The Mallard

Issue 318 Easter Edition April 2018

Village Pulls Out All The Stops For Steve

T he Village Hall was full to bursting with record attendance at the Special
Quiz & Chilli Night in February, to raise money for Steve Parker’s stem cell
transplant in Mexico. Nineteen teams took part in a fun battle of facts and trivia,
punctuated with a bowl of chilli to help nourish the grey cells. The inappropriately
named ‘Clueless’ team won a hard-fought but light-hearted competition.
The chilli was kept warm by no less than twelve slow cookers and the potatoes
were baked in ovens all over the village! Many thanks to all those who helped
with the cooking and serving and to the ‘Allens’ for lending us their plates and
cutlery. The evening raised £1,200 which is a fantastic result and once again
shows Massingham at its best – everyone pulling together when people need help.
A big ‘thank you’ to all who participated in the evening and to those who couldn’t
make it but still donated or provided raffle prizes. Thanks also go to Keith and
Margaret Bowes for allowing a ‘hi-jacking’ of the normal quiz night!
Read the latest below. Ali Ward

S teve and I would like to thank everyone who has supported us during
our journey to The Clinic Ruiz in Puebla, Mexico for Hematopoietic
stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to try and stop the progression of Steve’s
Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.
You will have heard about it on the news re-
cently being offered on the NHS but, unfortu-
nately, Steve did not meet their strict criteria to
have it done in London and he was advised to
go abroad and have it done.
With great support from all our family, friends
and wonderful people of Great Massingham we
managed to get the $54500 US dollars together
that were needed to fund the cost of treatment
and spent the whole of February in Mexico.
We cannot thank you all enough, Steve had his
Stem Cell birthday on 18th February and is al-
ready seeing small signs of improvement. We
will not know for up to a year whether the
treatment has been successful but at least we
have given it our best shot at stopping this crip-
pling disease and cannot thank you all enough
for helping to give him this opportunity. Many thanks, Clare Parker.

1
Mallard News
This parish magazine is published
every month for the residents of Great ‘Histry Bits’.... A Summer Knock About
Some time back, Barry Hardingham very kindly lent me a fas-
& Little Massingham with the support
of Great Massingham Parish Council,
cinating photograph. It was of Massingham boys’ cricket team
the Parochial Church Council &
Massingham Village Hall Trustees.
www.greatmassingham.net
and it appears to have been taken in the summer of 1960 or
e-mail very soon after, on the meadow behind our turkey farm up
mallard.editor@btinternet.com Drunken Drove.
Editorial Committee It features an almost complete set of village boys between the
Editor: ages of nine and thirteen – including myself – and it brings
Bev. Randall. back vivid memories from fifty years ago. We’d get together
6 Abbeyfields
Great Massingham on long summer evenings for a knock about – usually amongst
01485 520 899 ourselves – but every so often against neighbouring villages
Treasurer: such as Helhoughton or Grimston, if transport could be ar-
David Baines
01485 520 966 ranged. We particularly liked playing Grimston, where we
Website: were allowed to use the posh cricket field belonging to
Caroline Boyden Congham Hall. This made us feel extremely important, but
01485 521 816 unfortunately did nothing for our cricketing skills.
Deadline for the I remember vividly how, on one occasion, our entire team was
next issue bowled out for a grand total of seven runs. Mind you, the situa-
20th April tion was reversed somewhat when visiting teams came to play
us. Our pitch, which resembled a sheet of rusty corrugated
In this issue iron, was shared with my Uncle Ivor’s herd of Friesian cows
which invariably came to get a close-up look at us once the
• Steve Parker & Quiz game had started. They were particularly effective in the out-
• ‘Histry’ Bits
• Thanks to Farmers field where strategically-positioned cow pats prevented a host
• Grassroots Malawi of boundaries. One mystery remains: where on earth did my
• Trefoil Guild brother Paul get that kit? I can’t remember, and nor, he alleges,
• Historical Society can he. David Miller, with many thanks to Barry Hardingham.
• Village Hall Events
• West Norfolk Radio
• Baby & Toddler
• Craft & Chat
• Gert & Daisy
• Ducklings Pre-school
• Gert & Daisy Quiz
• Biodiversity News
• Trefoil Coffee Evening
• Photo Competition
• Church May Fair
• Film Club
• Tennis Award
• Ladies Night
• Parish council
• Thanks to Omnia
• Toads
• From Reverend Jane
• Luca’s Tennis Success
• Church News Massingham Boys’ Cricket Team 1960
• Church Services Left to right: Dudley Skipper, Robert Candler, Stanley Copeman,
• Speed watch Awards Gordon Skipper, Peter Back, Andrew Mason, Michael Gagen,
• 50/50 Sale Michael Green, David Miller, Paul Miller, John Freestone, John
• Dates for your Diary Bone, Robert Grumett, Barry Hardingham & John Morton.
2
Mallard News
Thank You to Our Farmers
During the Heavy Snow
Peter James wrote last month...
‘Living at the end of Castle Acre Rd, I have
been observing the hard work of the local
farmers in keeping the road clear of snow,
often having to pass at about twenty minute
intervals to cope with drifting.
Also, one night I witnessed a motorist stuck
on Drunken Drove with two farm tractors
helping to extract him in the darkness.
In view of this, I want to express a sincere
thank you to all the local farmers who did
such hard work for the benefit of the com-
munity?’
So, a huge thank you to the farmers, for
keeping our village ‘open’.
Trefoil Guild Coffee Evening
and other events
The Trefoil Guild is quite active in our
village and meets the second Thursday of
each month, at 7pm, at our Village Hall.
They have some really interesting talks
planned which are listed below.
They are also holding their annual Coffee
Evening on the 10th May. Please see main
advert on page 9.
Next Talks /events are as follows:-
June 14th Scraps and Craft Evening
July 12th Poet - Paul Barrett will talk
about writing poetry.
Sept. 13th Flukes Ukelele Band
October 75th Anniversary Celebrations
They would love you to join them.

