FREE - Issue Number 252- December 2017 HELP YOURSELF TO A COPY - THIS PAPER IS FREE!!

A Peaceful Christmas and a Healthy

New Year from The Wayland News
Picture by Dave Capps

On behalf of everyone associated with The
Wayland News, I wish you all a Happy, Peaceful
Christmas and above all a Healthy New Year.
Although I am the 'Editor' of this paper, I
generate very little in the way of content. Almost
everything you read here is written by the readers
themselves, from the club reporters to the
'regulars' such as Lotta Potts, Orbiter & Boy Sid.
To you all, I offer a public and hearty thank you
for all you have done to make The Wayland
News a successful publication over the past
twenty one plus years. Also a big thank you to
Dave Capps for allowing me to use his fantastic
pictures from time to time. It was Dave who took
the picture of the Robin above.
I must also thank very much the advertisers who
pay for its production. Some of them have
advertised in the paper from the very beginning!
They are deserving of your patronage especially
so as we move into the next year . . .
As I presaged earlier in the year, the future of The
Wayland News has been under review.
Unfortunately, no one was found to take it on. This
was largely because of my poor management which
has meant that, by the normal standards applied to
businesses, the paper was not a viable entity. But
because it fitted in with what I did, it was always
just about OK for me.
My reaching the grand old age that I have, means
that those things are changing, hence the review!
Cessation of the paper or a marked increase in
advertising costs were the only options and so I put
the case to all my regular advertisers and I am
amazed that almost everyone came back saying they
were happy with the new costs in order to publish
the paper that supports the community. So I urge
you, if you value this publication, please support
those businesses that help you.
It is very tempting these days to pop online, or into a
major store to buy things, but Watton and the
surrounding area would be a very poor place with
the business that bring you The Wayland News for
free.
Also I must thank the various distributors who
facilitate the distribution too. I am sure that in
Edwards, sometimes the young peoples hearts must
drop when I turn up with a great pile of papers for
delivery! If you get your Wayland News from them
please say a special thank you for what they do.
Lastly a huge thank you to the printers, Sharman
and Co in Peterborough. They bend over backwards
to help me get the paper out in time and I am
immensely grateful for all their help.
So there we are. Publication will continue next year
and I look forward to a few more years of The
Wayland News . . . with your continued help.
As always, best wishes, Julian

Christmas Trees
Manor Farm, Vicarage Road,
Gt Hockham. IP24 1PE
Locally Grown & Freshly Cut
Open weekends in December from 10am to 5pm
01953 498 204 or 07704 897 787
www.manor-farm-christmas.co.uk
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 2
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 3

Watton Christmas Bingo

Twinning Tuesday 12th December
Saham Toney Village Hall, Bell Lane
Association (Wells Cole Community Centre)
We have recently held two events Doors 6.30pm Eyes Down 7.30pm
the first was our Oktoberfest, this Prizes and Cash Raffle - All Welcome
was held in The Olde Bell at Saham Sponsored by Wells Cole Community Centre (bar)
Toney on Friday 21st and Saturday
22nd of October and was formerly
declared open by Watton Town
Mayor Stan Hebburn. Lederhosen
and Dirndl dresses were worn by
the Twinners and the bar staff. This
is the third year running that we
have held it and it is proving to be
our most successful event of the
year. Landlady Cindy, her husband
Graham and their family really do
pull out all the stops for us with
German beer and a very tasty
German menu which included
Bratwurst sausage, mashed
potatoes, sauerkraut, a German
sweet and many other selections
also, there was music on Friday
night and also Saturday afternoon
and evening, the atmosphere was
brilliant and the pub was absolutely
packed out with people enjoying
everything on offer and having a
thoroughly great time.
Twinning held a raffle, prizes were
mainly of German origin such as 1
litre Steins, half litre Steins, Wine,
Christmas Stollen, Gluhwein, Fruit
basket and other German delicacies.
We would like to say a huge Thank
You to Cindy and Graham for
letting us use their premises every
year for this event and look forward
to holding it again next year.
The second event was a Tombola
Stall at the Watton Town Council
Fireworks event, unfortunately crowd there, a super funfair and selection of family and 7 for a single adult, which isnt a
although it was a dry day the wind stalls and a lovely fireworks display to huge amount but is necessary to pay our public
was pretty fierce and it was not finish off the day. Well Done Watton liability insurance, stationery costs etc. We also
without a huge effort by many Town Council. hold 5 or 6 events a year some to just socialize
helpers that we had to give up and If you are interested in joining us and together and others such as a Cream Tea,
take our gazebo down before it making a link with a German family in Carnival and Oktoberfest to raise funds for when
ended up in a tangled mess. Weeze or just becoming a member to meet our Weeze friends come to Watton then we
However, the Town Council let us our other members socially please contact have an itinerary of events while they are here.
share theirs so we managed to carry me by telephone or e.mail below for a chat Tel:- 01953 883317 or
on. The weather did not put off the and more information. magsdevine@tiscali.co.uk or visit
people of Watton there was a large Twinning membership is just 10 per year for a wattontwinning.wordpress.com

