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Don’t Miss the Valentine’s Day Mamma Mia - Come and Join
BINGO - See Page 16. in the Fun. See page 16.
The food is lovely and at a good price. To clarify for those who might be wondering :-
The meals are available for all in our community, for everyone, of all ages.
So, whether young or a little older, please come along. We’d love to see you.
Menu at £7.50 Community Lunch
Beef or Vegetarian Lasagne served Massingham Village Hall
with bread & salad Tuesday February 11th
Apple Crumble & ice cream or Arrive 12.30 , eat at 1pm.
Cheeseboard, Tea & Coffee Come & meet friends
for a chat. The bar will be open.
To book a lunch pick up an order form at the shop or social club, available from
January 31st. Circle the food you would like, put your name on the sheet and a contact
telephone number and hand it in at the shop or social club, by Friday February 7 th.
No need to order again if you pre-ordered on Jan 14th. If you have ordered and you
are unable to attend due to ill health please let Sandy know by February 7 th (521787).
FUTURE DATES FOR LUNCHES: March 10th and April 21st.
1
Mallard News
This parish magazine is
published every month for the Massingham Historical Society
residents of Great and Little
Massingham with the support of Presents a talk with Artefacts, Arms and Equipment
the Great Massingham Parish
Council, the Parochial Church
of the British Soldier WW1
Council and Massingham
Village Hall Trustees. By Ken Besfor
www.greatmassingham.net
e-mail: Monday February 17th
mallard.editor@btinternet.com
Editorial Committee
7.30pm
Editor: Bev. Randall. at the
6 Abbeyfields
Great Massingham Village Hall
01485 520 899
Treasurer: David Baines
History, Memories
01485 520 966 and Stories
Website : Contact the
Editor - Details above.
Members FREE. Guests £2
Deadline for the
next issue The Historical Society
th
17 February March meeting
Malcolm Tibble will be giving a talk
about navigation techniques from his
In this issue days on Shackletons with special refer-
• Tennis/Multisports ence to the Lancaster.
• Community Lunch Something for your diary! March 16th at 7.30 pm at the
• Historical Society Village Hall. Please join us.
• Thanks to Firemen
• Allotment Association Many thanks to the Firemen
• NHS Advice Great Massingham
• ‘Histry’ Bits A huge thank you to the Great Allotment Association
• Fitness Mobility Massingham Fire Brigade for Advance notice
• Website the Christmas gifts they gave The Annual General Meeting
• Village Hall Events to all the retired Massingham will be held
• West Norfolk Live firemen and their families in
• Craft & Chat in the
our village. Village Hall
• Mobile Library This was a very kind gesture
• Parish council Bar
• Neighbourhood Plan and very much appreciated. on March 19th
• Quiz Night From Glenda and Geordie at 7pm
• Thank you Arthur and all the other recipients.
• Gardens for Nature
• School 100 Club This year we are asking everyone:
• Community Cars NHS
• The Big Plant ADVICE ‘Help Us To Help You’
• Steve Williamson Winter 2019/20
• Church News • Use local pharmacies where appropriate & walk-in or minor
• Church Services injury units if it’s not more serious and urgent.
• Biodiversity AGM • Seek advice for serious health problems early, to stop them
• Film Night
• Mamma Mia getting worse.
• Valentines’ Bingo • Be a good friend or neighbour if they need some support.
• Dates for your Diary • Call 111 if urgent but not an emergency.
2
Mallard News
‘Histry Bits’.... An Unholy Alliance
St.Valentine’s Eve in Victorian Massingham was an unholy alliance be-
tween modern Valentine’s Day, traditional April Fools Day, and Hallow-
een, when the normally strict rules of village behaviour were suspended
for twenty-four hours. It was a time when free licence was given to
sweethearts, friends and enemies to exchange ‘greetings’ in various
forms to suit the feelings of the senders. In the case of sweethearts, it
was usually a love token in the shape of an ornate and highly scented
card containing expressions of everlasting love. For friends, a useful pre-
sent would be given. But, for enemies, or anyone to whom a grudge was
due, a practical joke, or something much more alarming would take
place.