GRASSROOTS MALAWI Fitness Historical Society

Stalls on the Green Mobility Next Meeting, 9th April, 7.30pm
for Grassroots Malawi, Thursdays At the Village Hall
begin again, from 9am on Docking The AGM
Saturday 21st April. Surgery This will be held on 14th May, 7.30pm, at
Looking forward to seeing all 11.30am the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome.
our customers, old and new. to 12.30. Two films will be shown following the
Cancelled if wet. Jenny Borley. Try it. meeting. More detail in next issue.

Shop window

By M B LOGS
DRY STORED, SEASONED,
SPLIT WOOD
SUPPLIED & DELIVERED
CALL MARK
Based in and around Great Massingham
Call/Text: 07825 234293 07766223438 or email
Leanne Elton markmark.bane@gmail.com

MOBILE FOOT HEALTH CARE

Professional treatment in the
Simon Rivett
comfort of your own home Garden Maintenance
& Pest Control
Ben Jeffery MCFHP MAFHP
Registered Foot Health 138 Summerwood
Professional Gt. Massingham 01485 520 134
To book an appointment please King’s Lynn 07557 915 188
Call 07713014436 PE32 2HS simonrivett@hotmail.co.uk

3
Mallard News Village Hall
VILLAGE HALL REGULAR EVENTS Special April Events
Keep Fit Wed.1.45 to 2.45pm 11 April BINGO change of day
Bingo Fridays at 7.30pm instead of April 13th
Auction Sundays 16 April Ladies Night (See page 9)
Coronation Club (4th Wed.) 2pm - 4pm 26 April Gert & Daisy Quiz for the
Baby &Toddler Thurs. 10am - 11.30am School Playground
W/Norfolk Radio Sundays 7pm -10pm (See page 8)
Craft & Chat (1st & 3rd Mon) 2 - 4pm Coming in May…….
3 May Snooker
Trefoil Guild 2nd Thursday, each month Mike Tilbury Finals Night
Film Club 3rd Thursday, each month 3 May 50/50 Clothes Sale
Quiz Nights 4th Thursday, each month (See page 9)
Bowls - Practice Mondays 2 - 4pm.
Bowls - Short Mat Wednesdays 7pm - 9.30 Craft and Chat
Historical Society 2nd Monday 7.30pm Village Hall Bar, 2pm - 4.30pm
Youth Club Tuesdays 6.45- 9.15pm £1.50 includes refreshments.
Mondays April 9th & 23rd
Yoga With a Chair Tuesdays 10am - 11am May dates to be decided. See notice in the Shop.
Please Note: West Norfolk Radio’s Live Shows
‘Yoga With a Chair’ returns 10th April
Village Hall Bar 7-10pm, free entry.
Great Massingham Baby and Toddler 8 April The Tildens, Animal Bar &
guest presenter Rodney
EVERY THURSDAY Collins.
From 10 - 11.30am
at the Village Hall 15 April Rosey Prose & Chas Rigby
£1.50 with snack of tea & cake 29 April Chris Moore & The Fried
Pirates.
Please come and join us. www.westnorfolkradio.co.uk
Shop window