Christmas NWT Breckland Christmas Alive

Bazaar at
Ovington
Village Hall
The annual Christmas Bazaar will
take place on Saturday 9 December
between 12 and 2.30pm. There will
be lunch available (home made
soups or filled rolls), plus lots of tea
and cake. As well as the raffle and
tombola, there will be lucky dips for
adults and children plus raffles for a
hamper and a Christmas cake. The
craft stalls will have great ideas for
presents, decorations or treats for
Christmas. There might even be the
odd mince pie!
4 Leaf
Aggregates
Christmas Times
Would you please note that we are
closed for business on the 21st
December 2017. Last day open will
be 20th December so we are closing
at 3.30pm on 20th December and
will be re-opening on the 2nd
January at 7am.
On Sunday 17th December 2017, the
Local Group Fountain of life church in Ashill village will
We had a very good turnout last month
for our talk on Wayland Wood. This is
such a gem and it was very interesting to
hear about its development and
management. So sad that it is also
abused. NWT are of course trying to
work out ways to keep it open to all but
protect it too.
This month we have a talk by Carole and
Rae Herries about The Ups and Downs of
Photography in Equador and the
Galapagos. We are also staging a for
fun Photo Competition. Its 1 per photo,
bring your photo(s) of Norfolk Wildlife
taken this year and labelled with your
name and where taken please. There will
be a winner and runner-up prize.
Its at Watton Christian Community
Centre, High Street, Watton. IP25 6AB,
13th December 7.30pm. Seasonal
refreshments will be included in the entry
fee of 2 for members and 3 for non-
members.
Thanks to everyone who has supported us
this year, we wish you a Happy Christmas
and hope to see you next year with our
new events, starting with:- Breckland
Flora, a talk by Jo Jones from Breckland
Flora Group, on 10th January at 7.30pm at
the Christian Community Centre, Watton
High Street.
be staging a spectacular outdoor live nativity
and carols event. This will be the third year
and it is getting so big, it has outgrown the
church!
As you arrive you will enter the atmospheric
streets of ancient Bethlehem , in an
interactive village experience. There will be
live animals, birds of prey, costumed actors
and plenty of activities for the whole family.
Visit the village Carpenter and Blacksmith,
watch the Stone mason and Potter at work,
make bread on an open fire, try your hand
at spinning or weaving, stop at the Inn and
enjoy the aromas and tastes of the ancient
Middle East. Watch out for the Roman
soldiers! The whole event will culminate in
a live performance of the Christmas story,
where the audience will feel part of the
action. Delightful songs, funky dancing
shepherds, Mary on a donkey, hearty
carols, an impressive procession of Kings
and their servants, a Roman soldier on
horseback and of course a real baby Jesus.
Watch as the story unfolds around you!
And its all free.
4pm Bethlehem village opens
5pm Live Nativity and carols
Followed by mulled wine and mince pies.
Fountain of Life church, Swaffham Road,
Ashill, IP25 7BT admin@folchurch.co.uk
01760 441 902
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 4
A Quick Look
Round
By Orbiter
Here we go again, a new month
and very nearly the end of yet
another year how time flies
when youre having fun! Presents
time, and something new for
everyone, even a new shop for
Watton , though a bit of a change
from the usual food outlets the site
has accommodated over the years,
the most recent being Budgens,
whose stay was very short,
following the Co-op and
Somerfields. The Original Factory
Shop at least offers the town a
variation of products, and
although the odd line may
duplicate ones that are already
catered for elsewhere the
existence of a new store will
surely help to attract more people
to shop locally, which is good for
everyone.
There can be a no more depressing
sight in a High Street than an
empty shop-front, particularly a
large one, such as the BHS
emporium in Norwich, but luckily
the empty Co-op in Watton was
set back and almost hidden by the
Boots store, so the effect was
fairly minimal.
But Christmas beckons, with the
time to make those Yuletide
puddings I am sure that with all
the culinary guidance given out
during the year by the Delias,
Nigellas, Marys and so on, that
you will all be bursting to make
your own.
All this recalls to my mind the
days of my youth when the end of
November signalled Pudding
Making Time and my mother
would prepare a huge bowl to
contain all the ingredients she had
been amassing for the last few
months, and at her giving the nod,
my Dad and I would partake in the
traditional stir, with a large
wooden spoon, before the mixture
was divided into a number of jars
and then consigned to a long
period of cooking in the copper
which was normally used to do
the weekly wash, aided by a
copper stick. Remember them ?
There were always at least a half-
dozen of these puddings, the first
to be eaten on Christmas Day (this
always contained e few of those
old silver threepenny bits, and I
always seemed be lucky and get
one, surprise, surprise!), one for
Easter, one each for Dad and me
for our birthdays in April and
August, plus a couple of spares
for unexpected occasions, such as
family visits.
It may be that I was conditioned to
Mums cooking, but her pudds
were delicious, and I have never
tasted better, to my mind knocking
the modern supermarket versions
into a cocked hat as the saying has
it. (And, yes, I did once taste one
from Fortnum & Masons !).
But more has happened than
cooking Xmas grub, and an
important day arrived recently
marking the opening of the pen-
ultimate section of the Northern
Distributor Road, more popularly
called The Northern Bypass, which
is being built around Norwich. It
has been a long time coming but
suddenly seems to have arrived
quickly, like the dualling of the
A11 between Mildenhall and the
big cathedral city. Hopefully the
new bit of new road will ease
traffic flows, though planning and
execution do not always tally, as
has been seen with the new re-
designed roundabout at Mildenhall,
which was expected to solve all
problems, but instead caused
unforeseen delays, while at the
Norwich end the increased traffic
flow seems to have caused daily
hold-ups at the Thickthorn
junction.
But it is good that the authorities
are continually searching for ways
to make journeys easier, though we
soon forget the changes and take
them for granted.
For instance we drive to Thetford
and blithely ignore the two turnings
signed to Great Hockham,
completely forgetting that not long
ago our road used to pass through
that village. Or that Narborough
only fairly recently became a
lonely outpost that is welcomely
free from passing traffic. Almost
every village has bends that have
been straightened out, or junctions
improved, but we have usually
forgotten how they used to be.
With all the different innovations
that have arrived over the years,
surely the most useful are the
Traffic Lights, which day and
night sort out our passage through
complicated intersections, and
which took over from the poor old
Bobbie, the point duty
policeman, who used to have to
stand for hours in all weathers,
wearing his special long white
cuffs, to make sure we negotiated
junctions safely. Then there were
the hard rubber strips laid in the
road to activate the light when you
drove up on a side road, when the
lights were set to favour the main
road you were approaching.
Naughty kids used to jump up and
down on them, just to see the
lights change !
Further road news is that three of
the main car manufacturers are
proposing to form an alliance to
site electric charging points all
over the country to cater for the
enormous demand that will ensue
if all petrol and diesel use is
phased out, as is now on the cards.
Let us hope some early progress is
made regarding the commission of
some new power stations to cope
with the new demand, as we are
also warned that a harsh winter
will see outages even in our
current situation.
Elsewhere we read of yet more
church roofs being stripped of
their lead coverings, and the
repairs run into thousands of
pounds. In this column recently I
suggested the use of polymer-
based replacements, and I was
pleased to read that my idea did
actually make sense when one
church has now won a battle with
the Heritage people to use such
materials.
But now to the annual business of
eat, drink and be merry, and dont
spare the horses. Or something.
Best wishes to all my readers (or
should that be both?)
Good afternoon.
Gt. Ellingham
& District
Flower Club
(NB. Date change - due to winter
weather conditions) Floral
Demonstrations by CLUB
MEMBERS Stunning Flowers -
20 arrangements raffled last year!
SATURDAY JANUARY 20th
Rocklands Village Hall, The
Street, NR17 1TR
Starts 1.30pm -3.30pm Doors
open 1pm Guests 5 Members
Free Raffle/Refreshments We are
a friendly NAFAS affiliated Club
(Fees 25 p.a.) We meet Monthly
for demonstrations, workshops,
visits & lots of other fun events.
For more information call
Secretary, Jane Dalton 01953
498694 or email
jane.dalton@btinternet.com
AN IDEAL TIME TO JOIN OUR
FANTASTIC CLUB Just in time
for the new Programme of Events
for 2018. and for February!!
Diabetes UK
It was our Annual General
Meeting in November and 23
members attended. The group has
been going from strength to
strength and we have a regular
membership who attend rain or
shine. It really doesn't seem
possible that we have been in
existence for almost 11 years. We
have had a great many speakers
over the years and we have been
very lucky and extremely grateful
that the Pentecostal Church has
opened it's doors to us and been
there for us since we started. The
committee must also be doing
something right too, as we were
all voted back in en masse. Ron
and myself are so lucky to have
such lovely members and an
amazing committee. Without
them there would be no group so a
big thanks to them all for all their
support. After the meeting we
enjoyed a quiz arranged by one of
our committee members, followed
by a fish & chip lunch.
Our December meeting will be
our Christmas Party. It will be
held on Monday December 11th,
10.15am, at the Pentecostal
Church, Dereham Road, Watton,
who we thank once again for the
generous use of their facilities.
For details of any of our meetings,
please phone Helen - 01953
884713 - leave a message and I
will get back to you.
Or you can email me:
rjwhrt56@btinternet.com
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 5
Poppy Appeal 2017 In your
During Remembrancetide this year the RBL Poppy Appeal in the
Watton district raised in excess of 9000.
garden with
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful effort:-
the shops, businesses and schools who displayed a poppy box; the Lotta Potts
people who gave up their time to collect from house to house; those So here we are again well nearly as
who braved the cold and wet to collect in the streets of Watton; this has to be in by mid-November.
members and friends of the Rotary Club and Inner Wheel who It makes forecasting about December
manned the stand at Tesco for 5 days, and the Tesco manager and a bit difficult because as we all know
staff for welcoming our collectors onto their premises and keeping anything could happen weather-wise
them well-supplied with hot tea and coffee; and most of all, to before Christmas. There, I've said it.
everyone who gave so generously in support of the appeal. November always seems to me to be
Watton town looked really super bedecked with large poppies in a month of planning all sorts of
many surprising places. This was the clever idea of our mayor, things, none of them gardening.
Councillor Stan Hebborn, and generated much favourable There are endless lists of shopping,
comment. mostly to do with what the
Nationwide last year the Poppy Appeal raised over 46.5 million. supermarkets are pleased to call
This money is spent by the Royal British Legion to support serving Festive Fayre. This brings on a
and past members of the Armed Forces of all ages and from all sort of siege mentality and every
conflicts, along with their families, when they need help most. time you go anywhere near one of
2017 lapel badges: We know that some people were disappointed at these cathedrals of consumption
being unable to get one of these. We have managed to acquire a youd think every customer was
limited supply, so if anyone would like to get one, please contact us running an orphanage. When I was a
(details below). child mother had to figure it all out
If you would like to help with next years poppy appeal in any way, well in advance as shops actually
please contact the Honorary Poppy Appeal Organisers, Pam and Pat closed at Christmas. Workers like
(Murphy) on 01953 498164. my father had a couple of days off
Once again, many, many thanks to everyone who made this and that was it. By the time I retired
years fundraising such a big success. several years ago things had gone
into reverse: shops were (and still
are) opening for longer, maybe
closing Christmas Day only but
everyone else seemed to be off for a
couple of weeks. You simply
couldnt get anything done between
Christmas and New Year. Get off
the soapbox Lotta, therell be letters.
Right, back to the gardening. I just
had a quick look at last years effort,
trying not to repeat myself but one
bit of it made me wonder. I had
found that article about the Sheffield
professors theory that we get more
depressed if we are suffering from
nature deficit and are more prone
to depression if we work indoors
with a computer to share our space.
The upshot being he felt that
gardening would stave off this
appalling condition. My wonder
was, assuming anyone actually reads
this, did anyone benefit from that
article? I hope so.
December is generally a bit slow
when it comes to gardening. The
weather rules even more than during
the rest of the year. If we are
fortunate enough to have a mild, dry
day or two theres lots to be done.
Plant the last of the spring-flowering
bulbs. Tulips will be fine and on
time but you may find daffs are a bit
later than they should be. Theyll
catch up in later years. If you want
winter colour there's a good deal
available. For small areas,
containers and hanging baskets you
cant beat pansies or violas as these