The greater the depth of scorn, the greater the secrecy required. Ugly
paper caricatures were available to scare any likely opponent, with vers-
es commenting on his or her intelligence or looks or lack of it. As a rule
of thumb, the greater the grudge, the nastier the valentine.
If the parties involved were not worth spending money on, the following
tricks were used: neat parcels, carefully packed and tied, containing a
brick, a stone, a lump of coal; matchboxes with a live mouse or earwigs,
toad or grasshoppers, or anything dead or alive inside. These would be
placed on the doorstep, a loud knock given and the senders would be
gone before the recipients could get to the door. But, sometimes, when
the grudge was deeply felt, things got more serious.
On one occasion, a piece of white
Ugly cardboard about six inches
Victorian square was filled with sharp pins
Valentine pointing upwards, attached to
card. which were several yards of stout
cord. The cardboard was placed
on the doorstep, and a loud
knock was given. When the re-
cipient stooped down to pick up
what he thought was a nice pre-
sent, the cord was suddenly
jerked, leaving his hands painful-
ly lacerated. Before the victim
could recover from the shock, its
senders were far away, ready to play the same prank on somebody else.
David Miller
3
Mallard News Village Hall
VILLAGE HALL Craft and Chat
REGULAR EVENTS Village Hall Bar,
Keep Fit Wed. 1.30 to 2.30pm 2pm - 4.30pm
£1.50 includes refreshments.
Bingo Fridays at 7.30pm
February 3rd & 17th and
Auction Sundays
March 2nd, 16th & 30th .
Coronation Club (4th Wed.) 2pm - 4pm All welcome. Please join us.
W/Norfolk Radio Sundays 7pm -10pm
Craft & Chat (1st& 3rd Mon) 2 - 4.30pm MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS
Trefoil Guild 2nd Thursday, each month 11th February and 10th March
Film Night 3rd Thursday, each month View current timetable on our website:
Quiz Nights 4th Thursday, each month www.greatmassingham.net
Bowls - Short Mat Wednesdays 7pm - 9.30 Click on April Mallard 2019
Historical Society 3rd Monday 7.30pm
Youth Club Tuesdays 6.45- 9.15pm
Yoga With a Chair Call 07786 030 984
Shop window
TONY INWOOD
CREATIVE GARDENING OVEN CLEANING
Specialist in pruning and training
Telephone: 07887 780 056 CARPET CLEANING
All sizes of work undertaken
9 Crossing Cottage, Little Massingham SOFA CLEANING
King’s Lynn, PE32 2JZ
tonyinwood100@icloud.com Call the local experts now
Clean Tech
01485 609223
Card, cheque and cash
payments accepted
4
Shop window
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Deli with award winning hams and the National
award winning Brays Cottage pork pies & sausage rolls
Chilled wine & beer · Lottery · Newspapers
Fresh sandwiches & rolls · Fresh coffee & tea All building work undertaken
Quality assured. Renovation & newbuild
CONTACT US ON
email: info@massinghamstores.co.uk
phone: 01485 520272
website: www.massinghamstores.co.uk 15, Cross Street, Harpley, King’s Lynn PE31 6TJ
massingham stores and post office sandrreeve@gmail.com
@massinghamstorespostoffice
5
Mallard News
GREAT MASSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
JANUARY MEETING
Following the December break, the full Council met on the 13 th January, the first meet-
ing of 2020. Unfortunately, County Councillor Stuart Dark and Borough Councillor
James Moriarty were unable to attend due to other commitments.
As, is always the case in January, the Parish Council is required to agree the Precept
requirement for the next financial year, 2020/21 by 31 st January. Therefore, the annual
Budget and Precept were considered by the Council and it was agreed to increase the
Band D contribution by around 15p per week which will result in a new annual payment
of £50.66. Donations were also agreed for organisations inside and outside of the vil-
lage, including the Community Car Scheme and the Norfolk Citizens Advice Bureau.