We offer a warm welcome at West Heath Barn T.J.H. Boiler & Heating Services
Luxury B&B and •Fault Diagnostics
Self-Catering Cottages •Unvented Hot Water Systems Call Tony on
-Bed & Breakfast •Landlord Certificates 07446 075677
•Oil Boiler Servicing & Repairs
-Self-catering cottages (dog-friendly) •Gas Boiler Installations & Upgrades 01553 636004
-Tranquil setting next to Peddars Way •Power Flushing Based in Gayton
-Less than a mile outside Gt Massingham •Emergency Plumbing
www.tjhboilerandheating.com
Contact Gill or Dave & see our website for further details Email : tjhboilerandheating@outlook.com
T: 01485 521748 or 07967 136960 No Call Out Fees.
E:gill@westheathbarn.com W:westheathbarn.com FREE Estimates Energy expert installer

Carol Walker MCFHP MAFHP

Registered Member of the British
Association of Foot Health Professionals
Foot Health Practitioner
Foot Healthcare in Your Home
Contact: carolwalker3060@gmail.com
Tel: 07714192521 or 01485 520 187

4
Shop window

All building work undertaken

Quality assured. Renovation & newbuild
• Guitar Tuition - Acoustic, Electric & Bass • Vocal Coaching
• Drum Tuition • Ukulele
• Music Workshops • Mandolin
15, Cross Street, Harpley, King’s Lynn PE31 6TJ Tel: 01553 630747 - 07720 888978 - Ashwicken, King’s Lynn
sandrreeve@gmail.com Email: stone.pony@btinternet.com

Claire`s Cleaning Service

One off or weekly/ fortnightly / monthly cleans.
Conservatories, building work , landlord/tenant
changeover cleans. Ironing service available.
Professional, reliable, affordable. Fully Insured.
For a FREE consultation about your requirements: MOLE CONTROL
Please call or email Claire. Tel: 01485 520 142 Mobile: 07745 163149
07502 086570 or 01553 827374 Email: steveoutthere66@gmail.com
Claires_Cleaning@aol.co.uk Covering an area within a 15 mile radius of Harpley, Norfolk PE31
The Cottage, 5 Shepherdsgate Rd, Tilney All Saints, PE34 4RP

Approved coal and

solid fuel merchant Carpet Fitting and Supplying
For Quality Fuels at the For All Your Carpet Needs
Best Prices Call Colin or See our Website for More
info
Phone: 01485 520637 www.jsccarpets.com
Mobile: 07780 776576 07464619007

H. I. S. Lynn Road
West Rudham Oyster
•
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
General Building Work Tim Margereson
Norfolk
PE31 8RW House
• Barn Conversions
3 Weasenham Rd
• Extensions Bed & Breakfast
• Conservatories Gt.Massingham PE32 2EY
• Hard Landscaping Mrs. Veronica Prentice
• Kitchens/Bathrooms
• Floor & Wall Tiling Call 07786 618787 or Phone O1485 528327
• Decking 01485 520745 www.oysterhouse.co.uk

