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The Signpost
The Signpost
Signpost - Issue 63 Village Contacts
Editorial Team: Cockley Cley
Editor: Jim Mullenger
David Hotchkin jacey@btinternet.com
signposteditor@btinternet.com 01760 722 849
Sub Editor & Invoicing:
David Stancombe Foulden
Next copy date: David Stancombe
14th of March 2021 david.e.stancombe@gmail.com
01366 328 153
Website:
fouldennorfolk.org/signpost/ Great Cressingham
Hannah Scott
For obvious reasons, this is hscott@acbacon.co.uk
a heavily redacted and online 07900 265 493 / 01760 440439
only edition. (At the time of
typing, it is possible that No. 64 Gooderstone and Didlington
may have to go out in the same Kate Faro-Wood
way). So, the saga of Anne katefarowood@yahoo.co.uk
Murphy and Charles Grantly is 01366 328441
missing (they are on COVID
holidays and may return soon). Fiona Gilbert
So is any input from our MP fionagilbert@icloud.com
and Nautical Expressions.
I know that the new Hilborough & Bodney
lockdown has produced a fair Keith & Linda Thomas
amount of gloom and that it SignpostTreasurer
doesn’t just apply to me… I’m @btinternet.com (no spaces)
hoping that the lengthening of 01760 756 455
days and the onset of Spring
will cheer us up. Oxborough
On P.7, you will find a link to David Hotchkin (The Editor)
some Norfolk walks… I would Email: See above left.
very strongly urge you not to 01366 328 442
wander too far from home - and
if you get caught, don’t blame Little Cressingham & Threxton
me or Signpost! Chris Cannon
Ed. chriscannon1950@yahoo.co.uk
2
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CONTENTS Page
Signpost contact details ........................................................... 2
Contents................................................................................... 3
Parish Councils ...................................................................4-6
Village News
Village News .......................................................................7-13
Church News
Church Matters .................................................................13-14
From the Vicar ....................................................................... 15
Articles
Poems ..............................................................................16-19
Keeper of the Month .........................................................20-21
From Chris Cannon................................................................ 22
Classified Adverts ...........................................................23-49
For Advertisements
Charges Per Issue:
Whole page £14, back cover £16, 1/2 page (landscape) £7.
Copy should be in MS Word or JPEG formats, please.
Contact: signposteditor@btinternet.com
Please note that all ads. in this issue are ‘free’
because it is not a paper copy distribution.
The ‘copy count’ will restart when our
distributors can go door-to-door again.
3
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OXBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Simon Willies
Vice Chair: Linda Buckingham
Members: Ian Monson, Bernie Chapman
Clerk: Susan Hernandez 07900 587825
Website: oxborough-pc.wixsite.com/website
Next meeting: TBA
The Village Green is available for hire (terms & conditions apply).
Please contact the Parish Clerk for details and fees.
COCKLEY CLEY PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Sir Samuel Roberts Bt.
Vice Chair: Mr Jim Mullenger.
Members: Mr Steve Mumford, Ms Karina Eagle.
Mr David Johnson. Ms Donna Smith
Parish Clerk: Sir Samuel Roberts Bt.
Cockley Cley Hall,
Cockley Cley, Swaffham,
PE37 8AG Tel.01760 721 308
Next meeting: Date: 15th Feb. 2021 at 7.00pm, subject to
COVID-19 restrictions.
Website: cockleycleyparishcouncil.wordpress.com
GREAT CRESSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Michael Halls
Vice-Chair: Marcus Rutterford
Members: Victoria Rutterford, Kate Forsythe, Peter Heath,
Ed Kittell, Sally Blundell
Clerk Hannah Scott
Homestead, Farm Common Road ,Ashill IP25 7BA
07900 265 493 / 01760 440439
Website: www.impulse-music.co.uk/great Cressingham
Next meetings: TBA.
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FOULDEN PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Stephen Parker.
Vice Chair: Jayne Winterbone
Members: Stephen (Billy) Pye, Neil West, Richard Cooper,
Marianne Christian.
There is 1 casual vacancy: please contact the
Clerk, if you would like to be co-opted.
Parish Clerk: Claire Prentice, Tel: 07591 220390
Email: fouldenpc@gmail.com
Next meeting: Monday 8th March 2021 at 7.00pm,
Zoom meeting: please apply to the Parish Clerk
for a login link and key.