It was noted that there had been a very good response from residents regarding the
Christmas lights and thanks were expressed to all involved. Planning arrangements will
be considered over the coming weeks/months for this year’s event, which the Parish
Council has agreed to support.
Councillors also considered that the War Memorial was in a poor condition and in need
of a good clean. Work to the Memorial was last completed in 2014 for around £989, with
the assistance of grants/donations. It was agreed that quotations should be sought in or-
der for the work to be carried out later in the year.
Over the coming weeks, the Parish Council should also hear whether the bid made to the
Parish Partnership Scheme has been successful. The County Council funding will con-
tribute to half the cost to install village gateways along Castle Acre Road.
The next Parish Council meeting is on 10th February, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
6
Shop window
M B LOGS
DRY STORED, SEASONED,
SPLIT WOOD
SUPPLIED & DELIVERED
CALL MARK
07766223438 or email
markmark.bane@gmail.com
7
Tribute to Arthur as he retires as Chair of the Tennis and Multisports Club
The Club thanked Arthur for his huge contribution as Chair and recalled the impact of his
efforts…..Around 10 years ago Arthur set about improving the courts and recruiting
more tennis players, firstly by playing on Sunday mornings with the likes of Susie
Baines, Annie and Peter Lawton and then by introducing other club sessions during the
week. Word soon got around and the club sessions became popular, with Arthur bringing
tea and coffee in flasks for a refreshment break! (He continued doing this for several
years, until the little kitchen was refurbished and up and running)
As participation grew, a committee was formed in 2014 and Arthur was unanimously
elected as Chair. He encouraged Massingham players to enter the local leagues, set up a
twinning partnership with a club in France and was always looking to improve the club’s
facilities. In addition to his role as Chair, Arthur was also ‘Court Keeper’ which involved
regularly spraying the court with moss killer and organising working parties to fill in the
holes, using cups of tarmac, a spoon and hammer! As well as supporting tennis over the
years Arthur, along with Mel Whitmore, also helped to organise the village team for the
Inter-Village Sports competition in which Massingham usually did really well.
Arthur’s vision has always been to get as many people playing tennis as possible. He has
always encouraged junior players and, along with our resident coach, Chris Sanders, has
helped to establish a coaching programme for every level. He introduced the ‘Open door’
policy of leaving the doors to the tennis courts unlocked thus allowing more people to
access the courts. Many friendships have been made through the tennis club which is
welcoming, friendly and inclusive with the membership fees still the cheapest in Norfolk.
It has been voted Norfolk LTA Club of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2018 and was de-
scribed by the former Norfolk LTA President as ‘A little bit of tennis heaven.’ Much of
the club’s success is due to Arthur’s drive, determination and hard work and his idea that
tennis should be accessible to all; the club now boasts over 200 members! Whilst he is
stepping down as Chair, Arthur will continue to be an active member of the club and the
committee will continue to draw on his considerable knowledge and experience.
We are delighted to share the news that Arthur will receive a ‘Lifetime Achievement’
Award at the Norfolk LTA Awards Ceremony in February. Congratulations and thank
you Arthur.
It’s a hard act to follow but the club
is lucky enough to have Clare Parker Clare presents Arthur with a special
taking on the role as the new Chair. ‘Life-time Achievement’ Award
Clare has many years of experience
on the ‘tennis circuit’ as both her
sons, Chris and Mike, played tennis
at a high level, representing their
county and university and mixing
with the likes of Andy Murray!
Clare is a talented player herself,
playing in the Women’s A Team,
Mixed Team and in the Norwich
Winter League. The committee is
very grateful to Clare for coming
forward to take over the role of Chair
and she has already put in a consider-
able amount of work looking at the
future of the club, including improved lighting. Here’s to a bright 2020! Thanks Arthur!