TV, Video, DVD & Satellite Sales, Set-up & Repairs

• Free Estimates • 30 Years Experience

• All Makes & Models • Work Guaranteed
• Qualified Engineer • Discount for OAP’s
• Sales, Repairs, Installations & Tuning Services
White Cottage, School Road, Necton (opp Rectory

5
Mallard News
Gert & Daisy..... Well how are yew gitting on tergether? We are both fine this month.
We’ve hed the Beast from the East, the mini Beast from the East and now maybe the
micro Beast from the East! It’s gowing ter be really cold agin so keep your winter draw-
ers on.
Daisy ken remember it snowing at Easter in 1975 when they put the windas in Acorn
Cottage; Gert ken remember it snowing in June 1975. So 1975 must hev bin a really
cold year but 1976 was one of the hottest on record!
We wud loike ter thank awl the responsible dog owners fer picking up their dog’s poo
and putting it in the Dog Poo bin. The clue is in the name!! It is a Dog Poo bin NOT a
rubbish bin. If the bin is filled with general waste there int enough room for it to be used
for its intended purpose.
It wus luvly ter see the Hunt out in full dress recently. That really wus a sight with boo-
tiful turned out horses and riders alike, even though they churned the green up a bit.
That’ll soon be back to normal.
By the toime yew read this, the Village Spring Clean will be done and the Bowls Club
Bingo will hev taken place. We’re gowing ter the Bingo but can’t tell yew if we’ve won
cos we hint bin yet – we’ll let yew know next toime.
Once agin we’ve not hed enough gossip we can repeat so please let us know if yew hear
anything. Dew yew keep atroshing. Gert and Daisy.
Thought of the month
Silence is golden. Unless you have kids and then silence is just plain suspicious.
Norfolk words
Brawk - to belch loudly after meals
Dutty, datty - dirty, grubby: “Wipe yar dutty feet afore yew come inta my clean scull’ry”
Ducklings Preschool News ............ nition and makes pretty cool train pictures.
The children were more interested in being Borrowing school's interactive smart board
the body than the doctor! We were practising we checked out fast trains and electric trains
bandages and slings. The children put each and dragged using a finger as a mouse. Our
other in the lollypop position with one arm 2 year olds are techies, by 7 they will know
up and checked the body was still breathing that Raspberry Pi is not a pudding.
and had a heart beat. Apparently several had There is a little hill at preschool that is per-
no heart beat! Call the ambulance. fect for sledging down and we did, until we
Ch Ch Ch is phonics with the actions of a froze!
Percy No 6 green train building up steam . The toads have come visiting preschool so
Putting together squares and triangles and we made them a house. '' I'm such a clever
rectangles develops shape and pattern recog- toad '' Pip

Calling all Artists

Building on the success of last year’s exhibition, Norfolk Creative Arts, in Grim-
ston, are inviting artists to apply to exhibit in an exhibition of local talent. The exhi-
bition will be in the school and is limited to 100 pieces of art. Artists (living within
a 50 mile radius) wishing to apply should register to receive an application form by
email to hans@norfolkcreativearts.co.uk Closing date for applications-10th April.

MOBILE LIBRARY VISITS : From 11am, as timetabled, 10 th April & 8th May
6
Shop window
New Build • Extensions • Renovation
Build Household, Industrial or Commercial
Right ‘Undertaking Building Projects
Throughout West Norfolk’
All Work Guaranteed & Carried out to a
High Standard by Qualified Trades People

‘Build with Confidence, Call Build Right’ Email: Wadhamm@aol.com

Meadowvale Bed & Breakfast

Gayton PE32 1QT

Stunning location.
Luxury accommodation. Suit any occasion.
www.meadowvalebedandbreakfast.com

Boarding for dogs in the comfort of our home

Your dogs will be treated as one of the family for
the duration of their stay. Daily walks & spacious
grounds for your dog to play in.
Love and cuddles guaranteed!
The Paddocks, Station Road,
Little Massingham
Contact Donna on 07793 737 312

Ducklings Preschool
Great Massingham
Preschool places available
September 2018
2-4 years
Childcare available 8am-6pm
Ducklingspreschool@aol.com
07807185746