cheery faces will go on and on.
They look a bit frazzled after a
heavy frost but will perk up again
when the temperature rises. All they
need is water and dead-heading. If
they get leggy just cut them right
back and they will recover. Decent
drainage is a good idea so they dont
get water-logged. That actually is
true whatever you have in pots or
containers.
There is a varied choice for winter
containers. If you fancy a bit of
scent try sarcocca or Christmas Box.
There are a few varieties but the best
-known ones are hookeriana var
dygna with purple-ish stems, long
green leaves (its evergreen) and tiny
white fluffy flowers. The other
variety is confusa which has shorter
leaves and is a tighter-growing plant.
Both have powerful scent. I had
never heard of it until a few years
ago when I bought one in flower in
December and it is still sitting in a
large pot. Another scented shrub in
flower now is Viburnum. Again,
there are various varieties but
bodnantense dawn with small pink
fading to white flowers is, I think,
the most freely available. The
flowers will spread scent all over the
garden on a still day so it might be as
well to find one in flower and have a
good sniff. Same with sarcocca.
The viburnum is deciduous but
might hang on to its leaves in a mild
winter. The flowers will still be
there on and off until spring. Theres
a shrubby honeysuckle, lonicera x
purpusii which is a round shrub
about 6 x 6ft with white flowers the
same shape as those on the climbing
varieties but grow singly. This ones
fragrance doesnt travel as well as
the viburnums so needs to be close
to where you pass it. It would be a
mistake to plant all the scented
shrubs together as they might
combine to something more like a
smell! All these shrubs will be fine
in containers until spring when you
can plant them out.
There are climbers for this time of
year as well. Clematis Winter
Beauty is lovely, again with white
flowers and Freckles which is as
described with dark red spots in the
cream flowers. These are the small
cup-shaped ones. There seems to
be a pattern that winter flowers are
mainly pale and the ones above as
well as others with or without scent
must be like that to attract
pollinators. Probably the odd bee
perhaps? Im not to well-informed
on wildlife but it must be
beneficial for such as there is about
to try and cater for them in the
garden. The only unwelcome
wildlife are slugs and snails. They
will thrive under pots and heaps of
leaves or other rubbish left lying
about so if theres just one job you
can face on a decent day have a
pest hunt. Dispose of them as you
will but normally a bucket with a
drop of bleach or maybe a beer if
youre feeling generous. The
results can be binned. You could,
according to one expert, put them
in the compost heap where they
will break down the green stuff via
the digestive system. All very fine
and large but like everything else if
you have more than one lots will
follow so I cant recommend this.
Salt or bleach water and the rubbish
bin are my ideas of disposal.
Most of the work is to do with
planting deciduous trees and shrubs
and renovating old ones in situ. This
is best done by removing completely
any dead, dying, diseased or crossing
branches. After that take out about a
third of the old wood. Do this every
winter and in three years the whole
thing is healthy and looking well.
Dont heavily prune anything that
will be flowering in spring such as
mimosa, forsythia, ornamental
currant as you will remove next
years flowers. These shrubs should
be pruned after flowering. Fruit
trees can be planted now and winter-
prune standard apples and pears to
keep them in shape and allow decent
access to the fruit. However this can
be done any time in winter before
the blossom appears. Maybe
January would be a better bet so I
will come back to that next month.
Keep off the grass unless its dry as
if theres frost or water-logging the
lawn will be damaged and very
compacted. If its dry and mild it
might need mowing and leaves
removing. If you want to repair the
edges by cutting out the damaged
length and replacing with another bit
of turf or just turning it round to
make a better edge this can be done
but I think it better to wait until its
all not quote so wet.
Christmas excess can be worked off
with digging or gently forking over
any bare soil. The fresh air will do
you good see the second paragraph
about nature deficit - and if all else
fails take a quick look round and
youll be surprised whats showing
through the surface. Bulbs mainly
so its an incentive to buy and plant
next autumn. Try a walk round an
open garden. Quite a few winter
gardens are on show, particularly in
very large gardens with the space for
dedicated winter plants such as the
silver birch trees underplanted with
snowdrops or somewhere with the
colourful stems of dogwoods and
some willows.
If we get snow all bets are off and all
gardens become equal. We havent
seen a lot of snow for a few years
but at the moment some forecasters
are going for a long, hard winter and
the rest for a short, mild one. Take
your pick. Look out of the window
its as good as anything.
So there we are. A very Merry
Christmas to all and dont forget: if
theres soil showing keep weeding.
Macmillan
Coffee
Morning
The coffee morning held at 95
Nelson Court was a record breaker
for us this year a cheque for
530.25p has been sent to
Macmillan Cancer Care. Many,
many thanks to all the people who
came and enjoyed coffee and cake,
all those who donated so
generously even if they couldnt
attend and of course, to our band of
helpers without whom this event
could not possibly take place. In
strict alphabetical order as they are
all indispensable, our thanks go to
Jill Beech, Sue Bunce, Pam and
Roy Challand, Lesley Cowling,
Stella and Bryan Leonard and
Valerie Semlyen. Thank you all
again for a fantastic result.
Jenny and Dave Simons.
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 6
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 7
Shipdham &
District Book
Group
The first half of the meeting on the
18th October took a very different
form from usual. For the first time in
12 years we had a visitor, the poet
Martin Figura who has a residency in
Shipdham during the week beginning
23rd October, as part of the Silver
Social. He has been visiting groups
ahead of this. My first duty was to
present him with a tank top knitted by
the Shipdham Knitters which he had
earlier rashly promised to wear during
his time in the village. We had been
given copies of a short narrative poem
in Booklet form entitled Arthur. This
is set on the Suffolk coast. It tells of
Arthurs discovery that his silk
weaving Huguenot grandfather sold
his looms to move to the coast and
paint; of his failure to join the navy
for WWII through flat feet but to
drive buses instead; his courtship and
marriage to a French school teacher
evacuated to the area but killed when
a bomb hits the local school until
Arthur develops from a strange boy to
an equally odd old man.
Martin talked us through the work,
telling us of its origin and how the
ideas came from a variety of sources.
It had been a joint project involved
with art and film. One member of the
group could not understand it at all,
having read it as a series of separate
poems; most admitted to still
struggling with poetry without rhyme
and confessed to a love of the iambic
pentameter of their school days; the
background was appreciated; one
identified with the Hugeunot roots
having them herself and all
appreciated participating in something
different.
In view of the above we had read
something lighter than usual, A Night
on The Orient Express by Veronica
Henry. Described by the title this
involves a disparate group of
individuals, couples and a family
enjoying the luxury of this
experience. We have the background
of the characters, description of the
luxury on board and the beautiful
scenery. It was agreed that this is an
ideal book for escapism, or as one
member said when youve read
everything else and what we refer to
as comfort or drinking chocalate
reading during pain or stress.
Nevertheless, it was enjoyed by the
majority for a change and as foil to
the brain exercise of grasping a new
genre. The tips on dress code, should
we ever become wealthy enough to
make the journey, and the recipes for
a cocktail, one of the dishes served
and list of films set in Venice should
this never happen were appreciated.
For the meeting on 15th November
would like to thank everybody at The
Golden Dog for providing us with a
space to meet and free afternoon tea
in aid of The British Legion. This
came as a pleasant surprise thanks to
a member dining there on a regular
basis, receiving an invitation for
herself and somehow including the
whole group. We also welcomed two
new members. We still managed to
contain our excitement to have our
discussion and talk about other books
we have read, between eating delicious
food and drinking tea.
The book discussed was The Daughter
of Time by Josephine Tey first
published in 1951. A detective with a
back injury is confined to bed on
traction for many months, as was the
norm in the 1950s. A lady friend
suggests he researches a historical
character. He chooses Richard III and
tries to resolve the mystery of The
Princes in The Tower. She sends along
a young American researcher to help
him and he inveigles nurses to provide
him with the school style history books
of the period. If nothing else we learned
some important tips on the most
accurate historical sources i.e. bills and
accounts but are no nearer in resolving
the mystery of the Princes in the Tower
although it seems unlikely that Richard
III was their killer, if indeed thatb is
what happened to them.
The book was not well received by
most although all agreed that the
attitudes and medical treatment
reflected the period when it was written.
Criticism included too many facts, too
much history, condescending and
boring. Those who liked it enjoyed the
different view on Richard III, now more
widely accepted, rather than the pro
Tudor version reflected in the works of
Shakespeare. We agreed that Richard
III had not needed to kill off the
opposition in the form of his young
nephews as he had a more valid claim
to the throne than the very shaky one of
the Tudors who succeeded him,
following his death at the Battle of
Bosworth.
Our December Christmas meeting
will be in the form of reading our own
chosen passages of prose and poetry
whilst partaking of another afternoon
tea at the Kings Caf.
May we wish all who read this
members and non membersd alike the
Christmas you would wish youself
and the very best of health and good
fortune in 2018.
Watton (Loch Neaton)
Bowls Club
Ashill &
Holme Hale
Garden Club
David Boulton says he is not a
photographer but a naturalist with an
interest in nature photography.
Nevertheless, the photographs which
supported his talk on 'Wildlife in our
Gardens' in October were amazing.
Despite living on a housing estate in
Sprowston near Norwich David has
planted his garden specifically to
attract wildlife. Buddleia, Marsh
Marigolds and Purple Loosestrife are
favourites of butterflies, especially the
handsome Peacock butterfly, while
hoverflies enjoy French Marigolds.
Single open flowers attract numerous
insects including bees who love
Ornamental Poppies and Cosmos in
particular. In addition to the
traditional bird feeders Pyracantha
produces tasty berries loved by a
variety of birds.
In his front garden David has created a
pond 20 feet in diameter which at one
point was home to 230 frogs. Where
they all come from in the middle of a
housing estate is a mystery. This in turn
attracts the common newt which likes
to dine on frog spawn. However,
David's main interest in the pond is the
dragonflies and damselflies. There are
dozens of native species including the
rare Norfolk Hawker which David has
been fortunate enough to photograph in
his garden. But some of the most
fascinating photographs in the At the Annual General Meeting held the clubs Annual Presentation
presentation were those taken by David in the club room at the Sports Centre Dinner, held at Broome Hall on
one night over a period of several hours. on Tuesday 17th October, the Saturday 28th October.
These were of an Emperor dragonfly, following members were elected Top picture shows Ron presenting
which was up to 3-4 inches long, onto the new committee: the Club 4 Wood Pairs Cup to John
emerging from the larva stage. Quite President and Chairman John Hunter, Hunter the new President.
extraordinary! Secretary Kevin Simpson, Treasurer Lower picture is Ron presenting
Finally, just to prove that you don't have Malcolm Hamilton, Club Captain flowers to Glenis Walkling, Pat
to live in the open countryside to Graham Vellam, Match Secretary Hurrell, Margaret Hunter and Carol
witness wildlife, a beautiful fox posed Sandy Vellam. Relf for organising and providing the
in the garden for his (or her) Ron Hurrells last duty as outgoing club refreshments this year.
photograph. President was to present the prizes at
What's on in the next 3 months:
Thursday 7th December - Christmas
Party (Members only - please pre- Whats on at St Marys
book)
Thursday 25th January - Ian Roofe
- 'Spring Garden Flowers'
Church, Watton
Thursday 7th December 10am Thursday Chat a social coffee morning at St
Thursday 22nd February - Kathy Marys all welcome
Gray - 'Plant Hunters' Mondays December 4th, 11th & 18th 9.30am Story Bags at St Marys Church
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A for parents and preschool children during term time only.
HAPPY NEW YEAR The November Winner of the 100 Club Draw Number 2 Alan Wake
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 8
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 9
For number four, Helen wrapped five sides of a any members requiring chemical modification
The Creation and block of oasis in cellophane, securing it with
gaffer tape to provide a waterproof container.
should bring their own. Exact details are a bit
hazy, but arent surprises what Christmas is all
Use of a Cutting The cellophane was disguised with sticks of
equisetum secured with suitable glue. Helen
about?
Doors open at 13:30. Proceedings might start at
Garden described this as a modern arrangement. It
consisted of just three varieties:
about 14:00.