8
Gardens for Nature
As you probably know, the environment and wildlife is under
threat. 40% of the wildlife of the UK has been lost in the last
50 years including birds, insects, animals and plants. The caus-
es are many and quite complicated but include: expansion of
urban areas with the loss of habitat; pollution from industry,
traffic and agriculture; intensive farming practices with the use
of herbicides and pesticides; intensive management of parks,
greens and open spaces and also the intensive management of our gardens with constant
mowing, strimming and spraying.
We can all do our bit for nature so that our children and grandchildren grow up listening
to bird song and watching butterflies and bees busy in the flowers. It is hoped, also, that
in our village the Parish Council will carefully consider ways of making our greens and
ponds wildlife sensitive so that creatures can flourish.
If you care about our wildlife, there are a few simple things
you can do in your garden to provide a home for nature:-
• Leave an area of grass to grow where wildflowers may
emerge which in turn will provide food for insects, a refuge
for voles, shrews and frogs and later provide seeds for gold-
finches and sparrows.
• Use peat-free compost for your pots (the loss of our peat
bogs seriously harms the environment and increases the threat of flooding). Make your
own compost to improve the soil. A compost heap becomes a centre for all sorts of
wildlife so it is a win/win approach which you don’t have to pay for! Collect leaves in
the autumn and put them in a bin liner. After about a year you will have some wonder-
ful leaf mould to add to your flower or vegetable beds.
• Choose a range of plants that are good for bees and other
pollinators and which will provide pollen and nectar from
spring to the end of autumn. Most garden centres will advise
you on which to choose. Plant a shrub which provides ber-
ries for birds in winter.
• Install a bird box or two along with a bird table and feeders.
You can spend many happy hours watching a variety of
birds come and go. Make your garden accessible by ensuring
hedgehogs and other small mammals can get in & out without having to go onto roads.
You can do all of the above and still take pride in you attractive well maintained garden
with the bonus of knowing you are doing your bit towards helping the Uk’s wildlife.
For more useful tips and advice I recommend Andrew Bickerton
”The Wildlife Gardener” by Kate Bradbury
10
Shop window
Keighley’s Happy Feet GUTTERING SERVICES
Keighley Overson NORFOLK
Foot Care Specialist Gutters cleared, repaired and replaced.
Call: 07576911627 or 01328 838869 No job too small. Free quotes. Fully insured.
Corns · Callus · Cracked heels Local, friendly and reliable service.
Ingrown nails · Diabetic foot care & advice Contact Neill
Nail reduction and trimming Call 01485 572 002 or 07856 568 433
Fungal and athletes foot care email: neillmurray@ymail.com
£20 per session Follow us on facebook
Your local
PRIVATE WING WITH TWO BEDROOMS, GAMES
ROOM, HANDYWOMAN
Contact Su’en Miller
Parsley Barn
NAOMI LITTLEWOOD
Tel: 01485 520 988
Mob: 07968 246 083 Weasenham Rd Mobile: 07557790226
Gt Massingham
Email:suen.miller@foxcotte.force9.co.uk
Or book via www.airbnb.co.uk PE32 2EY NO JOB TOO SMALL
yourlocalhandywoman@gmail.com
JJs Flowers By
Funeral Tributes,
Weddings, Bouquets
Miss Julie Morters JJs flowers
01485 609 125 or @ JJs FlowersJulieMorters
07884 238 438 Based in and around Great Massingham
justjulie71@tiscali.co.uk Call/Text: 07825 234293
The Birches, St Andrews Lane, Congham, PE32 1DY Leanne Elton
11
Message to All Parishioners from Steve Williamson
February 2nd is Candlemas Day and, in a time before electricity, candles
would be blessed in Church. The candles signify a new light after the dark
of winter.
Snowdrops are often called Candlemas Bells as they bloom so early - this
year they can be seen at our Churches already.
The story goes that after Adam and Eve's exile from the garden of Eden when, hopeless
and dejected, they shiver as the snows swirl around them. They take each other's hand
and wander towards the unfamiliar and cruel new lands, heads bowed and tearful.