32 Walcups Lane, Great Massingham, PE32 2HR

Email: nealedavies4@gmail.com

7
Mallard News

Gert & Daisy Present Biodiversity Project News

This summer, our annual Open Garden
‘The School Quiz’ will be held at Long Barn, Kennels Farm,
Great Massingham Village Hall Castle Acre Road on
Thursday 26th April Sunday 1st July, from 2 pm.
7 for 7.30pm There will be tea & cake, a plant stall etc,
Teams of up to 6 Quiz £6 per person, and the money raised will go towards
which includes chilli & jacket potato. running the Biodiversity Project.
Later in the year - Sunday 2nd September
All proceeds to go to - we plan an Open Day at the biodiversity
Great Massingham site itself. Volunteers will be on hand to
Primary School show visitors round, explain the work of
Playground Project and hopefully attract new volun-
Development teers. There will be refreshments. Further
Project details will follow. We look forward to
Please phone/text welcoming you to both of these events.
07761 983212 Closer to hand,
to reserve your place. the next working party will be on
Saturday 7th April starting at 10 am.
We extend a warm welcome to any new
volunteers interested in joining us for a
sociable morning’s work.

Please
consider
joining us.
TREFOIL GUILD Mike
COFFEE EVENING Jackson
Thursday May 10th 520 056
at 7pm
Great Massingham Village Hall Pet Photo Competition
Games, stalls & quizzes. RAISING MONEY FOR
Entrance fee £1.50 that includes THE PACT
coffee and cake.
ANIMAL
Please come and support this very SANCTUARY
enjoyable annual event. (Norfolk & Suffolk) &
You won’t be disappointed Prostate Cancer
23 Classes that include
dog, cat & other animal sections.
SAVE THE DATE £1 per entry - Medal & Rosette to 3rd place
FOR OUR CEILIDH Contact 01485 578 380 or
A Ceilidh has been organised by the Village
Hall to be held on 23rd June, at the Village photocompetition2016@hotmail.com
Hall, with music by the Hobblers. for class list and entry forms.
Starts 7.30pm. BBQ from 7pm. Save the Date. Closing date 30th April 2018
8
Mallard News

Our Church is Organising a Very Special May Fair

We Need Your Help
Help us make this a very special occasion
The May Fair will be taking place
on Saturday 19th May, Royal Wedding day,
on the Village Green.
We are aiming to make this a Village occasion with plenty to keep people
entertained. One of the things we plan to do is an exhibition in the church of
photographs of couples that have been married in our church, St Mary's. If
anyone would like their wedding photograph in the display or knows of any-
one who could offer one they can contact me, Anna, on 520196.
Philip Gray will be bringing some of his fairground rides and we are planning
stalls and attractions for people to enjoy.
If anyone is able to help or has any ideas they feel would help
make the day special, again, please contact me.