For Great Hockham Gardening Clubs indoor
meeting this month we hosted Helen Hillier
(right), who gave us a demonstration of flower
arranging while giving us tips about the
cultivation of the varieties employed.
The first arrangement was a recreation of one
she produced for the royal enclosure at Epsom
during the Queens Silver Jubilee. The brief
was to recreate a natural effect as might be
found in nature. On leaving the event one of
the security guards remarked that it just
looked like a piece of field. Objective
accomplished, then. As Helen assembled her
creations she named the many varieties of
flowers she used. The first arrangement
included salvias, lavender, rosemary, atinia,
hebe, snow berry and many more. In short, this
was an assembly using a large number of small
blooms.
In contrast to her first, Helens second
arrangement was of a more horizontal form and
was based on found objects: twigs, crab
apples, moss, hydrangea, huchera and
sarcococca - not always using the blooms, but
sometimes just the leaves. Apparently, to
enhance the colour of moss, you can pour
boiling water over it.
Gourds were employed on the third
arrangement. By coring them and inserting
water filled vials, flowers can be displayed in
an unusual container. The gourds were placed
on a tray, which could also accommodate a
couple of Christmas baubles for a seasonal
effect. If the wire hangers of the baubles are
removed, they can contain water for added
blooms.
chrysanthemum and aconitum, both with all
leaves removed from the stems, and then
phormium, curled back on itself and secured.
The arrangement was in just two colours: green
and blue.
Her final display was basically flowers in a
glass vase. I say basically, but watching her
construct it was a revelation as to why my
attempts at this over the years turned out
looking so bad. Helen did not arrange them in
the vase; she first arranged them in her hand, in
a ring formed by her thumb and forefinger. She
placed each stem spiraling one over the other,
ignoring the varying length of stems. When it
looked right, she tied the bunch with string at
the point she was holding them. Then cut all
the stems to the required length She finally
tapped the bunch on a flat surface and the
stems became level to the point that the
arrangement stood squarely on the base of the
vase.
Helen kindly donated all her arrangements to
our raffle except one which was given on
behalf of the club to one of our members who
is currently unable to attend due to a serious
illness.
This months competition results
Floral: First: Eric Rogers. Second: Sue
Thomas. Third: Sue Cunningham.
Fruit / Vegetables: First: Hazel Dunn. Second:
Sue Thomas. Third: Jane Dalton.
Seasonal Photograph: First: Ed Szczepanowski.
Second: Chris Dalton. Third: Patrick Alzetto.
Our next meeting will be Wednesday 13th of
December at Hockham village hall. This is our
Christmas Social. Food will be provided, but