Website: www.fouldennorfolk.org
GOODERSTONE PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Andrew Boughen
Vice Chair: Ann Melhuish
Members: Martin Belton, Judy Chandler, Kate Faro Wood,
Lucy Mason Closs, Vince Martin.
Clerk: Judith Taylor. Tel: 01366 500722.
email: gooderstonepc@gmail.com
Please note that the email given above is new and that it should
please be used for all Parish Council business from now on.
Website: gooderstonepc.wixsite.com/gooderstonepc
Next meeting: Normally: second Monday every two months:
9th March 2021, 7.00pm, TBC
Gooderstone Community Facebook Page:
search for Gooderstone Community Group.
5
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HILBOROUGH PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Andrew Steward. Tel: 01760 756247
Members: Mrs. Sharan Newnham, Ms. Sarah Mennell.
Carol Cox, Claire Bowes, Henry Sands,
Steve Gornall
Clerk: Melanie Cousins. Tel: 07840 814417.
hilboroughparishclerk@gmail.com
Next Meetings:
From 2021 the Council will meet 4 times during the year at
7.00 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the Mills Memorial
Hall, Westgate Street, Hilborough. The next meeting is to be 16th
February - subject to Covid-19 advice.
18th May 2021 – AGM, Annual Parish Meeting & Parish Council.
Other Parish Council meetings for 2021 are
21st September and 16th November.
Website:
hilboroughpc.wixsite.com/hilboroughpc/hilborough-parish-council
LITTLE CRESSINGHAM & THREXTON
PARISH COUNCIL
Chair: Tony Abel.
Mob: 07836 338100 Email: tony@abelhomes.co.uk
Vice Chair: Tim Leonard Tel: 01953 882739
Members: Ashton Austin, Martin Kay, Chris Cannon.
Clerk: Melanie Cousins. Tel: 07840 814417.
lcparishclerk@gmail.com
Website: lcparishclerk.wixsite.com/lcressinghamthrexton
Next Meeting: Thursday 13th May 2021 at 7.30pm
Venue, time and date to be confirmed.
STANTA (Training Area):
Details of military training activities are available from the Parish
Council website quoted above. New information is now available
for February.
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VILLAGE NEWS & WHAT’S ON
HILBOROUGH
Mobile Libraries
Due to the COVID-19 lockdown all Norfolk Library services are
suspended until further notice.
Also, all items currently on loan will be automatically renewed
and no further charges will be incurred until further notice.
Visit our Library service coronavirus update page for further
information on service closures and what you can still access from
home.
Please note that Twitter conversations are also suspended.
[Please note: Make & Mardle and Village Hall activities are
suspended due to COVID-19, Ed.]
HILBOROUGH VILLAGE HALL
Hall Bookings: The hall is available for functions, parties and
other activities.
Capacity 120 persons: Rates £12.00 per hour.
Please contact Clare Gornall on 01760 756 561
or Gerald Gray on 01760 756338 or on GeraldGray@tiscali.co.uk
HILBOROUGH VILLAGE COMMUNICATIONS
Hilborough Village has two forms of Communication.
The aim is to provide residents with the means of sharing local
news, events alerts, updates and general items of chosen interest
to Hilborough villagers. If you would like to be included in this
initiative you can do so via:
1. Facebook – Via your Facebook page search for
Hilborough Village Community News and click the
‘joinrequest’ button; OR...
2. Email –Hilboroughvillagenews@gmail.com to be included in
future mailing.
(Please contact Sarah on 07974 955175 / 01760 756126 if you
have any questions or difficulties in joining)
7
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WALKIES?
[N.B. Don’t get caught outside your Parish! Ed.]
Are you fed-up with doing the same old walks?
Walking in Norfolk www.walkinginengland.co.uk/norfolk is the
website for you!
With hundreds of walks to download and print, free, it also has
books of walks, contact details for all the walking groups in the
county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or
with a group all the information is there in one place.
John said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but
it is difficult to find. Walking in Norfolk (part of the Walking in
England suite of websites (www.walkinginengland.co.uk) – one for
each county in England) has brought it together in one place so
whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will
be able to find a walk suitable for you’.
With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note
of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a
walk to enjoy.
So home or away, check out the website and get walking!
