1. pets
2. birds

1
April 2015
www.starstonvillage.co.uk
www.starstonvillage.co.uk
2
Pigeon Post
‘For Starston People’
Copyright  2015 PIGEON POST
The Production Team
Co-ordinating Editor:
Michael Bartlett:
Tel: 852318
The Red Cottage, The Street
Email: editor@pigeonpost.org.uk
Editorial Team:
Christina Davies:
Sue Moore:
Chris Sparrow:
Emily Taylor:
Email:
Email:
Email:
Email:
Treasurer:
Mandy Carter:
Tel: 854600
Brick Kiln Farm, Cross Roads
Email: mcarter@carrotech.com
Advertising Manager:
Liz Stacey:
Tel: 853427
The Old Coach House, Starston
Email: elizabethstacey99@hotmail.com
Distribution
Organiser:
Sue Moore:
Tel: 852387
Cranes Watering Farm, Rushall Road
Email: suemoo@tesco.net
Distributors include:
Brenda & David Beech, Mandy Carter, Jo Dye, Patricia LombeTaylor, Betty McKenzie, Alison Miners, Rosemary Steer, Anita
Weatherley, Liz Woodley and others.
ISSUE EDITOR
davieschristina@btinternet.com
suemoo@tesco.net
chris.sparrow2211@hotmail.co.uk
lombetaylor@btinternet.com
MICHAEL BARTLETT
Whilst the editorial team do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed by contributors,
they believe that the magazine is available for local people to air their views. Letters to the Editor
must be signed. The Editor reserves the right to alter or amend any copy received.
Items for inclusion in the next issue MUST reach the Co-ordinating Editor by the 12th of the
preceding month, (usually earlier in December). Space in the magazine will be allocated on a first
come, first served basis. Photos and pictures are welcome and will be used wherever possible.
Please send copy by e-mail to: editor@pigeonpost.org.uk
Advertising
For advertising rates please contact
Liz Stacey: Tel: 01379 853427 Email: elizabethstacey99@hotmail.com
or Michael Bartlett: Tel: 01379 852318 Email: editor@pigeonpost.org.uk
Distribution
Pigeon Post is delivered free to every home in Starston.
It can also be sent by email in PDF format.
To request a PDF version please contact the Co-ordinating Editor
If you know of any new residents in the village please tell Norman Steer (854245)
or Michael Bartlett (852318) so that we can welcome them in Pigeon Post.
V i l l a g e D i a r3y
April 2015
Saturday 18th April
7.30 pm
Auction of Promises - Jubilee Hall
POSTPONED
Sat 2nd, Sun 3rd & Mon 4th May
Flower Festival in St Margaret’s Church. See P20
Saturday 2nd May
7.00 pm
Gardeners’ Question Time - St Margaret's Church. See P21
Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May
7.30 pm
Everyone’s War - Starston’s 1stWW Tribute. See P14
Tuesday 19th May
7.30 pm
Parish Council AGM &Village Meeting - Jubilee Hall
Friday 19th June
7.30 pm
Wine Tasting in the Jubilee Hall - details to follow
Want to book the Jubilee Hall?
At Any Time
Ring Joy or Bryan Hanner 853200 or 853509
- Let us know of anything happening in the village for this Diary page
- Smart phone bar codes above: left Village Web, right Facebook Page
- Personal adverts and events are free so long as they are not for personal profit
Copy Date for May edition:
Sunday 12th April
Pigeon Post and Information about Starston can also be found on-line
www.starstonvillage.co.uk
Or like us on Facebook http://facebook.com/starstonvillagenorfolk
4
Pigeon Post
M J PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE and
LANDSCAPING
Patios, driveways, fencing, decorating
interior and exterior, all types of tiling,
bathrooms, roofing and much more.
Over 10 years experience
Competitive prices and references
available.
For friendly advice and free quotations
call home on 01379 853486 or
mobile 07917 468917 (Justin)
or 07522 978710 (Matthew)
5
April 2015
Around and About the Village
Events at Pennoyers
 11th April - Spring Craft Fair
 3rd May - Annual Dawn Chorus Walk
and Breakfast
 14th - 26th May - Harleston and
Waveney Arts Trail Exhibition
 30th/31st May - Heritage Weekend Village Life
Harleston Area Stroke Social Group
Did you know that the Harleston Carers
Group also runs a special social group for
people recovering from stroke and their
families? This is downstairs in the Clive
Hudson Room at the Information Centre,
8 Exchange St, Harleston, 2.00 pm on
Thursday 30th April and Thursday 28th
May. For more information call Julie on
01379 851920
Gislingham Silver Band
As a precursor to the main event in August,
the Harleston Festival Committee is
bringing the Famous and Fabulous
Gislingham Silver Band to Archbishop
Sancroft High School on Saturday 16th
May at 7.30 pm.
It might better be described as a ‘Beer and
Brass!’ evening. The cost for a ticket is a
very reasonable £7.00 and they may be
obtained from Fran Pitt-Pladdy on 01379
852617 or from The Swan Inn on 01379
852221.
Gislingham Silver Band has been
providing music to the local community
since 1885, making it the longest
established brass band in Suffolk.
Harleston Players – We Happy Few
Following their recent successes with Blackadder and Bugsy Malone, Harleston Players
are busy in rehearsals for their next show – We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs.
