I
think there were some
issues with the controls!
It was an interesting
walk offering much
historical information
about our village.
Thanks Ant.

6
Shop window
FUN FRIENDLY
ZUMBA CLASSES
Harpley Village Hall Mon. 7 - 8 pm
Wed. 9.30 - 10.30 am
Leziate Village Hall Thurs. 6.30 - 7.30 pm
Classes 4 each. For further information
please contact Julie Austin on
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Contact Donna on 07793 737 312
all the staff at the Dabbling Duck.
Open all day every day
Bar 12-11pm Mon.-Sat. & to 10.30pm Sun.
Ducklings Pre-School Morning Coffee & Tea 10am to noon
c/o Gt. Massingham Primary School
Weasenham Road Afternoon Tea & Cake 3 - 5.30pm
Breakfast 8 -10am Lunch 12 - 2.30pm
Dinner 6.30 - 9.00pm Mon. to Thurs
Dinner 6pm - 9.30pm Fri. & Sat.
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7
Mallard News
Histry Bits.... The Malignant
In October 1642, the peace and quiet of Massingham and its
surrounding countryside was shattered by the arrival of a
troop of sinister, heavily armed, leather-clad horsemen led by
a certain Oliver Cromwell. Its mission? To seize money,
weapons and supplies to provision an 8,000 strong Parlia-
mentarian army camped at Setchey, awaiting orders to begin
the siege of the strategically vital port of Kings Lynn. The
English Civil War, which would culminate seven years later
in the execution of Charles the First, had begun.
Cromwell, then still a lowly Captain but, later to become Oliver Cromwell
Lord Protector of England, chose his targets carefully. Top of
his hit list were the local West Norfolk gentry with their large
country estates who, almost to a man, backed the King. Chief amongst the landowners
were the Lestranges of Hunstanton, the Spelmans of Congham, the Pastons of Appleton,
and, last but not least, the Mordaunts of Little Massingham.
Sir Charles Mordaunt, Lord of the Manor, had succeeded to the title at the age of 23, and
was a staunch royalist. Referred to by Cromwell as a malignant, no contemporary rec-
ord exists of the meeting between the two men but it must have been a heated one. It
resulted in the seizure of the landowners goods, which, after an excellent harvest, were
considerable. Using farm wagons, the plunder was transported from Massingham to
Swaffham, where a central depot had been set up to supply the needs of the waiting army.
The landowners got the message, and gentlemen from the surrounding countryside
(including Sir Charles) hurried to Lynn to offer their services as volunteers in its de-
fence. Within days, Lynn was under heavy siege, with eighteen thousand Parliamentarian
soldiers drawn tightly around the town like a living girdle. Boats were requisitioned,
and siege ladders were constructed to scale the town walls and break down the gates. The
Earl of Manchester who commanded the Parliamentarian army, held a Council of War
and it was decided to attack the town simultaneously by sea and land. A heavy bombard-
ment began, with cannon balls smashing into St. Margarets Church. The towns fate
seemed sealed. But they reckoned without the Mayor of Lynn, a certain Alderman
Leeke. Anxious to preserve what was left of his home town, he put on his chain of office,
tied a white flag to a stick and, to the consternation of both the siegers and the besieged,
who had not been consulted, surrendered. The landowners were sent home, the army
dispersed and, it being Norfolk, things returned rapidly to normal.
So where was Cromwell when all this was happening? In Lincolnshire with his horse-
men. He had bigger battles to fight.. David Miller

8
Mallard News
Strollers. Taking the Easy Way
On Sunday 21st May six strollers started their walk from Crosss Grave to East Rudham.
We had been taken to the cross roads by car thus avoiding the steep hill. It was pointed
out that Crosss Grave in no way related to Vic as he was still alive and kicking! If any-
body can enlighten me as to the derivation of the name please do.
The narrow lane was, for the most part, quite
peaceful until scores of cyclists streamed past.
Apparently bicycle bells are no longer fashiona-
ble! With oak trees and ash trees on either side
and lush verges bordering the lane it all seemed
quite idyllic. We eventually arrived at Pockthorpe
where we took advantage of the picnic table by
the pond (see picture). Here, one of our number
returned with her dog to collect her car.
After handing over some litter collected on route
to a local resident, we continued our stroll past
the village hall and primary school. We noticed that, although the village hall was new,
the gates were locked and there was no sign of life. How different to our own village
hall which may need some TLC but is always busy!
We arrived at our destination, The Crown Inn, where we were joined by three non-
walkers and enjoyed a relaxing drink and a good Sunday lunch.
Next Strollers is on Sunday 18th June; the route to be decided later. Andrew Bickerton.