Wayland Mens
Shed Social
Group
I suddenly realised early this month that we
first open our doors at our meeting place at
The old School in Church Walk Watton a
year ago, I dont know where the time has
gone but when I look back we seem to have
achieved more than we could have hoped for,
on the first day we opened i think we had 8
members and now we have 50 with a new
enquiry every week. Monday is our most
popular meeting day with up to 20+
members turning up for a cuppa a chat and or
a game or two of Cards, Rummikub or Pool,
other members are happy to do some fettling,
chiselling or sawing in our fully equiped
workshop or others our "Computer Gurus"
like to fiddle about with their "widgets" in
our computer workshop where they will take
on Computer repairs for a small fee all going
towards paying our rent.
Our regular "Quiz & Chips" and "Cheese &
Wine" evenings are proving to be very
popular all organised by our very
able Social Secretary Malcolm Trayhorn.
Well done Malcolm.
Our Bi Monthly members luncheon on a
wednesday at the "Willow House" is also
well attended by members who enjoy a pint
as well as the good food. With Christmas
fast approaching many of us will be going
away or making festive arrangements most
of us at "The Shed" are looking foward to
our First WMS Christmas Dinner at Broom
Hall on the 13th December followed by our
Mulled Wine and Minced Pies event on 20th
December.
Well for now it just leaves me to remind you
all of our opening times: Monday and
Wednesdays 10am to 2pm and Saturdays
10am to 12pm. Remember the kettle is
always on for a Tea or Coffee, new members
always welcome and last but not least Many
thanks to those members who have done
more than their share to help make WMS a
success and a special thank you to Jean
Williams at the Happy Project for all her
help and advice.
Very Merry Christmas to You All from
Wayland Mens Shed Members. Cheers,
Richard Adams. Enquiries Tel:01953 881004
Trustees
Wanted Can
You Make A
Difference?
Do you have the skills we are looking for to
become a Trustee of a local charity based in
Breckland? The Daisy Programme works
with survivors of Domestic Abuse, male and
female, aged 16+ who are living or who have
lived in an abusive relationship. There are
many people in our local community
impacted by Domestic Abuse.
We are looking for forward thinking,
enthusiastic, positive individuals with one or
more skills on the list below.
The Ability to turn Passion into action - it is
of fundamental importance that you care
about the aims of the Charity.
A Financial Wizard understand a budget
and to review audited accounts. Budgets
could be your thing.
Adding another skill set to the existing
Trustees - a perspective; a willingness to
tackle a particular part of our organisations
development.
A Fast learner - you may need to hit the
ground running. You also need to understand
how the Charity works.
A collaborative approach we are made up
of beneficiaries, paid staff, Trustees and
Volunteers. While there will not be
agreement all the time, you will need to
understand the priorities of others and to try
to bring as many people together as possible
towards a common vision.
Supportive nature - The first is with other
Trustees, where you will need to build a
working relationship where you can be
honest with each other. The second form of
support is about being supportive of the staff
of the Charity. They may be under a lot of
pressure in all sorts of ways. If you can
praise them when they deserve it, support
them when they need it, and know when you
should get involved and when you shouldnt:
then ultimately the aims and ambitions of the
Charity are more likely to be fulfilled.
Flexibility - when you first join as a Trustee,
you may see very clearly where your skills
are needed. Over time, the organisation will
evolve your fellow Trustees will change, and
you will change. Be prepared to help in ways
that you hadnt envisaged: your Trustee
experience will be all the richer for it and it
can be fun!
Focus - Amid an ever-changing list of
priorities, you need to remember why the
Charity was formed and our target audience.
Strategic - One of the blessings of being a
Trustee is having the time to help the Charity
decide the strategic direction it is going to
take. Staff may be tied up in fighting fires
and in providing much-needed day to day
services. A Board of Trustees, should have
the opportunity and skills to think about
strategy. How is the Charity doing? Could it
do other things? Should it stop doing some
things?
Fundraising skills - last, but not least,
especially in the current financial climate.
This might be anything from providing
funding contacts and advice to helping run a
cake sale. Again, if you already have
fundraising skills, you may be able to greatly
help a Charity from the moment you join.
For further information and an informal chat,
please contact or call the Project Manager on
07572 654808
help@daisyprogramme.org.uk,
www.daisyprogramme.org.uk
Domestic Abuse Interventions Supporting
You
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 10
Watton Society AGM
The Watton Society held its AGM
meeting, when the mayor Stan Hebborn
officiated over the election of officers,
all were re-elected for a further year
with a new member joining the
committee. This was followed by a talk
about "Project Linus" - the making of
quilts for children in hospital suffering
from illness and traumatised. "A quilt is
a hug you can keep" is their motto.
The quilt is something that is given to
each child or young person to keep
forever. They can be made to suit each
person i.e. baby style for the neo-natal
ward, girl or boy and even young adults
up to the age of 19. Since 2000 when it
Watton Country Market
Another busy month for everyone at
Watton Country Market Including a
visit from our Mayor, Stan Hebborn.
We thoroughly enjoyed telling him all
about our market and hope we have
secured his custom for further visits,
with or without his full regalia!
With thoughts turning to Christmas
baking, dont forget that we have a
ready supply of beautiful freshly laid,
local eggs available every week. Of
course you may not want to bake with
them, and we could hardly be surprised
when we have already done that for
you with our delightful and delicious
selection of savoury and sweet treats
available, but you will have to cook
your own eggs and bacon for breakfast!
Dont forget that we have a great
selection of unusual and beautifully
came to the UK from USA, at July of
this year, 313,564 quilts and blankets
have been delivered to children in the
UK. The local group work on a totally
volunteer basis, meeting at Wayland
Quilters. For further information contact
Jane Lond-Calk 07809 702357 who is a
local co-ordinator.
The Society's next meeting is on
Wednesday 20th December at 7.15pm
at the Watton Christian Community
Centre. "Three's Company" will present
- "A Countdown to Christmas". Festive
refreshments will be served. Members
4. non-members 5. Everyone
Welcome. Watch out for the posters.
crafted items. We also have a great
variety of unique hand-made greeting
cards, including locally themed ones.
We also have a range of knitted and
crocheted goods and a selection of
plants that will make lovely gifts.
If you are leaving it till the last minute,
our last Market before Christmas will
be on the 20th December, refreshments
will be served as usual so come in and
shop and revive yourselves!
We will reopen the Market on
Wednesday 7th February 2018 so if
you have not made it this year come
and see what is going on at the
Christian Community Centre, every
Wednesday 8.30 am 11.30 am.
We wish all our friends and Customers
a Very Happy Christmas and a
Peaceful New Year.
Watton
Evening WI
Well, have you been waiting to see what
our speaker, Sue Dawson Miss
Whiplash was about? Was it about the
ongoing trend of suing insurances for
neck whiplash, or manufacture of whips
or even basket weaving with willow
whips. Are you sitting down? Well
never let it be said that the WI is stuck in
the doldrums. Sue Dawson started by
producing a substantial leather whip
saying from bed & breakfast to bed
and bondage. Miss Whiplash runs a
guest house and out of season it is open
to transvestites. Requests were made to
open for bondage sessions for clients
and so Sue began by collecting dresses
for the transvestites and adult nappies,
maids outfits in the dominatrix line, and
whips, basques, well anything her
clients requested in the bondage line.
This was definitely an interesting insight
and Sue certainly had many stories to
tell of her experiences. Well, at least
thats one way of getting her housework
done by those clients who dressed as
maids and wished to be dominated and
who paid for the privilege. Definitely
an interesting talk, amid much laughter
and similarities to 50 Shades of Grey.
Following on with other activities
within our WI this month leads us to
the Walking Group where several
members enjoyed a stroll around the
countryside of Hingham stopping off
at Chalfonts for bacon rolls before
catching bus back to Watton. A
Facebook & Social Media workshop
was held by Verity one of our
members with instruction as to how to
protect themselves against
cybercrime. The Lunch Club met at
the Windmill, Necton and enjoyed a
delicious lunch, the next meeting will
be at the Kings Arms, Watton. We
await our Groups Carols for
Christmas (for members only) with
seasonal poems, readings and music
provided by Attleborough Ukulele
Band. A visit to Thursford Christmas
Spectacular is also planned, along
with the Winter Wonderland trip to
London. It seems Christmas is fast
approaching and we hope to see many
of you at the Festive Market where
our stall will have a tombola, bran
tubs for children and gifts made by the
Craft Group. Menus have been
circulated for our Christmas Meal at
Broom Hall (members only) which
will be in place of our December
meeting.
We also held our AGM and thanks and
gifts were given to last years committee
who were all re-elected. Verity Pedlar
was also welcomed onto the new
committee. Congratulations to Sally
Blain who was overall competition
winner for the year and was presented
with a potted plant and a WI Spoon in
recognition of her achievement. A
Bylaw was duly passed by the Members
as follows Due to hall restraints the
membership of Watton Evening WI
should not exceed 50. Once this
number is reached a waiting list be
started and membership offered when
vacancies occur. This was a decision
made with mixed emotions as we have
had 20 new members join us this year
but safety has to be paramount.
Please contact Carol our Secretary for
any further information you may
require on 01953 881006.
All in all another packed programme
this year.
May we take this opportunity of
wishing you all a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 11
Breckland Cats
Protection
Are you planning on giving the gift of a kitten
this Christmas? You might want to re-think, as
Cats Protection, the UKs leading feline welfare
charity, is urging people not to give kittens as
gifts at this time. A cat is for life, not just for
Christmas and Christmas can be a stressful time
for a pet. While Christmas is a time of fun,
family and lots of wonderful memories, it may
not be the ideal time to bring a cat home. Your
home will likely be busy, full of strangers and
your new cat will find this experience quite
alarming - making the transition to a new home
much more difficult.
While a kitten may appear to be the perfect
present for a loved one at Christmas, pet
ownership shouldnt be taken lightly. Kittens
dont stay kittens for long, and with cats often
living into their late teens and over, a cat owner
will need to provide for them, whether thats
food or vets bills, for the duration of their
lifetime.
So while cats do make wonderful additions to
many homes, the decision to become a cat
owner is a serious one, and you have to be sure
that you can commit your time and money to
your new feline friend.
Cats Protection has between 5,000 and 6,000
cats in care across the UK at any time, some of
which were given up due to a lack of time, lack
of funds and lack of thought when initially
homing the unfortunately cats.
We are urging people to take a little time, and to
not rush into the decision. If you still want a cat
in the New Year, come and meet one of the
many cats in our care. The Breckland branch of
Cats Protection do not home cats or kittens
between 18th December and 2nd January. You
are welcome to come and reserve a cat or kitten,
pending a home visit, but he will stay with us
until the festivities are over.
If you happen to have a new kitten in your
household before Christmas, please be careful
where you place your Christmas tree, as kittens
will think it is there for their amusement and
will attempt to climb it. They can then become
tangled in the decorations and lights, with
disastrous results. The tree is best placed in a
room that the kitten can be shut out of when you
are not around to keep an eye on him.
And dont forget that some things which appear
at Christmas such as Poinsettias are poisonous
to cats, so make sure they are well out of reach.
For help or advice or it you need help with the
cost of neutering, please call us on 01842
810018. Rita Thompson.
West Norfolk
Aviation Society
After months of globe-trotting our estranged
member, Steve de Roeck, photographer
extraordinaire, turned up at the meeting of the
West Norfolk Aviation Society on 7th
November to deliver what could be described
as a variety show. Held at our new venue, the