Inspired by the true wartime history of the Osiris Players, Imogen Stubbs’s sparkling
comedy follows the adventures of a small group of women who come together to form a
'girls only' theatre company to take the plays of Shakespeare around a culture-starved
Britain. While the men are fighting Hitler and the bombs are blitzing London, these
hopelessly mismatched women from wildly different social backgrounds embark on a
hilarious and crazy adventure, crammed into their battered 1920s Rolls Royce. Together
and separately they are forced to discover what life is like without men, and, eventually,
how they must survive when they have only each other.
With 1940s jazz and swing music underscoring the witty, razor-sharp dialogue,
We Happy Few evokes the humour and fortitude displayed by so many during the
Second World War.
Performances will take place on Thursday 30th April, Friday 1st May and Saturday 2nd
May at Archbishop Sancroft High School, plus two extra performances at Hoxne
Village Hall (Tuesday 28th April) and New Buckenham Village Hall (Wednesday 29th
April). Tickets, priced £8 and £6 (concessions), are available from Harleston Pet Stores
or phone Val on 01379 852845. All performances at 7.30pm.
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Pigeon Post
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Service
7
April 2015
Notes from the Editor
My friend and editorial colleague, Chris
Sparrow, should be filling this space this
month but he isn’t. I know Chris is a
football fan - which I am not - but I will
try and write this as though I am. Chris
was picked for our village team to play in
the position of Editor in April but at the
last minute his manager decided that he
should play for the national team instead
(that’s his employer by the way), so the
lad is away to forin’ parts to earn a crust.
I happened to be on the bench so was
drafted in to fill the space. I suppose I
could be described as being ‘over the
moon’ (so long as it was the Half Moon
at Rushall), but sick as a parrot I am not.
I don’t have a parrot anyway, only a
pigeon.
Not being a football fan I am not sure if it
is obligatory, once I have finished putting
this edition of Pigeon Post together, to
tear off my shirt and run round the
garden waving my arms about. Don’t
bother to peer over the fence – I’m not
going to do it. I’m just going to sit here
and work out how many pints Chris owes
me for stepping into the breach. But I
suspect he’ll tell me we’re still in training
– so no drink. Ah well!
Michael
Harleston Carers Group
Do you have trouble getting out?
Isabel Coe of the charity East Anglian Driveability is coming to Harleston to talk
about maintaining outdoor independence. This charity has dedicated, specially
trained staff that can help with:
 Assessment of fitness to drive (including a special service for over 70s)
 Specialist advice and recommendations on car adaptations for driving with
disability
 Advice on selection of mobility scooters and wheelchairs
 Training to drive mobility scooters
 Advice for people who have disabled passengers in their vehicle
 Training to transport and push wheelchairs
To find out more, come along to meet Isabel at the Workhouse cookery and craft
school, Old Market Place, Harleston, on Monday 13th April at 2.00 pm.
Although organised for the Harleston Carers Support Group this is a free, open
meeting and all are welcome. Booking is not essential but it would be helpful in
planning refreshments if you could call 01379 851917 in advance.
For more information call Julie 01379 851920
8
Pigeon Post
Notes From A Starston Garden
I love my Starston garden. I love sitting
there on sunny summer evenings with a
glass of white wine and a (small) bowl of
crisps and fondly imagining what it will
be like one day when I’ve finished the
planting and got it just right and all my
sowings have germinated and I’ve been
able to do all the regular jobs when they
needed doing. I realise that this is a
fantasy but I can dream, can’t I?
such pesky weeds as ground elder and
bindweed. It’s very satisfying to stand
and look at an expanse of newly dug soil,
as long as you don’t harbour the illusion
that you’ve removed every last fragment
of ground elder and bindweed.
Much less hard work, but equally
rewarding, is weeding. I like weeding teasing away the unwanted interlopers
from around and under and among my
And I love gardening. Correction. I love crops and ornamentals, leaving them free
most things about gardening. I do have a from competition. Psychology often
number of dislikes. One is working
comes into play. If, for whatever reason,
outside when there’s a bitter wind. I don’t I’m short of time I can weed just one of
mind crisp, cold weather – even if I end
my raised vegetable beds. In real terms I
up with chilly fingers and toes – and I
probably haven’t done much but I can
don’t mind the dankness of a grey winter stand back and see what I’ve achieved
afternoon, but I hate being battered by a
which is always encouraging.
cold wind, and we’ve been getting quite a
But the most enjoyable of the practical
lot of those in the last few winters.
gardening jobs is going out and picking
Maybe I’m turning into a fair weather
raspberries, or digging some leeks for
gardener.
supper, or snipping enough leaves to
Another thing I hate is pricking out
make a salad. I started gardening because
seedlings and potting them on. It’s such
I wanted to grow things I could eat – long
tedious, fiddly work and my dislike has
before the recent renaissance in veg
been intensified by the fact that these
growing. For me ornamentals are a recent
days I need to wear my reading glasses to add-on – an interesting and challenging
do it. As a result I am a devotee of
add-on, but the heart of my garden is the
sowing seeds in modules. They germinate vegetable plot and it always will be.
(or not, as the case may be), they grow a
Dee the Gardener
bit and then you just plant them out when
Topical Tip
they’re big enough. Job done.