Tennis Club Open Day Is A Big Hit!
The Tennis Club hosted its fourth Great
British Tennis Weekend, with an Open Day
on 13th May which attracted a record turn-
out of over 100 people.
As part of a nationwide event organised by
the LTA, it gave everyone, young or old,
rookie or experienced player, the chance to
play tennis for free. More than 50 children
took part in the mornings coaching ses-
sions with a new Girls only session prov-
ing very popular. The teenage session al-
lowed youngsters to test their speed of
serve, with Luca Ramasso serving at an
impressive 90 mph. Despite the odd show-
er, the sun came out in the afternoon when
over 20 people joined in the Cardio tennis.
There was also the opportunity to use the
ball machine at various speeds or just chill
with a burger! (see pictures left & right)
KES coaches Jeremy Hodges and Ashley
Swift were on loan to our club for the day
and did a wonderful job in making it fun for
everyone, whether a complete novice or a
seasoned player.
9
Thanks to Luca Ramasso, Ethan Sparks
and Ben Talbot-Williams for their enthusi-
astic help during the day. Thanks to the
BBQ Team, Barrie Colvin for providing &
manning the ball machine, photographer,
Alan Petto and for all who helped on the
day including the cake-makers and lastly to
all who turned up to join in and find out
more and who hopefully enjoyed the day!
Massingham Tennis and Multisports Club
has 212 members ranging in age from four
to eighty-three! It won Norfolk LTA Club
of the Year 2015 and Finalist Active Nor-
folk Community Club of the Year.
If you would like further information,
please contact Arthur Allen on 01485
520628 or Ali Ward on 01485 520700.
Mallard News
DUCKLINGS PRESCHOOL NEWS....................
Firstly, Tales from The Potting Shed. Peter prefers lettuce so we are growing tomatoes,
so they should be safe from the rabbits, if not the snails but were not so sure about Cal-
lum. He does a real good imitation of Mr Mcgregor. The peas that were growing in the
plastic bags and cotton wool on the washing line in the window have now been potted as
they were threatening triffid like behaviour. The individual Seed Story books describe
a pictorial story of imbibition and germination with some excellent examples of the de-
velopment of mark making into writing. Its all about pen control and following the yel-
low highlighter. Joining dots doesn't work, believe me.
For the pop up Pets at the Vets week there was the rabbit, the guinea pig, the tortoises
Delilah and Barnaby and Larry the Lamb (real one) - hence the enclosure on the lawn.
We really didn't use it to stop Chloe escaping. Apparently Larry used to be on Children's
Hour on something called the Home Service. Our children, four generations down the
line, use the ipads at preschool to check out learning zone apps, but we dont teach them
how to create ebay accounts. It wasnt us.
The sunken tyre trail is used as an obstacle course by the 2 year olds. This develops their
balance, encourages risk taking and problem solving. Skills for future entrepreneurs?
The People Who Help Usactivity weeks included a trip to the Fire Station which was
popular with the parents as well as the children. It was all about the Fire Engine, the real
one. Get a grip. Donna the Dentist was fun with a serious message and a set of very big
teeth. Why exactly do we give our children sweets and sugar drinks? When did your
child last go to the dentist? When did you?
Lovely story about one of our pre-schoolers, coping with going to hospital by wearing
one of our doctor outfits complete with stethoscope and was stopped by a doctor wear-
ing the same outfit who wanted our doctor to treat his tummy ache. Ah.
The woolly mammoth has been spotted in the far field again, we have the instruction
book in our library on how to wash it. We dont get too close, even if it thinks its one of
the sheep. Some time ago, our pre-schoolers had moved onto school and were being
taught about how woolly mammoths had died out millions of years ago. Sheer increduli-
ty from preschool alumni. But Miss........................ Pip Armitage