John Harris
www.walkinginengland.co.uk
email: john@walkinginengland.co.uk
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COCKLEY CLEY EVENTS & NEWS
The Parish Council is actively seeking ideas to address the
needs of children in the Parish. Please contact the Parish Clerk,
Sir Samuel Roberts, if you have any thoughts.
[I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Parish Council
very much for their recent contribution to Signpost funds, Ed.]
OXBOROUGH EVENTS & NEWS
Wednesday. Every week.
Fresh fish delivered by fish4you. Door-to-door.
See Oxborough Voice website for details of services.
Wednesday. Every week.
Fish & Chip Van On the Pound between 6.30pm and 7.00pm.
(May remain longer depending on the volume of customers).
Oxborough Website
‘The Oxborough Voice’ has been set up by Tristan Tomlinson, in
addition to his ‘Oxborough Village Hub’ Facebook page, and is now
expanding in content. Simply put the following into your browser’s
search/URL field: oxborough.org.uk
Play Equipment Update
The Parish Council had a meeting on the 27th January, and
there is news on the children’s play area. Oxborough Farms Ltd,
are sending a letter to the Council to state that they now agree to a
play area on the green. However, conditions will apply:
The equipment must be in line with the proposal already put
forward, to ensure that the equipment is in keeping with the
general character of the village.
It also has to be in a different location to that initially proposed
(near the great beech tree). It should be alongside the hedge near
the pub.
The agreement would require the Council to re-apply to
Oxborough Farms Ltd. for renewed permission in 5 years time, in
order that the equipment may continue to be used. The Council will
consider the proposal in the coming weeks.
If you wish to contact the Parish Council to make your opinion
known on the subject, you should please contact the Parish Clerk.
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GREAT CRESSINGHAM NEWS
Great Cressingham Defibrillator Charity.
Great Cressingham Defibrillator Charity monthly prize draw is to
support the ongoing running cost. It costs £1 a month and you are
given a number that is in a cash prize draw each month. To enter
or for more information contact gcdefibrillatorcharity@gmail.com /
visit our Facebook page or call 07775866642.
Great Cressingham Parish Council Meeting went ahead on
14th December 2020 / Next meeting will be postponed until we
are allowed to meet again but the PC are in constant contact
so if you have any issues please contact Hannah
1. Various streetlights that haven’t been working have been
reported and fixed
2. Church Path - a few issues on how Highways have left certain
edges- Marcus/ Ed and Peter agreed to have a tidy up
3. Grass Cutting -
4. Help campaign – Peter reported that there wasn’t much need
for this in the 2ndlockdown but have helped where needed and
has had high interest from volunteers – So thank you to
everyone who has helped – if you need anything please contact
Peter Heath
5. Precept agreed to be £7500.00 - £500.00 increase (1st increase
in 5 years)
6. Planning - Waterend - No Objections
If anyone has anything they need to bring to our attention, we
are always here … please contact Hannah on 07900 265493
or hscott@acbacon.co.uk
Litter Picking - Tony Smith is organising litter picking if you would
like to volunteer please contact Hannah and she’ll put you in touch
with Tony or you can contact Tony via Great
Cressingham Facebook Page
Great Cressingham Church
The church will remain open for private prayers during the
10The Signpost
lockdown unless we are told to keep it locked .
Events
We will advise once known re:
Duck Race/ Harvest Festival / Village Fete, etc.
The Village Hall
Currently the use of Great Cressingham Village Hall is
suspended, due to COVID-19 restrictions, until further notice.
However, it is hoped that normal activities will be able to resume
early next year.
Provisional bookings for 2021 are still being accepted, but will
obviously be subject to Government restrictions that may still
pertain on the booked date.
Great Cressingham Village Hall is an excellent venue available
for hire at reasonable rates; spacious hall, stage, tables and
chairs, recently modernised kitchen facilities, lighting and PA
system, and parking.
For further details contact Sally Lovick on 01760 756 433
Or visit: greatcressinghamvillagehall.co.uk
For any developments and news regarding events and bookings
please visit our website.
THE STANFORD TRAINING AREA
[Since we are in the Cressingham & Threxton areas… Ed]
It was established in 1942 with a 'Nazi village' but tanks had also
been deployed to Thetford in WWI. The complete takeover involved the
villages of BuckenhamTofts, Langford, Stanford, Sturston,
Tottington and West Tofts.
The area was used during the run-up to the D-Day invasion.