But the dislikes are much outweighed by
the likes. I love planting onion sets. An
hour’s work and a whole bed is full of the
year’s crop.
I enjoy digging, turning over the soil,
breaking up the clods and trying to
remove, as far as possible, the roots of
I’ll be sowing my parsnips this month. My
soil is very stony, so the roots aren’t the
perfect tapering cylinders you get in the
supermarket but they taste great. A couple of
words of warning - buy a new packet of
seeds (they’re notorious for losing their
viability very quickly) and have patience
(they take ages to germinate).
9
April 2015
Parish Council News
The March meeting of the Parish Council
was held on Tuesday 3rd March, to which
a welcome number of residents of
Starston attended. Interesting discussions
focussed around two main topics; those
of Bunns Lane and the findings of a SAM
Data Recorder in Pulham St Mary.
aim, as is ours, is to secure changes to
some of the existing speed limits in and
around his village in the interests of
safety. Discussions are continuing
towards this objective.
Councillor Tilcock of SNC has decided
not to stand for election this spring. We
There have been a number of complaints are assured of a replacement Councillor
of late regarding the state of Bunn’s Lane with whom we may communicate. The
during works on hedging, rose harvesting Councillor had high praise for the village,
and barley sowing and, of course, the
its Parish Council and its volunteers,
unusually wet weather we have incurred adding that the Pigeon Post has been
this winter. It has been noted that the
recognised as one of the finest village
tarmac on the footpath section and the
magazines in the country.
verges on this and the road are in need of
The nomination timeframe for election to
attention. The maintenance of Bunns
Lane is the responsibility of NCC and is the new Parish Council will, by the time
being followed up at present in order that this piece is published, be under way. It is
a resolution is sought and achieved. The sincerely hoped that enough residents will
fly tipping on Rushall Road was reported have decided to help ensure the survival
immediately, and has now been removed. of our Parish Council.
Once the minutes of the meeting,
Councillor Hudson from Pulham St
Treasurer’s Report and Budget have been
Mary, who is in charge of the SAM and
approved and accepted they will be
its data recorder in the village, has been
published in full on the village website.
collating local data. He attended the
Starston Parish Council meeting to
provide information and to seek data on a
wider area in surrounding parishes. His
Sonja Burnett
Clerk to the Council
Starston Dog Show
The third Starston Dog Show, which will be held on the Glebe Meadow on 14th
June, is being sponsored by local businesses and shops in Starston, Harleston and the
surrounding districts.
Refreshments are being provided by Debbie Griffin, Ruth Cawcutt and their team of
helpers. Additional help in the kitchen would be appreciated as well as help on the
showground where we will need people to help put up tents the day before. We also
need stewards, people to direct traffic and to register competitors on the day of the
show. If anyone is able to help will they please contact me on 01379 853871
Patricia Hepple
10
Pigeon Post
Cliffy Webb Cliffy was born in Pulham St Mary, the youngest of 13,
growing up in a small cottage on North Green Road. Cliffy
was destined to work in agriculture, milking cows,
chopping out beet and eventually specialising in poultry.
From an early age he was a footballer, playing for Pulham
United and ‘Webb’s United’!, with his brothers and
cousins. He was called up for National Service in January
1953 and was soon dispatched to deal with the tidal surge
and flood that cost so many lives. His abiding memory was
of returning to the barracks, cold and wet after a long day
with no food, to be told they had missed supper! Later, he
found himself off to the Korean conflict.
Cliffy married Sylvia Baldwin in 1955 at St Margaret’s,
Starston. Sylvia was born at The Willows on Rushall Rd
(it was two cottages at the time), but the family soon moved to Skinners Lane. Years
later they lived at The Dell, next door to The Willows, before moving back to Pulham
St Mary in 1994.
Cliffy worked with poultry on farms in and around Starston, finishing as a poultry
manager for Gawdy Hall Estates. Of course, he never actually gave up work, he spent
the next fifteen years cutting grass, tidying gardens and generally ‘lending a hand’,
mainly for those older than himself. He had a wicked sense of humour; whether you
were 2 or 92 he would be ready for a laugh and joke with you; and he was always
‘chatting up the ladies’.
So what did Cliffy do for Starston? In the early 1970s we wanted a village hall, the
cowshed at the rectory was for sale, we needed money to pay for it. Cliffy was one of
the ‘leading lights’ in the campaign, eventually becoming chairman of the Amenities
Committee. Another attribute was his knack of being able to ‘twist someone’s arm’,
many people suddenly found themselves ‘volunteering’. There he was, organising and
helping with all sorts of events from Gymkhanas to barn dances. He got together a
band of helpers and, with the support of a local publican, ran bars at everything from
private parties to the smartest dinner dance to raise more funds.
As you know, we got our hall. But that wasn’t the end of it; Cliffy organised bingo,
darts, dancing, anything to keep raising money. Once the hall was paid for the money
had another purpose, the over 60s Christmas party. All qualifying villagers, past and
11
April 2015
- 24th June 1934 – 18th February 2015
present, were invited, along with others who regularly attended the fund raising
events. They were transported, fed and entertained. Eventually it got so well
supported that it had to be moved to a bigger hall. Of course the time came when
Cliffy would have qualified for the party himself - time to ‘call it a day’.