Mundford Bowls Club where the hospitality
and fare is second to none, Steve introduced
his dissertation in the form of a quiz: going
through the alphabet he invited members of
his audience to associate each letter with an
aeroplane having that initial.
His archive depicted most of the solutions but,
he disguised his mild discomfort well after
realising that his audience was better
informed than he was himself despite his own
Inner Wheel News
In November the Inner Wheel club were
pleased to purchase a Shelter Box to be sent
in response to the need in the Caribbean
following the hurricane disaster. We were
also able to contribute through an Inner
Wheel club in Havering towards the
replacement of a nursery at the Grenfell
Tower and we shall soon be making a
number of contributions to the charities we
particularly support at Christmas time.
We hold a number of fundraising events to
enable us to do these things and one of those
events took place on Friday, October 20th
when MARKO, alias Mark Reynolds came
to the Queens Hall to present his Life in
Cartoons. He both amazed and amused a
large audience with his ability to draw a
figure and with a few strokes alter it's
expression from happy to sad, cross to
fearful, surprised or annoyed! There was the
opportunity for all to have a go and some
extraordinary results were achieved!
A splendid tea provided by the ladies
followed ,the sandwiches, scones, sausage
rolls and cakes were thoroughly enjoyed.
The result was 688 to our funds.
On Friday, November 3rd Inner Wheel
members and their husbands gathered to
enjoy a French evening at a suitably
decorated member's home. Treated to a
typical french menu of onion soup, roast
duck and chocolate mousse or apple tart
followed by some wonderfully fragrant
Wrethams foreign war dead remembered
The importance of service to others, even to
the extent of offering it in another country,
was stressed by the Rev Helen Jary as she
spoke to a gathering of about 80 people
outside St Ethelberts Church. She was leading
the annual ceremony to honour the Czech and
Polish aircrew who flew from East Wretham
airfield and gave their lives.
The occasion was again organised by Thetford
Royal Air Forces Association and some 13
wreaths were laid on the memorial outside the
church gate, including those of RAFA and
Royal British Legion branches, Wretham
Parish Council, Thetford Town Council, RAF
flight type tally and bulging log book.
He then gave the gathering a sample from
his movie library showing B-24 Liberators
of WW2 and their teenage crews departing
for the unknown.
There then followed the evidence of the
unknown; the return of the few; the
survivors making miraculous and
spectacularly lucky landings despite the
condition of both crew and aeroplane. The
maxim held in hindsight for a better chance
french cheeses the sum of 266 was raised
for The Nook which is President Lesley's
charity this year.
Our Club meeting followed on November
9th when all the plans for the Christmas
events were finalised.
The Christmas Coffee morning in the
Queens Hall on Saturday, December 2nd and
the Christmas Lunchtime Concert when the
ladies are joined by The Westend Waiters on
Wednesday 6th are always popular events.
Tickets for the concert are now available
from Mullengers in Watton High Street and
are selling fast! Make sure you get yours!!
We always enjoy seeing our many Watton
friends at our events and will be wishing
everyone a Very Happy Christmas and New
Year.
Honington, military staff from the Czech,
Polish and Slovak embassies in London and
and number of Czech and Polish
organisations.
After The Last Post was played and silence
kept, people walked into the chuchyard to
plant poppy crosses at the war graves in its
north east corner, led by standards
representing Royal British Legion branches
from Wretham and Hockham, Thetford and
Stanton, RAFA branches at Thetford,
Dereham and Swaffham, Bury St Edmunds,
Diss and Wymondham and Thetford (1109
Squadron) ATC.
of survival states: Know your aeroplane;
for a pilot/engineer the odds were
significantly better.
Steves last act brought into focus, the
engineers, the people that make the
machines that make flight possible.
He had a fine set of film illustrations which
allowed him to define the subtle differences
between jet engines and gas turbines.
Good bit of gassing, Steve, well done.
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 12
Billy's Last Day Out
GCSE Level By Ken Knowles
It was 1937 and for nearly two years Billy
had been confined to barracks for nearly
Maths Tuition two years his barracks being the grimy
engine shed, at the back of which he had
Available in Hingham been confined since his number had
appeared on the railway list of condemned
Contact: Trudy Winfield (BA) engines that was issued periodically as the
company pursued a policy of keeping the
01953 851966 stock up-to-date. Billy was the affectionate
name given to him by the drivers in the
Heyton shed, attached to the small station
in the north of England, where he had
worked ever since he had first arrived back
in 1864, when as a 2-4-0 mixed traffic
engine he had been a top of the range
locomotive of the period. Unfortunately
changing times saw his importance
gradually diminish and after his long
service proudly heading the local passenger
trains, he was demoted, first to humble
shunting duties, then to being reduced to
being a stand by in case another engine
broke down, until the final ignominy of
being relegated to an out of the way end of
the shed.
Then, one day at the end of May, the
F.A.Cup semi-finals resulted in wins for
Sunderland and Preston North End, which
meant that the final, at Wembley would
feature two teams from the north of
England. Besides being exciting news for
all the northern football fans, this also
brought good news for Billy, because
Wembley finals meant allocations of
20,000 tickets to each of the competing
clubs, which this year meant 40,000 men
(hardly any women in those days) from the
north would be travelling to London for the
occasion, and such an increase in passenger
numbers would mean that normal rail
services would not be able to cope, so
special trains would have to be run. At such
times the normal locomotive numbers
would not be sufficient so every available
spare would be pressed into service, and
Billy stood a fine chance of being called
upon for one last trip.
In due course the emergency rosters were
compiled, and, yes, Billy was included, and
his old friend Fred would be driving the
fireman duties handled by Joe and Eric, two
men detailed to share the hard work of
coaling throughout the journey to Kings
Cross, which might take up to nine hours,
or even more since the distance from
Heyton was over 260 miles, and even to
average 30 m.p.h. would not be easy, for to
find paths for specials in between existing
services was no easy task for the planners,
and hold-ups would almost certainly occur.
In order to reach London in mid-morning
meant a departure late on the Friday night,
which in turn meant Billy had to be fired up
early in the evening, but on Cup Final Day
everyone was prepared for any
inconvenience, since in those pre-war days
the event was regarded almost as important
as Christmas Day by all football
enthusiasts, whether or not their own teams
were involved, and fans from the provinces
regarded a visit to the capital an integral
part of the day.
In due course Billys long journey began,
and after a few stops and starts he pulled his
train to a halt at Peterborough, for a well-
earned drink, which necessitated Eric
climbing on top of the tender to feed in the
long thick pipe (which resembled an
elephants trunk) from the water tank at the
side of the track.
As the journey resumed on the last section
down to the Cross (as the London terminus
was generally known to railwaymen) it
could be noticed that on every station on
the way there were groups of men and
schoolboys, all with notebooks, all avidly
scanning the passing locomotives to see if
they were cops i.e. ones they had not seen
before. Loco spotters, later to be known as
anoraks were the equivalent to the
twitchers who rush all over the country to
see rare birds.
Cup Final days always brought out special
trains, headed by rare engines which had
strayed far from their usual operating areas,
and often offered the extremely exciting
sight of an obsolescent loco, of which Billy
was a prime example.
Eventually Billys memorable trip ended at
Platform 1 at Kings Cross and the
delighted passengers alighted to start their
awaited tour of the capital before making
their way to the match.
Meanwhile Billys big day was really
taking shape, when after the carriages had
been removed to nearby parking sidings,
and he had been admired by scores of
enthusiasts, a local driver escorted the
humble loco to the famous Kings Cross
engine depot, known to all on the L.N.E.R
as Top Shed, where he was soon ensconced
among various express engines of the
Flying Scotsman class, such as Sansovino,
Blink Bonny, and Pretty Polly (named after
famous Derby winning racehorses) as well
as the streamlined Silver Link, enjoying a
couple of days rest from hauling the crack
Silver Jubilee express.
While Ted, Eric and Joe snatched a few
hours sleep, some local men raked out the
fires, relit them in due course, reloaded the
tender with coal, replenished the water
tank, until just before ten p.m., Billy
experienced the greatest thrill of all, when
he was coupled to Papyrus, another famous
loco, and together they made their way to
the main station in preparation for their
respective journeys back to the north. As
both engines steamed backwards out of the
Gasworks Tunnel, there was a cheer for
from the large crowd that had gathered at
the end of platform 10, for they presented a
fine contrast between the ancient and
modern, the humble 2-4-0, almost dwarfed
behind the stately 4-6-2.
As they coupled up to their respective
trains, their passengers retired to their seats,
probably to sleep on their way home. But
there were another eleven hours before
Billy and his crew would finish their shift,
and he would be retired to his lonely corner
at the back of the shed, to await the final
journey, when he would be towed
ignominiously to the breakers yard.
A sad end to his eighty year career.
But Billy had had his big day.
Tha Ovington
Crower
By Boy Sid
Well thas a rumen, jist when I thort we
wus goonta hev gud weatha orl tha way
tew Chrismus, thet tunned preshin cowld
this larst week. Niva yew mind, jist as
long as yew dew fare well and hent cort
wun o them corfs an cowlds wot seems
tew hev cort moost folk in tha willage.
Were hed sum new peepal move inta
Ovinton leartly, seem nice an friendly so
we orl hoop we shell see them at sum o
ower big doos.
Did yew hev a bomfire and sum farwuks
larst wik? We dint hev ennythin leard on
in tha willage this yare, but thar ware sum
wholly lowd ploshuns from up tha rood
an tha owld sky wos orl lit up so suffin
wos gooin on. Horry sed he wos gooin
tew bun orl his owld hidge trimmins an
sum ole bitsa wood heed got alonga his
shud. Trubble wos wen he hossed tha
wood owta the tha weeds, his shud fell
down cos thet wood wos howldin tha
whool thing up. Thet tuk orl Satdi fer us
ter tricoleart thet ole shud, tho iffen we
git harf a gearl agin thet hent gooin tew
larst long.
We hed anutha parish council meetin just
afore bomfire nite an thar ware a fare
owld crowd wot cum along cos tha
chairmawtha hed towld us she ware
agooin to set tha budjit fer nex year.
Horry say iffen tha rearts are gooin up
nex year I shell hev suffin ter say abowt
it, my penshun hent chearnged fer tha
betta fer sum time an if I hev tew kip
gitten them in down the pub, (he got wun
pint in fer me cos thet ware my buthday
larst year) I shell goo ban krupt.
We wos lucky, cos dew tew tha finanshul
sitwashun, tha cownsil hent gooin ter
splash ower munny abowt enny more an
thet meens thar hent gooin ter gi us orl a
cuppa tea an a biskit at next years anyuel
meetin. Tew my mind thas tearkin things
a bit tew far. Tha owld chairmawtha ran
on fer a gud time, wornin us orl tew not
put mud on tha roods and we dussent dare
set bangers orf owtside har door cos it
gits har dawg orl upset an heese libble
tew hev yare leg orf if hees let owt. Thas
a bit like a red rag tew a bull as far as boy
Willy wos consarned an I cud see him
gitten orl inna muckswet wukkin owt how
he cud git away wi corsin a gret ole
ploshun an not git chewed up. Tha owld
chairmawtha cud see his little owld mine
a wukkin an she bort har woodin hammer
down on his hid wi a fare owld crack, she
say Yew jist dare yung William, an
yewll ont be able tew sit down fer a wick
or tew
Part from thet tha meetin went orf
orlright, cept fer people gitten orl het up
cos sum mootas hev bin hossin threw tha
willage leartly, gooin tew farst. Tha
cownsil arsked fer wollonteers tew dew a
bit of speed chekin, but no one jumped up
and sed yes.
We nearly got orl tha beet up an moost of
it hev gorn orf tew Wissintun ter be
tunned inta sugar, so I shell be able tew
shuv a spoonful or tew intew my arly
morning cuppa, thas gud ent it.
Well thas time ter git my missus her
cuppa cocoa an goo an git har bed orl
warmed up afore she cum an stick har
cowld feet on my backside. So fare yew
well tergitha an dunt fergit, dew yew kip
a troshin.
My missus she say Yew dornt help
people if yew dew for them wot they
shood be dewin fer thar selves
Boy Sid
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 13
Mon 25th Christmas Day
Watton Churches 9.30am All Age Worship