In 2009 a village designed to replicate an Afghan equivalent, was
added to the Battle Area for the training of troops deployed in
Afghanistan. The site, built at a cost of £14 million, was state of the art
and was manned by Afghan nationals, ex-Gurkha soldiers and amputee
actors, who simulated the Afghan National Army, locals and wounded
soldiers. The village includes houses, a market and a mosque. It also
features a system that pumps out smells like rotten meat and sewage!
The area featured heavily in the filming of ‘Dad’s Army’ and the very
first episode also featured parts of Oxburgh Hall...
11The Signpost
Gooderstone Village News
Every Wednesday at around 3pm: fresh fish delivered to your
door by John Skelly who is available on 01502 583 164.
Also every Wednesday: a mobile fish-and-chips van is at Elm
Place from c4:30pm to 5pm and at Walnut Place from c5pm to
5:20pm.
COVID-19
Please be aware that there have been many reports from
members of the public who have seen bogus messages claiming
to be from the NHS, offering corona virus vaccinations for money.
Remember that the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is
free-of-charge. However, if you are called for your vaccination and
do not want to receive it, it is essential that you let the NHS know
by return. This is so that the NHS can allocate your slot to
someone else and to ensure that the vaccination is not wasted.
Parish Council: 11 January 2021 meeting
The PC welcomed a new councillor – Vince Martin. His previous
experience as a school governor and his management positions,
held both here in the UK and overseas, will be of great benefit to
the council.
It was brought to the attention of the council that the water courses
and rivers in the vicinity of the village were perceived to be of poor
quality. Additionally, the recent heavy rain has caused problems of
flooding and mud on road surfaces. Representation to the
responsible parties to try to rectify both these issues will be made.
Post Office van
Unfortunately, for various reasons outside the control of the
operator, there have been a number of occasions recently when
the van has not arrived. To try to minimise disruption, should such
problems recur, the driver will try to communicate with a contact in
the village so that the message can be passed on to people
waiting for the van and/or through the Gooderstone Community
FaceBook page.
12The Signpost
Education equipment
If anyone is struggling financially with the acquisition of a laptop or
printer for their child during lock-down, they can apply to the
Hammond Educational Charity. This charity is set up to promote
the education of young people living in the Breckland area,
needing financial help and under the age of 21.
Thank you from Frances Ellington
Mrs Frances Ellington, Sonia and Thomas sincerely thank all those
who have helped them through their loss of David Ellington on 20th
November last. They extend special thanks to the lady who did
CPR and helped so much at the time and also to all those who
sent gifts, cards; helped with shopping and for all the love shown
by friends and neighbours.
Kate Faro-Wood.
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH
HILBOROUGH, MUNDFORD AND OXBOROUGH GROUPS
With immediate effect, due to the COVID virus, all Church services have
been cancelled. Please note that Mundford Church will remain closed
and Oxborough Church will only be open at the weekends. A ZOOM
Morning Prayer meeting each Sunday will continue to be held at 10 am;
everyone is welcome join this and if further information is required,
including help on how to access or use ZOOM, please contact Katie
Powell on kpowell10@me.com. A free phone call to Daily Hope can also
be accessed on 0800 8048044 which may prove uplifting.
On the 10th January 2021 Pauline Read, the Churchwarden at
Gooderstone Churches has retired, pending a move to
Swaffham. Pauline has single-handedly looked after St George’s church
for many years and her kindness and good humour will be much missed.
Very best wishes and sincere thanks to Pauline from the Hilborough
Group. It is hoped to have a service of thanks once it is safe to do so.
Katie Powell.
13The Signpost
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH
HILBOROUGH, MUNDFORD AND OXBOROUGH GROUPS
The Oxborough Group’s Lay Reader retires:
George Lynne, the Lay Reader for the Oxborough Group of
churches for over 20 years, retired on the 6th December 2020.
George and his wife, Angela, have been stalwart members of the
Group with George, not only involved in taking Morning Prayer
services but, with his wife, also helping out whenever they could
with fundraising activities.
After the Sunday service, observing social distancing of course,
there was a glass of champagne for everyone (courtesy of Henry
and Anna Sands) and a presentation of some flowers and Morston
Hall vouchers, with every good wish to the couple from all
members of the Oxborough Group.
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February Reflections
Christmas and new year are over, and now we are
back in lockdown! For most of us, we are faced with
continuing demands and adjustments – the endless Zoom calls,
anti-Covid measures, child care issues and concerns over loved
ones far away. Once more, we are asked to draw on our reserves
of resilience and creativity.