In 1981 Cliffy and Sylvia began a long spell as Jubilee Hall caretakers, and Cliffy
also served on the Parish Council. Cliffy and Sylvie particularly enjoyed dancing,
and for many years after the lessons stopped they danced everywhere from Wilby
Village Hall to the Tower Ballroom at Blackpool.
Cliffy was the life and soul of the party who spent his life helping others; he will be
missed by many.
Sue Moore
Coming Next Month…
In the light of the recent grants for the Jubilee Hall and Cliffy Webb’s involvement
in helping it to come into being, Sue and Ralph Moore will be exploring the history
of the hall in future editions of Pigeon Post by browsing through the minute book
of what came to be called ‘The Starston Amenities Fund’.
12
Pigeon Post
An Award For Sam Carter
Sam Carter from Starston is among those of showing a real contribution to the
whose contribution to the Army Cadet
cadet service over the years.
Force was recognised at a recent awards
“It’s quite an achievement really,
ceremony.
especially at my age,” said Sam, “It’s
The combined ranks of the Sea Cadets,
really nice to be recognised. I’m proud
Army Cadet Force and Air Training
and it’s recognition for my work and for
Corps stand at well over 1,000 people in my unit.”
Norfolk. An elite few of the youngsters
were appointed as Lord Lieutenant’s
Sam’s citation reads:
Cadets at an awards presentation at
Second Lieutenant Carter joined the
Norwich’s Army Reserve Centre in
Army Cadet Force in September 2010.
Aylsham Road on 11th March.
Initially selected as a Sergeant Instructor,
Richard Jewson, Lord Lieutenant of
Norfolk, also presented awards to three
adult volunteers, one of whom was Sam.
Between them they’ve given up years of
evenings and weekends to help cadets
while also holding down day jobs. These
Lord Lieutenant’s Certificates were
presented to adult volunteers on the basis
his abilities, skills and talents were,
however, quickly recognised because he
was identified as a Potential Officer and
in March 2014, having passed the Cadet
Forces Commissions Board, he was
gazetted as a Second Lieutenant in the
Territorial Army, Group B.
2nd Lieutenant Sam Carter receiving his award from
Richard Jewson, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk
13
April 2015
Appointed as the Troop Commander for
Harleston, Second Lieutenant Carter has
delivered a superb performance across a
spectrum of activities, all of which are a
great credit to the Army Cadet Force. His
commitment, zeal and diligence are
outstanding and he sets the bar for his
peers. His contribution is, however, much
wider because he participates in
delivering a wide range of training at
Squadron and County level and has been
selected to represent the Army Cadet
Force at a National level through
selection as a member of the Assisting
Directing Staff at the Cadet Training
Centre, Frimley.
Second Lieutenant Carter has forged
excellent links with the local community
in a number of arenas. In particular, he
has not only affiliated the Detachment
with the local branch of the Royal British
Legion but also, according to its
Chairman, he has, by involving the
cadets, saved the branch from closure. In
addition he is constantly searching for
innovative and imaginative ideas to
involve cadets in supporting local
community activities. His exemplary
dedication and impressive
professionalism have created not only a
thriving Army Cadet Force detachment
but equally an active centre for Young
People which is underpinned by high
standards and a strong moral compass.
Second Lieutenant Carter is the epitome
of the Volunteer, placing his time and
skills at the disposal of cadets in order
that they may achieve their aims. His
enthusiasm, commitment and dedication
are absolutely first class and a fine
example to all Cadet Force Adult
Volunteers. I most strongly commend
him for the award of the Lord
Lieutenant’s Certificate.
Signed by Officer Commanding Cadet
Norfolk Artillery – Major Bagge
Harleston Lions Club Spring Walk
Sunday May 31st at Gawdy Hall Estates
Harleston Lions Club is pleased to announce that this year’s sponsored charity
walk will take place on Sunday 31st May at Gawdy Hall Estates with all proceeds
going to "Parkinson's UK Research".
We ask for a minimum entry fee of £5 to join our walk but preferably we would
like you to get yourself sponsored and raise as much money as possible – sponsorship forms will be available and these have the option for “gift aiding” the money
so that the government contributes an additional 25p to every £1 you collect.
Details will be advised nearer the time. We will start around 10.00 am with the
walk lasting around three hours or so - afterwards you are invited to join us in the
walled gardens of Gawdy Hall to have a well-earned picnic (your own supply).
Joining us this year we have a local ecologist, John Beckett, who will give an
insight on the local flora and fauna seen throughout the walk and we are sure he
will look forward to any questions you may have.
For more information on the wonderful work carried out by the charity go to
www.parkinsons.org.uk
Lion Val Tolhurst
14
Pigeon Post
Everyone’s War
When we first began writing the script
for Everyone’s War, Starston’s tribute
to the First World War, we asked if
anyone in the village had family stories
or anecdotes that we could use. We
always planned to make Starston the
focus of the event as an example of a
small community that was changed by
the events of 1914 to 1918, but we fully
expected that most of the material would
be from the larger conflict with one or
two Starston references where they were
relevant.