Together - December St. Georges Church, Saham Toney

Sun 3rd 11.00am Lay Led Advent Service
St. Marys Church, Watton Sun 10th 11.00am Family Holy Communion
www.stmaryswatton.org Follow us @StMarysWatton Sun 17th 11.00am All Age Worship
If I can be of help to you please do not hesitate to contact Sat 23rd 3.30pm Christingle & Crib, and Family
me, on 01953 881439, I shall be available at church on Carol Service
Tuesdays between 10.30am and 12 noonGerry Foster Sun 24th Christmas Eve
1st, 3rd & 4th Wednesday at 9.30am Holy Communion 9.30pm Holy Communion
2nd Wednesday Morning Worship : Thursdays 5pm - There will be no service at
5.30pm Parish Prayers: Saturdays 9.30am - 10.00am St Georges on Christmas Day
Parish Prayers : 5pm - 6pm Prayer & Praise : Sundays
10am-11.30am ADventure-free for 0-16 yrs S.S. Peter & Pauls Church, Carbrooke
Breakfast - Crafts - Games - Faith in Jesus Teaching Sun 3rd 10.30am Family Holy Communion
Church Office opens Tues, Wed & Thurs 9am-1pm 6.30pm Group Advent Service Darkness
Tel: 01953 881252 email:wattonchurch@gmail.com to Light
Sun 3rd 8.00am Holy Communion Sun 10th 10.30am All Age Worship
10.00am Holy Communion Sun 17th 10.30am Holy Communion
Sun 10th 8.00am Holy Communion Thurs 21st7.00pm Carols with Chanters Jigge
10.00am Informal Holy Communion Mon 25th Christmas Day
3.00pm Town Carol Service at the 10.30am Family Holy Communion
Queens Hall
Sat 16th 6.30pm Carol Service
St John the Evangelist Church, Ovington
Sun 3rd 9.30am Holy Communion
Sun 17th 8.00am Holy Communion
Sun 17th 6.00pm Carol Service
10.00am Holy Communion
Mon 25th Christmas Day
Sun 24th Christmas Eve
10.30am All Age Worship
8.00am Holy Communion
Sun 31st 10.30am Group Service of
10.00am Said Holy Communion
Holy Communion
(No ADventure)
4.00pm Christingle Service Especially for

11.30pm
children and families
Holy Communion
All Saints Church, Threxton Dance Away at The Queens Hall
Mon 25th Christmas Day All Saints Church Threxton invites you to join us for Ballroom, Latin & Sequence Dancing
10.30am Family Holy Communion Christmas Carols with Watton Silver Band
at 3p.m. on Sunday 17th December. 8pm to 11pm Admission 4
Sun 31st 10.30am Group Service of Holy
Communion at St Johns A warm welcome to all. Saturday December 2nd
Church, Ovington
Christmas trees and if you have time
Watton Methodist Church
www.wattonmethodist.btck.co.uk Thought for St George's take part in voting for the best ones.
There will be mulled wine and
Every Wednesday the Church is open for quiet reflection nibbles in the interval plus tea and
and prayer between 10.15am & 11.30am. Its your quiet
place. At 10.30am there is a half-hour Midweek Service in
the Month Christmas coffee for those who are driving. As
with any good church event there
the Large Vestry led by the Minister or a Church Member. Rev Eleanor Reddington.
Sun 3rd 10.30am
2.30pm
Mr M Reddington
Section Service at
Watton Methodist Church Tree Event will be the inevitable raffle and
tickets for this event are only 5 as
Dear Friends, St Georges Church, Richmond we appreciate this is a very
Great Cressingham Some years ago I attended an Road, Saham Toney, IP25 7ES expensive time of year.
No Evening Service afternoon school Christmas December 2nd - 3rd Running alongside all this is the
Sun 10th 10.30am Revd E Reddington production, and during her solo Come and join us for our Christmas Painted Stone Competition with a
3.00pm Town Carol Service at The item one child forgot her words. tree, Christmas market and theme of What is Christmas This is
Queens Hall, Does that sound familiar? I wonder Christmas Concert weekend and if open to 15 and under and 16 to 120
No Evening Service how often you did that, or perhaps that was not enough have a go at years and there will prizes for the
Sun 17th 10.30am Church Carol Service with the still do I know I could always paint a stone to display in the church winner in each category. Judging
Singing Group remember everyone elses part as well. will be carried out by visitors to the
6.30pm Mrs E Warby rather than my own! At the end of The Christmas Tree Event takes events over the two days and the
Sun 24th Christmas Eve the production the Headmaster place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday Breckland Harmony concert on
10.30am Mr A Warby singled out that child for a special 3rd of December. The Theme for the Saturday evening. Again, this is free
7.00pm Carols by Candlelight mention, and told us that she had tree is The Nativity and there are 4 to enter and for more information
Mon 25th Christmas Day volunteered to sing the solo when classifications School, Business, please use the contact details below.
10.30am Christmas Morning Service the child who should have been Personal and Clubs and Groups. We We are encouraging children to take
Revd E Reddington singing it went home ill at set up on Friday 1st and are open to part in this activity and would
lunchtime needless to say she got the public from 10am on Saturday. therefore suggest that as you must
Roman Catholic Community carry your stone into church please
a rousing round of applause from If you would like to enter a tree, for
Each Sat 5.30pm Mass at Watton Methodist Church
the audience and her school further information please use the do not make it to large.
Sun 24th Christmas Eve
friends. contact details below. In past years the Christmas Tree
4.30pm First Mass of Christmas at
One line from that song has stuck Christmas Market Our market Event and Market have proved
Watton Methodist Church
in my mind ever since Hell ask starts at 11am on Saturday Dec 2nd extremely popular and we look
At Our Lady of Pity Church at Swaffham
you to finish the work He began. until 2pm. Stalls, tombola, forward to welcoming you and your
11.30pm Midnight Mass with Carols
Jesus came into our world to show childrens bran tub, games, guess the tree/stone in to our church.
Midnight Mass of the Nativity
us how much God loves us, and to weight of the cake, books, lots of For further information on any of
Mon 25th Christmas Day
teach us how to love each other. homemade cakes and goodies to the above or to book tickets for the
9.30am Mass of Christmas Day
We may not always have been very purchase, plus a very popular jig concert please contact Mrs B
St. Nicholas Church, Ashill good at loving other people, but saw puzzle stall, a raffle and Harrold on 01953 883394 or by
Sun 3rd 10.00am Lay Led Worship & Sunday each Christmas is a reminder of refreshments. Free entry and parking email on
Funday for school age children Gods love, and of our worlds at the rear of the church. barbara@harrold1.plus.com
Sun 10th 9.30am Family Holy Communion need for that love today. Christmas Concert Breckland
Sun 17th 9.30am Morning Worship As you prepare for Christmas, take Harmony will be entertaining us on
Tues 19th 7.30pm Carol Service a few moments to think about December 2nd at 7pm with songs
Sat 23rd 3.30pm Christingle, Crib & Gods love for you, and ask him to readings and poems, all with a
Carol Service show you how to share that love Christmas theme. The Church will
Sun 24th Christmas Eve with others. be open from 6pm which will give
11.00pm Holy Communion God bless, Eleanor those attending a chance to view the
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 14
Watton Rotary
Roundup
If anyone noticed that some buildings in Norwich, for
instance the Castle and City Hall, or elsewhere were
floodlit in purple in late October and wondered why,
it was because October 24th is designated as World
Polio Day. It celebrates the co-operation between the
Bill & Melinda Gates and Rotary International
Foundations in the quest to finally eradicate
poliomyelitis from the world. Rotary Clubs
everywhere use the occasion to raise awareness and
fundraise. Rotarians in GB opted to wear something
purple and/or to illuminate a public building in purple
on or near the date. We did both at our meeting on the
Thursday following at the Hare & Barrel Hotel.
Watton Rotary Club has been involved in the End
Polio Now Campaign since its inception in 1988,
during which time the massive World immunization
programme has achieved a 99.9% reduction in the
number of cases and last year saw cases of wild polio
in just 3 countries. Why is the colour purple
associated with the campaign? Simply, it is the colour
of the dye that a childs finger is dipped in having just
been immunized to obviate joining the queue for
another dose!
Apparently there are still 10s, if not 100s, of millions
of pounds worth of old 1 coins out there. As a
charity we can accept them and pay into our charities
account. In the Atlantis Fish & Chips/Kebab shop in
Middle Street, the coin can be exchanged for a purple
End Polio Now crocus lapel pin, and Adcocks will
accept them as a donation or for a payment, which we
will refund.
At our meeting of 9th November, Andrew Natrass, a
Police Officer with the Norfolk Constabulary for 30
years, 25 of which were in the Traffic department,
gave a most interesting dissertation on the causes of
road traffic accidents.
No longer referred to accidents but incidents, he still
works part time for the Norfolk Police going into
schools, colleges and other places where there are, in
particular, young people at or around the time of
taking their driving test. He highlighted the 4 main
causes of injury through loss of control of vehicles:
Alcohol/drugs; speed; mobile phone/texting; seat
belts. He was well-versed in the detail and statistics,
which clearly showed why, for instance, insurance
premiums were so high for young drivers.
We thank everyone for their support of our
fundraising activities throughout 2017 and wish you
all a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Martin Anscombe
My Feet Are
Killing Me!
How often do you utter those words?
We take for granted the fact that our feet will carry us
where we need to go each day but did you know
(according to The Society of Chiropodists and
Podiatrists);
* The average person uses their feet to walk 150,000
miles in a lifetime (equivalent to walking around the
world five times)
* The foot is one of the bodys most intricate
machines- with 26 bones
* Running increases the pressure on the foot by up to
seven times that of the body weight
* Footwear is the biggest cause of foot problems in
the UK, say podiatrists
*As you get older, you are more susceptible to
suffering with foot problems
Leonardo da Vinci is quoted as saying The human
foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of
art so it makes sense to look after this precious part
of your body. Good foot health is essential to stay
mobile and independent and many people will seek
the help of a professionally qualified specialist. A
Podiatrist can help you to ensure that your feet are in
the best working order. You may be more familiar
with the more historic term Chiropodist, but there is
actually no difference between the title Chiropodist
and Podiatrist with both titles referring to a
practitioner who specialises in diagnosing and treating
foot problems and pathologies.
A podiatrist will diagnose and treat a wide and varied
range of issues such as nail pathologies (thickened,
fungal infections, ingrowing nails), skin problems
(corns, callus, verrucae), heel and other foot and
lower leg pain, diabetic foot care and biomechanical/
musculoskeletal issues that can all impact on your
daily activities. The podiatrist can also advise on
appropriate footwear and whether orthotics may be
beneficial.
Podiatry services are available from the private foot
health clinic at Wayland Wellness Clinic in Watton
where HCPC registered Podiatrists Alison Sandles-
Bowles and Alistair Bielby provide professional
treatment and advice 5 days a week. Clinic manager
Maureen Selvester said the one common remark that
I hear from people after their foot appointment is I
feel like Im walking on air and the relief on people
faces after treatment is wonderful to see.
Two issues that people commonly enquire about are
verrucae and ingrowning toenails. Verrucae are due to
a viral infection and often may disappear over time.
However there are simple steps that could be tried to
speed up that process and the Podiatrists are able to
advise about this with a verrucae treatment plan.
Ingrowing toenails can be very painful and may
become infected if they are not dealt with, as well as
severely affecting your ability to wear certain
footwear or move about with ease. A simple surgical
procedure to remove the offending part of the nail or
in some cases the entire nail, can be carried out under
local anaesthetic to provide a solution. Contact the
clinic to find out more about these procedures.
Wayland Wellness Clinic can be contacted on 01953
886860 or during opening hours 9am to 5.30pm at 8
Thetford Road, Watton, IP25 6FA
Painted Stone
Competition
Painted Stone competition open to all in two
categories- Under 16s and 16-120 years.
St Georges Church invites you to enter its PAINTED
STONE competition. The theme is WHAT IS
CHRITMAS and you should be able to carry the
stone comfortable into church by yourself. We will be
asking all those who attend the concert and Christmas
tree event and market to judge the stones and prizes
will be awarded to the best one in each group. Please
bring you stone to the church on December 1st
between the hours or 10am to 4pm. For more
information please contact
barbara@harold1.plus.com or ring 01953 883394.
Watton U3A
At our October meeting we were entertained by Len
Priestley who gave us tales of a removal man. Len
told us how he worked for his parents who owned a
village shop near Wisbech. He drove one of their
mobile shops whilst his mother drove the other one.
He decided he wanted to be a lorry driver and went to
work for Smedleys driving a 10 ton Thames Trailer.
His work was making small deliveries to various
places and in 1971 Len was made redundant because
small deliveries were not a viable proposition. So he
went to Sunblest and bought a delivery van going to
local flower farmers to deliver flowers to Brighton
markets three nights a week. On these journeys he
was often asked to transport furniture on his return
trip by friends and acquaintances. This proved to be
more lucrative than delivering flowers so his removal
firm became established, buying a 7 ton lorry and a
warehouse for furniture storage. After retiring from
the removal business he bought a 16 seat luxury bus
for excursions. Len told a variety of amusing
anecdotes throughout his talk and had our members
laughing all through the presentation. A thoroughly
entertaining speaker.
In November the speaker is from Greensted
Hedgehog Rescue. They would be grateful for
contributions of old towels and tins of cat food.
The No 2 pub lunch group will be going to The
Windmill at Necton on Tuesday 27 November.
There wont be a speaker in December. Instead there
will be a Christmas party on Friday 8 December when
we will be entertained by the U3A ukulele group. We
are also hoping to show a film of the refurbishment of
St. Marys church organ.
On 1 December we will be having Christmas lunch at
the Golf Club. Money for this will be collected at the
November meeting.
Please contact our Membership Secretary, Anita
Taylor on 01953 881110 if you would like to
become a member of the Watton U3A, or would
like further details.
For further details on the National U3A, go to
www.u3a.org.uk
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 15