Still, it was amazing to me how most people coped with the
unusual approach to the holiday season. Most people remained
cheerful, and found ways to care for their friends and neighbours.
I see that there is a call to keep up Christmas lights and
decorations until the end of February, in order to lift our spirits. I do
find that looking at brightly coloured lights brings me pleasure, but
I’m afraid I took my own decorations down on the traditional day –
5th January (before Epiphany – 6th January).
Epiphany is a celebration of the coming of the wise men to
worship the baby Jesus and offer gifts, which have been given
symbolic meaning - gold for kingship, frankinsense – insense,
used in worship, that is reminding us that the baby lying in a stable
is God himself, and myrrh, reminding us that he has come to
suffer and die for us.
They were learned scholars from the East (probably modern
Iran) and, although we usually depict them as three men, and even
give them names, the New Testament does not tell us how many
of them made the journey. The number three, of course, comes
from the fact that they brought three symbolic gifts.
Their story invites us to offer what we have to God, for him to
use in blessing those around us in these challenging times.
Just an advertising slot, to close: Anyone interested in joining
an on-line Alpha is welcome to contact me on 01366 328921 or
lindal@senco.co.za
Keep safe and God bless.
Rev Linda Lubbe.
15The Signpost
2020 – A Living Hell
Covid is a nasty bug
And many lost the ones they loved
Some people just got very ill
For which there was no magic pill.
As cases rose we all took fright
This wasn't something to take light
Exercising outside once a day
Keeping distance the only way.
People told not to go to work
Working from home became a perk
Others had no work at all
Paid to stay home they had a ball!
Lovely weather off to beach
And social distance rules were breached
Schools were dangerous they said
Better ignorant than dead!
All those shops that forced to close
Can open now but heaven knows
Some restrictions will take place
Keep distance, wash hands and cover face.
Then Rishi had a great idea
To step hospitality up a gear
We will open the restaurants and pubs
And tax payers will pay some tabs.
But the medics couldn't make up their mind
The way forward they couldn’t find
We will lock them all up again
Never mind the personal pain.
Every day I walk through the wood
But it doesn't do me any good
I want to find some seeds, you see
From Rishi's magic money tree.
16The Signpost
Sycamore seeds fly from the sky
Pine cones fall from trees up high
Acorns, beechnuts, conkers, all
Leave the trees as temperatures cool.
The fruit that grew through long hot days
Reflects our lives in similar ways
Lost and forgotten all around
The fruit is lying on the ground.
But when dark winter days are passed
And warmer days are here at last
New shoots will grow, its plain to see
Here lies Rishi’s magic money tree.
For now there is an end in sight
We will no longer have to take fright
There is a jab that works so well
That is what the tests can tell.
Many people this time of year
Will think of those they love so dear
That won’t be here to celebrate
That nasty bug has sealed their fate.
Now 2021 is on its way
The only thing that I can say
We must all be very brave
For this country we must save
Businesses bankrupt, personal debt
More job losses to come yet
Be thankful if you are safe and well
2020, a living hell!
Lesley Hillyeard
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Caveman – The New Era
Suspicious of any strangers
Should they come too near
For it’s the invisible dangers
Of the deadly plague we fear.
We stay at home, we don't go out
There's danger lurking there
Except to hunt for food
By those who really dare.
You might bag a Tesco,
Aldi, or more
If not just go online
They'll bring it to your door.
Hair growing closer to the ground
Everyone's the same when you look around
Nails, massage, beauty parlours too
All have closed their doors to you.
Should food get short we have to save
But carbohydrates are what we crave
So we eat as much as we can
Store food in our bodies, that’s the plan.
Finding a doctor to treat you
Is a very difficult thing to do
Because the only thing they say
If it’s not Covid then go away.
Dentists too are a rare breed
Getting an appointment an art indeed
You have to wait so long it seems
Cure my toothache - in your dreams!
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Fuel to run our cars is bad
It makes XR get very mad
You are killing the planet, they say
And Boris lets them have their way!
Soon all new cars will be powered by
Electricity coming from the sky
Solar panels or wind turbine
Or pedal power will be fine!
There may not be enough power to go round
Our electricity supply may well go down
How will we cook in the meanwhile?