An Angel feels deep sorrow in his heart for them so he reaches out a hand where the soft
snow lands in his palm, a perfect kaleidoscope of shapes, twinkling crystals perfect and
unmelting. The Angel brings the snowflakes to his face and breaths upon them, trans-
forming the glittering ice into soft, pearly flowers; the first Snowdrops. “Take these little
flowers,” says the Angel to Adam and Eve, “take them as a sign of hope.”
Whether you believe that or not, you cannot deny that this small flower is a messenger
of the seasons. The darkest moments of winter are passing and there is life in the roots
beneath the earth; spring is imminent.
For many, the cold dark and lonely days of winter are not governed by the seasons but
are times following great sadness and loss. A time of despair and hopelessness and trepi-
dation for what the future may bring.
But.. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3)
Faith is believing that all things will pass. Light will banish darkness
and the cold emptiness replaced by a new hope.
So, this spring, may your life be filled with a sure and certain hope of
better times to come - and as George Wilson wrote:
"And thus the snowdrop, like the bow, That spans the cloudy sky,
Snowdrops in
Becomes a symbol whence we know, That brighter days are nigh.” Ashwicken
Steve Williamson Church window.
(Our thoughts are with Revd.Jane recovering from illness and
Revd.Judith on compassionate leave.)
SQUAD
bespoke meat and
produce, from our own
farm & local Suppliers
Heath farm Shop, Lynn Lane,
Great Massingham
WOODBURNERS King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 2HJ
01485 520 828
Comprehensive stock to view at our Open 9-5 Monday to Friday
showroom on 9-1 Saturday
The West Raynham Business Park.
01328 854 098
e-mail: firingsquadwoodburners@yahoo.com
www.firingsquadwoodburners.com
APPROVED CLEARVIEW STOCKIST
14
Useful Numbers
Organisation Contact Phone No.
Allotment Association Gill Goold 0750 824 2223
Biodiversity Project Mike Jackson 520 056
Borough Council James (Jim) Moriarty 07879 492400
Bell Ringing Dale Gagen 520 024
Bowls Club Martin Matthews 520 707
Church Contacts Revd Judith Pollard 01485 601 251
Community Car Scheme Office 520 823
Coronation Club Jill Whitmore 520 609
County Council Stuart Graham Dark 07450 679 355
Dabbling Duck Pub Mark Dobby 520 827
Doctors Massingham Surgery 520 521
The Film Night Arthur Allen 520 628
Fishing Warden Paul Smith and Ken Perry Sue Nash 07802 670 711
Guide Trefoil Guild Shirley Rae 520 259
Massingham Historical Society Peter James 521 706
Tennis and Multi-Sports Club Arthur Allen 520 628
Parish Council Mick Wingell (Chair)& Sarah Harvey (Clerk) 520 369 & 01328 823391
Pre-School Pip Armitage 07807 185 746
Police Non-emergency 101
School Ann Beardall 520 362
Village Hall Hall & Bar & Vic Cross 520 588/520 387
Village Stores and Deli Mark and Kerry Eldridge 520 272
MALLARD
DELIVERIES
If you live beyond the delivery area
for the Mallard and would like to
receive a copy by email please con-
tact the Editor at:
mallard.editor@btinternet.com
Installation of Solid,
Engineered & Laminates. with the following details:-
Floor Sanding & Re-Finishing.
Your name
Call Chris
Mobile 07894 791 723 Your postal address
Landline (01485) 521707
Your email address
www.gibbswoodfloors.co.uk
15
FILM NIGHT GREAT MASSINGHAM BIODIVERSITY PROJECT
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Thursday February 20th at
7pm for 7.30pm, £4 per person The Village Hall
Great Massingham Village Hall 7.30pm Monday 24th February
SING-A-LONG NIGHT
VALENTINES
At the Village Hall BINGO!
At
the Great Massingham Village Hall on
MAMMA MIA Friday 14th February
Thursday 5th March Eyes down at 7.30pm
Come along and have a fun night!
£4 payable at the door
Bar open from 7pm
DON’T FORGET your sweets & popcorn!
16