The reality is very different. All kinds of
information and stories have come in
about people who left Starston to go and
fight and about family members of
people who live in Starston today and
who played their part in the conflict. We
have a grandfather who was sunk by a
U-boat, a great-uncle who pulled his own
brother out of the mud in Flanders –
alive, a mother who joined the Women’s
Land Army, relatives who fought at
Loos, Ypres, the Somme – one of them in
a tank, a Mercantile Marine captain who
was awarded the DSO and many more.
We have also assembled a range of
artefacts from that time: a gas mask, a
trench periscope, a compass. a napkin
ring made from parts of a shot down
Zeppelin and of course many medals. All
these have been photographed and will
be projected onto a screen during the
performance. Most of the cast for this
event come from Starston but one of the
performers will be Brian Hewlett,
perhaps better known as Neil Carter from
The Archers. The Harleston Cadet Corps,
led by 2nd Lieutenant Sam Carter from
Starston, will be looking after the front of
house.
There will be performances in
St. Margaret’s Church on Friday 8th May
and Saturday 9th May, both at 7.30.
Tickets cost £6.00 (£2.00 for aged 16 and
under) and can be bought from Ann
Leitch 01379 423387 or from Harleston
Information Plus 01379 851917.
Nearly half the tickets have already been
sold so if you would like to come please
book your tickets now to avoid
disappointment.
April 2015
15
Glebe Meadow - Catch of the Day
The crocodile lurking above the weir in the Beck since last Autumn has at last been
captured. Having escaped from somewhere upstream and arriving in Starston with
flood water, it is now on display near the Jubilee Orchard where we plan to adapt
this 4 ton monster into a seat. Our thanks to Dickon and Julian for their genuine
‘extreme fishing’!
Peter Grimble
16
Pigeon Post
Starston’s Future The only way to prevent this happening
is for enough people to come forward to
stand for election as a Parish Councillor
in Starston. A full council for our village
is 7 Councillors. If there are more than 7
candidates then an election will be held
in May at the time of the General and
District Council elections.
If we have 7 candidates or fewer then
they will be elected automatically
without the need for a formal election.
The absolute minimum number of
Councillors required is 3 which would
form a quorum but in practice having the
bare minimum would make running the
Council very difficult.
One way or another there has to be a
body to run Starston, manage the budget
and take local decisions. If the village
cannot elect a quorate Council of its own
then the District Council – that is South
Norfolk – would need to appoint some of
its own Councillors to run Starston
instead. Given the indifference that
SNDC shows to local opinion this would
not be good news for our village.
So far this article has been fact. Now it
has to move into speculation as we
cannot know what would actually happen
if SNDC were to be in charge of us. We
would, of course, lose any pretence of a
“local voice”. It is unlikely that anyone
that SNDC selected to run Starston
would actually be interested in the
village, its problems and its needs.
Would an SNDC governing body
continue to approve the grants that the
Parish Council currently makes to the
Jubilee Hall and to the Church for the
upkeep of the graveyard? Would they
continue to support Harleston Town
Council in their efforts to keep Harleston
car parking free of charge? It was, after
all, SNDC that tried to force parking
charges through a few years ago.
It is likely that planning applications
would become a joke. SNDC are the
local planning authority so a Starston run
by SNDC is unlikely to challenge
anything, no matter how controversial.
In the very long term one possible
outcome is that Starston is deemed to be
too small to have its own Parish Council
and could be amalgamated with one of
the neighbouring Councils such as
Pulham St. Mary or Needham. While this
would probably be more benign than
being run by the District Council, it is
unlikely that we would ever be a priority
in another village’s discussions unless we
had our own Councillors elected but if
we can do that we should be able to keep
our own Parish Council.
All of this may be alarmist but it is a
perfectly credible scenario unless we can
keep control of our own village. All we
need is 7 people who live or work in
Starston and who are over 18 years old to
stand for election next month. The Parish
Clerk has all the necessary forms. All
17
April 2015
- Can We Save Our Village from Being Controlled
by South Norfolk District Council?
nomination papers, including the consent Either of them will be pleased to discuss
to nomination, must be delivered to
this with you and Sonja can provide the
South Norfolk Council between 9.00 am necessary forms.
and 4.00 pm before 9th April so time is
running out. If you feel you could do this
then please contact:
Sonja Burnett, the Parish Clerk
Telephone 01379 309347 or email
starstonparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk
or Edward Libbey, Chairman of the
Council - telephone 01379 855355 or
email edwardlibbey@btinternet.com
Charity Appeal
My name is Simon Kindleysides, I'm 30 and from Wortwell, In April 2013 I was
diagnosed with a brain condition called FND (Functional Neurological Disorder)
which has left me wheelchair bound, numb from the waist down with no movement. I
have also found out that I have a brain tumour which is being treated at
Addenbrookes. My life has been turned upside down, I had to stop work and adapt to
my new way of living not being able to walk anymore, I have a loving partner,
Hannah Young, who is also my full time carer, and 2 children Corin and Anya.
I've decided to challenge myself and help others and I’ve signed myself up for a huge
challenge – to cycle from London to Paris. It's organised by a company called
Skyline and I'm doing it for a charity called Brain and Spine Foundation, which helps
with brain tumours and neurological conditions.