Round a campfire, caveman style
Tatty hair, no makeup too,
Who cares if no one looks at you
The glamour has gone out of life
All caveman wants is a fertile wife!
Lesley Hillyeard
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Keeper of the Month
(as featured In the Shooting Times magazine, July 2020).
Richard Gould has built a reputation as a fine keeper of wild birds,
but his career is heading in a new direction, as he tells Richard
Negus:
Richard is one of the most highly regarded wild bird keepers of his
generation. Described by the judges of the Purdey awards as a
‘one man dynamo’ they created a special award by which to
recognise his great vision and outstanding success in creating a
most impressive lowland game shoot at Ixworth Thorpe in Suffolk.
He started his career as a YTS trainee at Hilborough, The Van
Cutsem family’s estate in Norfolk and it was there that he became
a great observer of nature. He was asked if there are many
youngsters coming through to be trained nowadays.
20The Signpost
“Not so many,” he said. “To ask a youngster to commit to 5 years
of training is asking a lot. Don’t forget a 16 year old starting out,
was only 11, 5 years ago and it would seem like a lifetime to
them.”
Of some of the unique challenges posed by wild birds, Richard
said, “Landowners often want to see immediate results. There are
so many factors that stop that from happening. Some bad weather
at the wrong time can ruin a year’s work. When you are building up
a shoot, it can be a lonely time. You may not even have one shoot
day all season, which is hard to take. Imagine a farmer working all
year and not having a harvest!”
Richard’s pest control skills are the envy of many gamekeepers.
“You have to be able to spot the smallest of signs and understand
how a predator behaves, he said. Females of any type of predator
are the biggest threat, because of feeding their young as well as
themselves. You have to constantly change tactics to be able to
succeed in controlling them.”
Winning a Purdey award specially created for you must have been
a highlight?
“It made me very proud,” he said. “When we put in our submission,
I went through a lot of my old records and it made me realise just
what a positive impact we had made on the grey Partridge
population.”
He outlined his future plans to become his own boss, working with
landowners and farmers to implement the Environmental Land
Management scheme, to encourage a positive impact on wildlife,
in conjunction with crops planted to increase game and bird
numbers and to offer advice and practical help for those who want
to improve their farm shoots.
To accompany Richard on a farm walk is a remarkable experience.
He is a true nature detective and countryman.
Edited for the Signpost by Chris Cannon.
21The Signpost
FROM CHRIS CANNON, LT. CRESSINGHAM & THREXTON
Hi everyone,
It’s very possible you’re having to read this online for this edition of
the Signpost, which is a shame really; but restrictions due to the
lockdown preclude us delivering a hard copy of the newsletter. That
being as it is, can I wish you all a very happy New Year and hopefully
with the roll out of the vaccines it won’t be long before all of the last 11
months or so, will become a bad memory!
I hope when it’s all behind us, many lessons will have been learnt by
Government, because without a doubt we were caught napping in many
different areas and next time, because without a doubt there will be a
next time, we will be prepared.
Also at this moment in time, there is the upheaval in the States, the
epicentre of democracy, having riots and descending on The Capitol.
Wow, we really are living in strange times indeed!
At least we didn’t leave the EU without a deal, which hopefully will
make the industrial and economic heart of the UK rest a lot easier in their
beds. I know for myself, I was very relieved.
It’s January 7th as I write this, with a grey, foggy sky outside and icy
conditions and a host of our birds clambering for food on the feeders. I
really have never seen so many different birds as this year. We were
looking at them the other morning, in broad daylight and hanging on a
feeder trying to get to the peanuts, was the biggest rat we had ever seen
in the garden. It’s body was a good 11”long and FAT!
We would have let our little Jack Russell out, but I think his reaction
would have been…’Are you kidding me?’
I managed to film another one living under our Green Johanna
composter the other night with one of those camouflage night cameras
and he was big too. I know it was a different one as he was sporting a
banana skin hat…chuckle!
We still have my 103 year old Mum in law, Joan with us and she’s still
getting on with life ordering me about. Apparently that’s what they do! I’m
not sure she’s really aware of what’s been going on in the world, but who
cares. She seems happy with her lot, God bless her!
I look in the mirror now and someone I don’t recognise from 11
months ago is looking back at me. He seems to have put a few pounds
on. Going to have to do something about that. I blame the hernias lifting
Joan about!
I’m looking forward to a brighter future very soon for all of us,
everything crossed and hopefully touching base again in a couple of
months.