GRASSROOTS MALAWI Great Massingham Baby and Toddler

Stalls On The Green, Near the Well, EVERY
Saturday June 24th , from 9am
Books, Jumble, Brick a Brac, Toys etc. THURSDAY 1.50
10 - 11.30am
Cancelled if wet. at the Village Hall Tea
Please come and join us. Snack and
Great Massingham See us on Facebook
Cake
Health Visitor Clinic
Make the most of this clinic
Next visit is on June 27th Your local

Bring your baby to be weighed & chat with HANDYWOMAN

Gt Massingham Village Hall, 10 -11 am.

the Community Health Visitor about any NAOMI LITTLEWOOD

concerns. Mobile: 07557790226
Stay & Play Sessions included. NO JOB TOO SMALL
Tel:Dereham Childrens Centre
01362 692 839, yourlocalhandywoman@gmail.com

10
Shop window

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11
Message to All Parishioners

T A
VicarsO LetterLL P
for Flamin June
ARISHIONERS
The sound of Mendelssohns Wedding March will soon be echoing around
our villages its June, although perhaps not flamin June as I write but cer-
tainly the start of the main wedding season. They say if you marry in June
youre a bride all your life, and the bridegroom who marries in June gets a sweetheart
for a wife. Well, there may not be seven brides for seven brothers this year but its just
as exciting for all those involved in planning a wedding.
People are still choosing to tie the knot in church, making solemn promises in the eyes
of God and in front of the gathered congregation, despite competition from alternatives
like all-in-one wedding and reception venues. Vows of love made in public are always
extremely moving and its a joy and privilege to be alongside couples at this important
time in their lives. We consider the different qualities of love: such as patience, kind-
ness, trust and forbearance, truthfulness; and the cost of loving someone -because love
always comes at a cost.
So in June, love is in the air and it would be good to keep this uppermost in our minds as
we are all drawn to other more turbulent events, less joyful perhaps but certainly emo-
tionally charged. Im thinking of the General Election.
Many people are anxious and disturbed by the challenging, uncharted political territory
in which we find ourselves regardless of how we voted in the referendum or plan to vote
on Thursday June 8th. Love in all its complexity is conspicuously absent from the politi-
cal arena, especially during election campaigns, and yet, we need it so much.
Our Archbishops Justin and John have written an open pastoral letter to the whole coun-
try, available to read in its entirety on the Church of England website. In it they urge us
to take inspiration from the ancient Christian values of love, trust and hope, while play-
ing our part in these troubled times with generosity and kindness: the season of Easter
invites us to celebrate and renew our love of God and our love of our neighbour, our
trust and hope in God and in each other.
Some people think that the Church should never speak out nor involve itself in politics;
but being the established Church, church and state are inextricably entwined in our
Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, Defender of the Faith and Head of State. She offers us a
perfect example of loving, prayerful service to all her people without exception, whatev-
er they choose to vote on June 8th. My love and prayers to you all and for our country.
Yours in Christ, Judith

BAPTISM WEDDING
th
On 28 May at Little Massingham at
Oliver Antony Lockwood St Marys,
Great Massingham.
Good wishes to Oliver and his family.
On Saturday 27th May between
NEXT MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS Daniel Pickard and
6th June and 4th July Rebecca Fanneran
From 11am. For timetable see:
www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries Many congratulations to you both.

Forthcoming Events For Your Diary :

Roydons Bit of A Do - 8th July Congham Fete & Snail Racing - 15th July
Bawsey Ruins Walk & Tea - 20th August Last Night of the Proms - 16th September