The event is on 15th to 19th July. I want to be able to raise £3000 as it’s a massive
challenge. The minimum I need to raise is £1400. If you feel you could help then
please visit my Just Giving page: www.justgiving.com/simonFND
If you have any questions then please feel free to call me on 01986 788951 or 07803
764973. Thanks for your time.
Simon
18
Pigeon Post
The Pleasure of Learning Spanish
A recent article in ‘The Guardian’
claimed that ‘learning a language is not
just about being able to converse in
another language - it can shape your
brain to be smarter and boost your
memory too’. Physiological studies
support this, indicating that learning a
language can boost abilities with other
problem-solving tasks and better equip
the brain at multi-tasking. Research has
also shown positive results for language
learners compared to monolingual people
when it comes to staving off dementia, as
the brain functions better with exercise
and language learning strengthens this
‘muscle’. People who begin language
study in their adult lives can still achieve
levels of fluency and reap the same
mental benefits.
My first experience of travel abroad, a
family holiday to Spain, changed my
life’s direction - leading to a degree in
Spanish Literature, periods of residence
in Catalonia and Andalusia and a
satisfying career teaching languages to
others. I have been learning Spanish for
34 years and teaching for 18 of them. I
continue to be as enthusiastic as ever.
My students list a variety of reasons for
learning the world’s third most spoken
language (with 470 million native
speakers worldwide.) Many want to
communicate while travelling. Others
needed some Spanish to make the big
move abroad, whether retired or with a
professional focus; restauranteurs,
hoteliers, journalists and teachers. One of
my ex-students, resident in the Granada
region, has just published her first book
about life in an Andalusian mountain
village. Some have an academic aim,
whether to pass an exam or read García
Márquez in the original. Most of us
though, just want to communicate with
our ‘hosts’ in a country we enjoy
spending time in. It is deeply satisfying
to talk to people in their own language, to
be able to deal competently with everyday situations from shopping or ordering
food to passing the time of day with a
local. Through language we enrich and
broaden our experiences. Knowledge of a
language opens doors to other cultures
and people.
Languages are primarily functional, most
students want to understand and be able
to speak. Spanish as a phonetic language
is relatively easy to learn as words are
spelt as they are pronounced, therefore
learning to speak, understand, read and
write are achievable aims.
Our group classes in Harleston do fulfil a
social function for some and provide an
opportunity to meet others. There are
some great resources available to make
the learning process fun, including audio
visual material to fine tune listening
skills and connect us to the Spanish
speaking world. Whatever the reason for
wanting to learn Spanish, whether in a
group, with a friend or partner or as a one
to one, you can be sure it will be worth
your while.
Contact me for a free consultation via
norfolkspanish@yahoo.co.uk, telephone
01379 309 134 or see the website
www.norfolkspanish.com
Heather Ashdown
19
April 2015
ALM Taxis..
“Getting you to your destination safely,
on time and very competitively priced”
Airport Transfers
Chauffeur Services
Seaters 4, 5, 6, 8
Long or Short Distance
Contract Work Welcomed
01379 608602
www.almtaxis.co.uk
14 Upper Olland Street, Bungay
NR35 1BG Tel/Fax 01986 896147
Website: www.sewsos.co.uk
Over 4,000 Bolts of American fabrics at very
competitive prices, templates, stencils,
quilting notions.
Everything for the patchworker, fabric, threads,
publications and kits.
Workshops and classes - please ring for details
Open 10 - 5pm Monday to Friday
10 - 4pm Saturday
Karl Lugo
Joinery and Carpentry Services
For all your purpose-made joinery and
carpentry
Windows, doors, units, etc.
Supply and fit
Tel: 01986 782276
Mobile: 07879 477137
20
Pigeon Post
Starston Flower Festival
This will take place in St. Margaret’s Church on Saturday 2nd, Sunday 3rd and
Monday 4th May. The theme is Anniversaries, celebrating local, national and
international events.
As part of the Flower Festival there will be an exhibition of old Starston photographs
together with interesting Harleston photographs from the Denny collection on display
in St Margaret’s Church at the same time as the festival.
There will also be an Art and Contemporary Craft exhibition at the Coach House,
Starston Place. Artworks from artists living in and around Starston, Harleston and
Halesworth with paintings, portraits, glorious coloured silk scarves, Goldwork
embroidery and individual textile pieces, plus examples from Starston Stitchers
There will be a sales table with artists’ cards and small handmade items. Also a cake
stall and light refreshments will be available at the Coach House, Starston Place.
The opening times for the Flower Festival and the exhibitions are:
Saturday 2nd: 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Sunday 3rd: 12.00 noon - 6.00 pm
Monday 4th 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Gardeners’ Question Time
As a part of the Flower Festival being held in our lovely medieval church in
Starston, we are holding an evening devoted to gardening. We have a panel of
gardening professionals who, between them, have a huge range of experience - all
ably chaired by our very own Michael Bartlett. The experts, Terry Illsley, Andy
Bailey, Charles Moss and Ben Potterton, will be only too pleased to give advice on
any gardening problems you may have, so do be ready with your questions when
you arrive.
The event is on Saturday May 2nd with a 7.00 pm start. The entrance fee is £6 and
this includes a finger buffet and a soft drink. Wine will be available for a charge.
To book tickets and for further information please contact:Tish Lombe Taylor: 01379 852393 or Margaret Griffiths: 01379 854385
Tickets are also available from the Information Centre in Exchange St Harleston.