Cheers all! Chris Cannon.
22The Signpost
GOODERSTONE WATER GARDENS
Come to relax and unwind in a beautiful place!
GARDENS open Daily all year: February from 10.30 am – 4 pm,
March onwards from 10.30 – 5 pm
ADMISSION (Winter rate): £5.00 for all Adults, Children 0-16 Free,
Wheelchair user and pusher charged as one.
Electric buggy users £3.50.
TEAROOM opens from 8th March (if weather fine, and COVID
regs. allow) from 11.00 am daily.
May be take-away service only, to check Tel:
01366328 or 01366007.
Dogs on leads with well behaved owners welcome!
Season Tickets available - £24 per person, valid one year.
Picnics are allowed and toilets available.
Enquiries Tel. 07730 551945.
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PAWSOUTDOORS
Analysing & Correcting Behaviour
Problems/Dog Walking/Day Care
Puppy training, Training tips,
basic to novice training.
Separation Anxiety, Dominance,
Possessiveness, Nervous aggression.
Choosing the right dog for your lifestyle.
Fully insured
Elizabeth Devery, Pet Psy. APBC, AHCP
Contact - email: pawsoutdoors42@outlook.com
Tel: 01366 328609 / 07767 708933
24The Signpost
Countryside and Rural Management Services
Richard Gould 01359 409012 / 07879 62011
richardgould1978@gmail.com
Fully insured and certified BASIS registered Pest Controller
All pests, large and small dealt with. Seven day a week, same day call-out whenever possible
Woodland Management, including Coppicing and Hedge Laying Services
Tree and Hedge Planting Service
Firewood available for delivery
25The Signpost
26The Signpost
Phoenix House Bed & Breakfast
Charming country house accommodation close to
Watton in a quiet hamlet location. Call Chris or Irene on
01953 883587 or contact us through our website at
www.phoenixhousebnb.co.uk
Open all year round
Need an EPC?
Then look no further. As your local independent Energy
assessor who has been qualified from the inception of
this legislation, you will get first class service. With
same day certificate and floor plan, you’ll be ready to
market your property, sale or rental, straight away!
Working with a prominent local estate agent, rental
agent and local solicitors, I have assessed over 700
properties around the Breckland area.
Call me on 01953-883587 for a competitive price.
Christopher Cannon DEA.
EnergyXs.
27The Signpost
28The Signpost
We deal with:
Rats - Mice - Moles - Squirrels - Bed Bugs
Ants - Cockroaches - Wasps - Birds
CONTACT US
Get in touch today for a no obligation, free quote and survey
of your current pest position. We offer routine commercial
contracts, call out visits and emergency cover for residential
customers 7 days a week at times that meet your
requirements.
Mobile: 07552 400596
Landline: 01553 841700
29The Signpost
30The Signpost
Traditional Values ...
Life has changed so much since this photograph was taken…But the
traditional values of honesty, integrity and service associated with the
time are an essential part of our business. So if you are thinking of
buying, selling, letting or renting and seek the reassurance of an Agent
practicing these traditional values, yet with a modern approach,
please call us on 01366 388991
19a High Street,Downham Market, Norfolk, PE38 9DA
info@ashtonroberts.co.uk www.ashtonroberts.co.uk
31The Signpost
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34The Signpost
GRAHAME GILLIS AUTO REPAIRS
M.O.T. STATION
Full Servicing and repairs for cars & vans
all makes and models petrol & diesel
Brakes, Clutches, gearboxes suspensions
engine repairs, diagnostics and welding
Tyres, puncture repairs, wheel balancing
and four-wheel laser tracking
Collection & delivery available
Open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday
And Saturday mornings
Also AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIR SPECIALISTS
Whittington Garage Phone 01366 500606
Stoke Ferry whittingtongarge@googlemail.com
PE33 9TF
A Friendly Family Business
www.grahamgillisautorepairs.co.uk
35The Signpost
P.R.Bowers & Son
Funeral Directors
Anmer Cottage, Methwold Road.
Northwold IP26 5LN
( 3rd Generation Family Owned Business est. 1921 )
Private Chapels of Rest
24 Hour Service
Tel 01366 727432
07796 780270
Upholding Traditional Values
Of Dignity & Respect
36The Signpost 37
The Signpost
METHWOLD
38The Signpost
WINDYMILLERS PET SUPPLIES
01842 815551 website:www.pigsearsdirect.com
WE ARE NOW MAIN AGENTS FOR
FLO GAS {Bottled Gas}. You WILL
find us CHEAPER than Calor gas for the
same size bottle and we operate a
FREE DELIVERY
service within 10 miles of Brandon.