12
Church Services
Date Time Service Location
Sunday 4th June 8.30 am Holy Communion Ashwicken
9.30 am Family Service Harpley
10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Morning Praise Gayton
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
Wed. 7th June 9.00 am Holy Communion Harpley
Sunday 11th June 10.30 am Group Holy Communion Great Massingham
4.00 pm The Gap Pott Row Methodist
Sunday 18th June 8.30 am Holy Communion Roydon
9.30 am Holy Communion Little Massingham
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
Wed. 21st June 9.00 am Holy Communion Grimston
th
Sunday 25 June 8.30 am Holy Communion Congham
10.30 am Family Service Gayton
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
Sunday 2nd July 8.30 am Holy Communion East Walton
9.30 am Family Service Harpley
10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Morning Praise Gayton
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
Wed. 5th July 9.00 am Holy Communion Harpley
Benefice Prayer Meetings, Sunday 4th June at Congham & 2nd July at Ashwicken
For more news please visit our benefice website at www.ggmbenefice.uk
CHURCH NEWS Annual Tractor Rally
Wednesday Teas are held at St Marys every Sunday 18th June 2017, 2pm to 5pm
Wednesday from 3 pm until 4.30pm. Come This is a popular annual event organised by
for a relaxing time with friends for a chat and, The Friends of St Botolph. Thanks to
of course, tea and delicious cake! Roger & Christine Coe for hosting it at
Music in Country Churches Manor Farm, Gayton Road, Grimston.
The tractors will be available for viewing
25th & 26th July at St Marys from 9.30am to 10.30am before they set off,
St Marys has been privileged to host another returning to the farm for the afternoon.
concert from Music in Country Churches.
You might remember the last one in 2012 - a
real treat for music lovers. There will be lots FUNERAL
to do & we will require stewards & sponsors. From the Parish Register, Little Massingham
If you are interested and would like to help 26th April 2017 at St Andrews
Edward Woor
Please contact Margaret on 520 135 Our thoughts are with his family.

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est 1990
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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

14
 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
British Legion & 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 679355
Doctors Massingham Surgery 520 521

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

Fishing Warden Nigel Yates 520 844/0794979970
Football Club Barry Talbot (seniors) 520 653
Guide Trefoil Guild Shirley Rae 520 259
Massingham Historical Society Anthony Robinson 520 455
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

Award winning ham and bacon.
CARPET CLEANING
Car Insurance & Home Phone Package SOFA CLEANING
Money Grams
National Lottery Call the local experts now

Clean Tech
Ray and staff
welcome you to
your local shop,
7days a week.
FREE local deliveries
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
Historical Society. Display At Docking Uncovers the Past
I've recently had enquires about The Lovat Scouts, who were a Scottish Highland
Mounted Brigade on small Highland Horses, known to be stationed in Hunstanton and,
maybe, in Massingham or Houghton Hall. This was all new news to me!
The Historical Society, had a Display at Docking's Bank Holiday Historical meet over
the May Day Bank Holiday. It was fantastic! Like-minded villages displayed their rec-
ords for all to peruse.
It was a lovely atmosphere of like-minded people sharing their knowledge and not just
looking at each others displays and little more. Instead people were saying, "Oh, I've got
some stuff for you." A bit like a Stock
Exchange! Then I was handed a folder
containing two years worth of WW1
history of the Massingham's from
1915/16 totally unknown to us. The im-
ages included:
The 1/2nd Lovat Scouts in Massingham,
a photo of 25 Scouts watering their po-
nies in the Post Office Pit! Another pic-
ture was of a Scout on a Motor Bike on
Station Road looking north. (see picture)
The amazing thing is the three Twinned
Chimney Stacks on the Fox & Pheasant,
(10 feet tall).
The photos are poor quality so we will be trying to get better from their Museum.
Then there are all the Press cuttings describing Concerts, Sport Competitions', Wed-
dings, Bag Piping, Smoking Competitions. All were held in the Club Room behind the
Rose & Crown, a Barn in Little Massingham and our School.
All these events were attended by the Local Dignitaries, Dewar, McAnnally, Dring &
many more.
Barrack House is now confirmed as their Barracks. There were large amounts of build-
ings behind here and if you look in the Wall down the Lane there is a bricked-up Arch.
Its just the right size for a Scout on his Pony to enter the Yard beyond.
What a rare find! We will pull it all together and publish a book.
This is the what our Society is about, finding and recording your Villages History.
Ant Robinson
Dates for your Diary June
Date Event Time Place
4,18,25 June West Norfolk Folk 7-10 pm Village Hall Bar
5,19 June Craft & Chat 2 - 4.30pm Village Hall Bar
12 June Historical Society 7.30 pm Village Hall
15 June Film Club 7 for 7.30pm Village Hall
18 June Strollers 9.30 am At the Well
22 June Quiz Night 7.30 pm Village Hall Bar
24 June Stall On The Green 9am Near the Well
25 June Open Garden 2 - 5 pm 9 Abbey Road
27 June Health Visitor Clinic 10 - 11 am Village Hall
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