They will also be available at the door on the evening.
21
April 2015
Are you a Bake Off fan - has it inspired you?
Is there a budding Delia in your house?
Or maybe you are the chief cook and bottle washer!
Whatever your particular kitchen skill
WE NEED YOU - CAN YOU HELP?
The Village is expecting Visitors, they are expecting CAKE.
Over the early May Bank Holiday 2nd to 4th May
the Starston Flower Festival will take place.
We need lots and lots of cake! Some to be served with tea or coffee,
some to sell on the cake stall.
We also need help with preparing and serving, clearing tables and washing up.
Whether you are a regular helper or someone who has never assisted at a
village event before, we need you! Please give as much or as little help as you
can, get in touch and tell us what you can do.
A cake, a batch of scones, a tray of sausage rolls, muffins, two hours selling
cakes, an hour of washing up.
Don’t Delay! Bake Today
Well, perhaps not quite today but let us know how you can help soon.
Philippa: 01379 852210 philippa.i.taylor@gmail.com
Ruth: 01379 852087 rcawcutt1@btinternet.com
Sue: 07788756541 suemoo@tesco.net
Billingford Windmill
The Mill, which is owned by Norfolk County Council, will be open on the following dates:
April 6th, May 24th, June 14th, July 19th, August 22nd, Sept 20th, Oct 25th. There will be
guided tours of the mill on those dates.
Also, for your enjoyment on the Common will be Vintage/Classic vehicles, Easter egg
hunt, Local band, Fancy Dress, Bygone engines, Teddy parachute drop, Vintage tractors,
Scavenger hunt and Shire horses. All events subject to availability and conditions.
Phone Norfolk Windmills Trust volunteers for details on 01379 853967 or to let us know if
you can help with stewarding.
22
Pigeon Post
County Council News
Norfolk County Council has approved
129 small highway projects across the
county which will benefit from a share of
£400,000 for safety measures. The cash
will be for improvements such as flashing
warning lights, mobile vehicle activated
signs such as the SAM2, traffic islands,
dropped kerbs and bus shelters. With
town and parish councils match-funding
the money the projects will get from the
County Council, it means about £800,000
being spent to improve safety. This is the
fourth year of the Parish Partnership
which has proved popular with all town
and parish councils.
So far 11,052 items have been donated at
our Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) events across South
Norfolk, including 1,020 televisions, 348
DVD players and 112 hairdryers. It all
adds up to 52 tonnes of goods that have
been recycled or reused rather than being
sent to landfill. We hold these events
across the county so look out for the next
one in Harleston and take your unwanted
items along. As well collecting WEEE,
you can also bring reusable furniture,
clothes, textiles, and household batteries.
Grants are available from the New Anglia
Local Enterprise Partnership’s Growing
Waveney Valley Hogspital
Following our article about this hedgehog
rescue centre last month, we have been
asked to say that they are desperate for
support. Even a donation of £1.00 would
be very welcome.
Visit the web site at www.hogspital.co.uk
Business Fund to expand your business
and generate new jobs. The New Anglia
Growth Hub supports growing businesses
in Norfolk and Suffolk as well as
individuals looking to start up, by
offering free face-to-face business
support. To find out more you can ask for
an appointment with an advisor by calling
0300 333 6536 or email:
growthhub@newanglia.co.uk
Finally I was pleased to open the newly
refurbished Old Kings Head pub in
Brockdish. I put the new owners in touch
with The Pub Is The Hub, who gave free
advice, and NCC who gave a grant of
£4,000 to the new owner to create a
coffee and bakery area within the pub.
This pub is not only an asset for the
village but for the Waveney Valley and I
wish them every success for the future.
My next surgery will be at HIP on
Saturday June 6th 10.00 am.
Please contact me at
martin.wilby@norfolk.gov.uk
23
April 2015
Local Films in April
Pennoyers Film (Pulham St. Mary)
Title: The Imitation Game
Date : Friday 17th April
Time: 8.00 pm (Bar opens at 7.15)
Cost: £4.00 in advance, £4.50 on the door
During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the Enigma code with
help from fellow mathematicians. With Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
Booking advisable - phone: 01379 676660
Harleston Film (Archbishop Sancroft High School)
Title: Mr Turner (12a)
Date : Friday 10th April
Time: 7.30 pm (Doors open 7.15)
Cost: £4.00. Refreshments will be available in the interval.
Mr Turner is a highly commended drama, reflecting the turbulent life of that great
artist. Timothy Spall delivers a magnificent performance, portraying this eccentric
painter who is living his last 25 years with gusto.
To book, ring Harleston Information Plus on 01379 851917 – pay on the door.
Alburgh Film (Alburgh Village Hall)
Title: The Imitation Game
Date : Friday 17th April
Time: 7.30 pm (Bar opens 6.45)
During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the Enigma code with
help from fellow mathematicians. With Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.
Cost: £4.00. Fish and chips available from van from 6.30 onwards.
No advance booking – just come along and pay on the door.