No Flo-Gas bottle to exchange
NO PROBLEM just come and see us.
If you have a Gas BBQ we have the bottle.
If you have a gas bottled room heater
we have the bottle.
Caravan/Catering gas
bottles in stock.
Plus the NEW LIGHT GAS BOTTLES.
We also stock gas regulators and new
flexible gas pipe.
START SAVING MONEY ON
OUR BOTTLED GAS SUPPLIES.
39The Signpost
40The Signpost 41
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44The Signpost
R H Bond Funeral Directors
Salisbury House, Lynn Road, Stoke Ferry,
King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE33 9SW
Office hours: 9am - 4pm Monday to Friday
Saturdays by appointment only.
Sundays closed. 24 hour phone service.
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT - DEBBIE STEWART
Tel: 01366 500241 ● Email: sdfs2020@outlook.com
● Web: www.rhbondfunerals.co.uk
45The Signpost
46The Signpost 47
The Signpost
Bryan Cater Ltd
Your Local & Professional
Chimney Sweep
Chimney Sweeping, Stove Repairs,
Servicing, Installations, Cowls, CCTV,
Chemical Tar Removal.
For more information and pricing
give us a call.
01366 728342 option 2
bookings@catersweeps.co.uk
www.catersweeps.co.uk
48The Signpost
GOOD FOOD
EXCELLENT HOSPITALITY
At the Olde Windmill
Inn Great Cressingham
Fine Food, Real Ale & Hospitality
The Windmill inn is a rambling, old country pub with real beams, log fires and ‘olde worlde’
charm . A real pub with rooms which serves fine food & beverages 3 bars, 3 dining rooms,
3 family rooms, games room & conservatory, beer garden & play area, terrace
Opening Times are changing at the mill
NOW OPEN ALL DAY – EVERY DAY – 7.30AM TILL LATE
Drinks are served from 11am (Sunday 11.30am) to 11.00pm
Food is served 11.30am to 2pm and 5.30pm to 10pm (Sunday 11.30am to 2.30pm and 5pm to 9.30pm)
New En Suite Accommodation
The Olde Windmill Inn has completed the construction of eight superior large Queen Double
Rooms which can be booked for single, double or family occupation. Each bedroom is
furnished to a very high standard, with en-suite bathrooms, built in wardrobes and tea and
coffee making facilities, hair dryers, remote control TV and free local telephone calls, plus
broadband access. Why not go online to www.oldewindmillinn.co.uk to download a
brochure or make a booking.
Traditional Roast Sunday Lunch at the Mill – The Antidote to Carveries
Treat yourself to a country portion of roast beef or Sunday roast or a bit of both, with a
choice of 5 vegetables, deep dish apple pie or gateau &coffee for only £10.95.
Alternatively order just the main course for £8.15. Remember we offer choice and country
portions at competitive prices – so order your meal from the bar (or at your table for
bookings) and our staff will deliver your food at the table.
Meet in the Middle – Mardle at the Mill
Six private meeting/dining rooms are available at the mill
Catering for 6 to 60 people The Windmill is the ideal venue for small wedding receptions,
funeral teas,, ‘all-day’ conferences, meetings, private family parties & birthdays, product
promotions and interview rooms. No room hire is charged when a food and beverage
spread is ordered.
5* Start Happy Hour
Enjoy a 10% discount off all drinks on weekdays,
Monday – Friday, from 11am – 12noon and 4pm -7pm.
60s Plus Lunchtime Discount
Enjoy our senior citizens (60 Years) 10% discount off all meals displayed on specials board
and main pub menu on Monday – Friday lunch times from 11.30am – 2pm
Country Music – Sing, Say and Play
Tuesday night is country night. In the Old Bar from 8pm to late. Buskers welcome –
no entry charge
Location, Location, Location
THE OLDE WINDMILL INN, Water End, Great Cressingham
Twixt Watton and Swaffham IP25 6NN
Email:- email@oldewindmillinn.co.uk - Web:- www.oldewindmillinn.co.uk
Tel:- 01760 756232 Fax: - 01760 756400 / 756407
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