Ashill Events
Ashill WI Carol Concert
in the Community Centre on Sunday 3rd
December. At 3pm with Watton Silver
Band & Ashill Harmony Choir. Adults
2.50 Children 1.50. Homemade
cakes. In aid of Swaffham & Litcham
Hospice. Raffle.

Festive Cash & Prize Bingo

Tuesday 5th December Eyes Down 7.30
in aid of Community Centre

Carol Service at South

Pickenham Church
Sunday 17th December 11.15am. Mince
Pies & Coffee after the Service!
The Wayland News December 2017 Page 16

Richmond Park Golf Club Ladies Section

Richmond Park Ladies held their Annual
General Meeting and prize presentation on
Monday 6th November. The prizes were
presented by Elaine Aberdeen the retiring
Chair of the committee, several of the
trophy winners have already been reported
throughout the year. Unfortunately not all
ladies were able to receive their prizes on
Monday but the majority were present as
the photograph shows.
The larger picture in the collage is of
Hilary Prosper who was surprised to
receive the Heather Piper Trophy from the
new Handicap Secretary, Margaret
Broadbent. This trophy is awarded to the
lady who has shown the most
improvement over the year and Hilary
reduced her handicap by 4 shots.
Congratulations to her and all the other
winners throughout the year.
(In order from left to right).
Diana Davies Cup Rosie Sutterby; Curtis
Cup Claire Carney; The Windfall Trophy
Anne Bell; The Granny Trophy Eileen
Chard; The Secretarys Salver Dilys
Gibbs; The Combination Cup Hilda
Whitmarsh and Eileen Chard; Singles
Knock-out Margaret Middleton; Singles
Knock-out Runner Up Claire Carney;
Doubles Knock-out Ann Achilles and
Margaret Broadbent; Doubles Knock-out
Runners Up Anne Bell & Mary Wakeford;
Singles Plate Margaret Broadbent;
Shirleys Shield Cherrie Lawn
The Heather Piper Trophy Hilary Prosper

News from Caston Festive Coffee Morning

The HAPPY Project
As I write I am surrounded by felt, sparkly pipe cleaners, card and
stickers as well as glue, all items I have gathered together for the
Family Art and Craft Group that takes place in Ashill Community
Centre. By the time you read this they, along with other items, will
have been transformed into some wonderful creative decorations to
hang on family Christmas trees by the young people who attend the
group. I will endeavour to take some photographs for you to see, to
cheer you up in January!
The HAPPY Project has begun a new craft group at The Grange in
Great Cressingham. We need to confirm which day it is going to
take place and if mornings or afternoons would be preferable. Up
to now we have met on a Thursday afternoon, some trains of
thought think mornings would be better.
So, if you would like to learn a craft or join a group for some
company whilst you knit, crochet or the like, please let me know
what day would be preferable and what time. We are unable to meet
on Wednesdays because the Grange is busy then, but any other
weekday should be fine.
Plans are going ahead to hold the second Babes in the Wood
Festival in Griston. The HAPPY Project is supporting this event.
Looks like it is going to be exciting, make sure the date is in your
diary 23rd June 2018.
The Games Group is looking for more members, do pop along to
the library on a Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 and join in with some fun.
If you have a favourite game, you can always take that with you and
invite others to join in with you.
Remember all activities offered by The HAPPY Project are free!
We are beginning to see the signs of Christmas in the High Street.
The television is full of adverts with Monsters under beds and
goodness knows what.
As we creep ever nearer to the festive period we need to think of
isolated and lonely people in our locality and encourage them to
join in some of the activities that are happening around us. You will
be always welcome at one of the events mentioned above. Or if you
have any ideas of what you may like to do, please contact me to
discuss and we will see if we are able to help.
I can be found at The Wayland Partnership, 01953 880235 or
jean@wayland.org.uk
At Caston Church on Friday 15th December 10 am - 12 Noon.
Seasonal cakes and savouries and a Christmas Bring & Buy table
The Church will be decorated for Christmas so do come and have
a look!
Profits from the morning will be shared between Caston Church
and Caston Village Hall. A prize for the Best Ladies and
Gentlemens Christmas Hat and dont worry the heating will be
on in the church! Parking at Church Farm.
THE WAYLAND NEWS
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date and time that copy will be considered for inclusion. Arrival of copy
before deadline does not guarantee inclusion, if you wish to be certain
your entry gets published, then please make sure it arrives in plenty of
time otherwise you may still be disappointed. If you are submitting on
paper you MUST sign and include your contact details with each item.
If you do not, the item will NOT be published.
You can contact Julian by ringing (01953) 858908.
You can write to 8 Princess Close, Watton IP25 6XA
The e-mail address is julian@waylandnews.com
Views expressed in articles in The Wayland News are those of the
contributors and may not reflect the
views of the publisher or printers.
While every care and effort has been taken to ensure accuracy,
the publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions.
This issue of the The Wayland News was published by:
Julian Horn, 32 High Street, Watton IP25 6AE
and printed by:
Sharman & Company Ltd, Newark Road
Peterborough PE1 5TD. Phone: 01733 424 949