24
Pigeon Post
Benefice Services and Events for Holy Week
Dickleburgh
Pulham
Market
Thursday 2nd 7.30pm
Maundy Communion
Saturday 4th 6.00 pm
Easter Candle
Friday 3rd 11.30am
Service on the Green
Pulham
St Mary
Starston
Friday 3rd 10.30am
Walk of Witness
6.00pm Readings and
Hymns for Good Friday
Friday 3rd 2.00pm
The Last Hour
St Margaret's Church Starston
The Annual Vestry Meeting will be held on Sunday 12th April at 12 noon in St
Margaret's Church, followed by the Annual Meeting of the Parochial Church
Council. These meetings are to deal with the election of churchwardens, officers
and members of the Parochial Church Council. The church belongs to the village
and it is an opportunity to find out what has happened during 2014 and to discuss
future ideas and proposals for the church.
If you need any further information please contact Ruth Cawcutt, PCC Secretary:
Email rcawcutt1@btinteret.com or telephone 852087.
Answers to the March Crossword
ACROSS
1.
4.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
18.
20.
22.
23.
24.
25.
Siphon
Edison
Maestri
Clang
Lodge
Inflict
Bloodstream
Sextant
Socle
Itchy
Drawers
Toning
Otiose
DOWN
1.
2.
3.
5.
6.
7.
8.
14.
15.
16.
17.
19.
21.
Simple
Plead
On the go
Decaf
Stamina
Negate
Vicissitude
Lexicon
Restart
T-shirt
Lessee
Aryan
Credo
25
April 2015
April Crossword by
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
Puffin
7
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
CLUES ACROSS
1.
5.
8.
9.
10.
12.
14.
15.
17.
18.
21.
22.
24.
25.
Land in hock (7)
Check the credit for parasites (5)
He plays with leather and willow (9)
Ms Stubbs (3)
Wrinkled fold (4)
Ended (8)
Needs planting each year (6)
Whole world coverage (6)
Delightfully pleasant (8)
Fit for water (4)
Exploit loses a letter for erosion (3)
Improving the habit (9)
Sea movements (5)
Dark days when one might have no heirs
(7)
23
25
CLUES DOWN
1. Come back (5)
2. Old Testament priest (3)
3. Smell loses its head for writing purposes
(4)
4. Skewer for headware (6)
5. Pancake (8)
6. Soft and delicate (9)
7. Malicious addition to footwear (7)
11. Managed to find (9)
13. Principled castle (8)
14. Long ago (7)
16. Extinguishes (6)
19. Trademarks (5)
20. Jenny seen on an old coin (4)
23. Anger (3)
26
Pigeon Post
Benefice Services in April
Holy
Week
5th
Easter Day
12th
Easter 2
19th
Easter 3
26th
Easter 4
Dickleburgh
9.30am
Easter
Communion
9.30am
PC
9.30am BCP
Communion
10.00am CC
9.30am
PC
Pulham
Market
9.30am
Easter
Communion
8.00am HC
10.45am
Service in
Memorial Hall
9.30am
HC
9.30am
SW
8.00am HC
9.30am Easter
Messy
Communion
9.30am
HC
9.30am
BCP Matins
9.30am
HC
11.00am
Easter
Communion
11.00am
HC
11.00am
SW
11.00am
SW
11.00
Easter
Communion
11.00am
BCP Matins
11.00am
HC
11.00am
Great &
Small
11.00am
Easter
Communion
11.00am
With
BCP Matins Dickleburgh
Pulham
St Mary
Rushall
See
Page 24
for
services
and events
in
Holy Week
Starston
Thelveton
11.00am
SW
Key To Services
HC: Holy Communion
PC: Parish Communion
BCP: Book of Common Prayer SW: Sunday Worship
CC: Café Church
Starston PCC Secretary: Ruth Cawcutt.
Tel: 01379 852087 Email: rcawcutt1@btinternet.com
Web Site for Information on all Services:
http://www.thebenefice.org.uk/
27
April 2015
Starston Parish Council
Edward Libbey
Chairman
01379 855355
Bruce Colman
Tree Warden
01379 854542
John Formston
Footpaths
01379 853042
Lara Griffin
Highways
01379 855271
Clerk to the Council
01379 309347
Vacancy
Vacancy
Vacancy
Sonja Burnett
To contact Starston Parish Council: starstonparishcouncil@yahoo.co.uk
Starston Village Web Site: www.starstonvillage.co.uk
Local Councillors
Martin Wilby
County 01379 741504
martin.wilby@norfolk.gov.uk
Keith Tilcock
District 07935 357909
ktilcock@s-norfolk.gov.uk
Community Services
Local Buses - from Starston to Harleston
and Starston to Long Stratton and Norwich
Border Hoppa - this is a dial-a-ride service
based around Harleston available to anyone
who has no access to alternative transport.
Police - (non-emergency)
NHS Emergency & Urgent Care Services
(Including Emergency out of hours chemist)
Refuse Collection and Queries
Harleston Information Plus
For information
Ring: 0871 200 22 33
To register and for more
information ring:
01379 854800
Ring: 101
Ring: 111
when it’s less urgent than 999
Ring: 01508 533830
Ring: 01379 851917
hip@harleston-norfolk.org.uk
28
Pigeon Post
Denny Holloway
Bricklayer
Brick Work, General Building,
Hard Landscaping etc
01379 853471 or 07939 144446
Printed by Town and Country Printers, Diss 01379 651107
www.tcprinters.co.uk/