Tennis Club News

Great Massingham Tennis Club receives
Thursday April 19th Norfolk LTA Club of the Year award.
7pm for 7.30pm, £4 entry. The award was presented to Arthur, An-
Great Massingham Village Hall nie and Ali (see picture below).
‘Film Stars Don’t Die The presentation was made at the AGM
in Liverpool’ and Awards evening held at Hingham
Based on the memoir by British actor Sports Hall. Out-going Norfolk LTA
Peter Turner, it follows the playful but President, Richard Palmer who presented
passionate relationship between Turner the award, said the panel was impressed
& eccentric Academy Award winning
actress, Gloria Grahame. by the inclusive nature of the club, its key
role in the community and its future
plans.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Well done, Gt. Massingham Tennis Club!
Monday April 16th Read about Luca’s success on p12.
7pm at
Great Massingham Social Club
Vodka based drinks, pool, card
games, the well-known drink-
ing game ping pong Prosecco,
chatting……
It is Ladies’ Night at the social
club. Come and join us.
The third of several events for
Female Club members
£2 sign in fee for non-members, or join
for the year on the night -it is only £10.
9
Mallard News
Parish Council Report details of the revised plans will be given in
March meeting the minutes of the Parish Council meeting.
Seven councillors attended the meeting of Mr. Stuart Dark (County Councillor) report-
the Parish Council on 19th March. Also ed that the County budget had been agreed
present - the Clerk, Stuart Dark (County and there needs to be savings of £120m
Councillor), one parishioner and two over the next four years. A review of the
members of the Village Hall Committee. current mobile library service is being un-
Philip Ward, Chairman of the Village Hall dertaken
Trustees, gave an updated briefing regard- The allotment holders had held a successful
ing the plans to improve the Village Hall. AGM with payments collected from the vast
The Trustees were unable to secure fund- majority of members.
ing of £100,000 from the National Lottery Various items of correspondence were dealt
so an alternative project has been devised. with and all outstanding accounts were
This will cost approximately £134,000, sanctioned for payment.
with finance being obtained from a number The next meeting will be on
of sources, including the Parish Council Monday 16th April, at 7.30 pm.
which has pledged a sum of £75,000. Full At the Village Hall
Omnia Did Us Proud
What a real treat from Omnia
we enjoyed on March 17th.
It was the coldest day but St
Mary’s felt warm and we were
all soon immersed in the beau-
tiful sound of the eight clear
voices. The recital on the
theme of Easter lasted 40
Minutes and we all enjoyed
refreshments afterwards and
chatting to the choir at the back
of the church. Then the choir sang to us again. This time modern or pop songs! Do-
nations came to just over £200 for the Church kitchen project. Thank you Omnia.

Toadwatch at Great & Little Massingham

We need more people to help with the 2018
spring migration in March.
Please Volunteer to Help. We have been so suc-
cessful in the past saving our toad, frog and newt populations.
Please help NOW.
Call John: 01603 812 472 or email: massingham@toadwatch.org
How you Can help Amphibians and Other Creatures In Your Gardens
Please take a look your own fences and see if wildlife can migrate through your garden.
In recent years, many hedges and old fences have been replaced with fences that have
impenetrable concrete gravel boards. We suspect that the combined impact of many
such fences is having a serious affect on hedgehogs, amphibians and some insects!
Please try and leave some gaps in the gravel boards.
10
Shop window

Ofsted Registered Childminding Service

Great Massingham
PE32 2HT
01485 520091
07778 500780
jimjo_171@outlook.com

NORFOLK WOODBURNERS

Over 25 years experience,

17Th Edition qualified,
Part P registered

SUPPLY &
INSTALLATION
OF WOODBURNERS Wood Floor Sanding & Fitting Specialist
Floor Boards, Wood Block/Parquet,
Norfolk’s Agent for Aga, Hunter Engineered & Laminate Floors
& Parkway Stoves. Sealing • Staining • Waxing • Oiling
Moisture Issues, Floor levelling
Free advice & Quotes, Contact Chris on
01945 780166 or 01485 521707 or 07894791723
www.norfolkwoodburners.co.uk www.crgibbsflooring.co.uk

The Window Doctor

Trust The Window Doctor for your NEW
Windows - Doors - Conservatories
Fascia, Soffit & Guttering.
01945 585999 or www.thewindow-doctor.co.uk
sales @ thewindow-doctor.co.uk
Misted or broken glass sealed units replaced
Jammed or failed windows & doors fixed
Hinges, handles, letterboxes, locks etc replaced.

T&A
All aspects of Domestic Tree and Garden Care
Pruning, reductions, felling, hedge trimming,
climbers, shrub pruning, fruit trees and more.
Small Local Company - Qualified & Insured
Free no obligation quotes and advice

www.TandAnorfolk.co.uk

11
Message from Reverend Jane to all Parishioners
Chocolate Eggs and Bunnies
As I write this, Easter is approaching fast and I have been thinking about the talks I will
give to schools and in family services with children present this Easter. I lead regular
assemblies in our schools throughout the year and am aware that some are more
‘successful’ than others but hope that these occasions are a source of something useful
for everyone.
I was reminded of a particular assembly a vicar friend told me about which they deliv-
ered some years ago. It was actually a Christmas assembly but I think there is a parallel
which makes it relevant to our Easter reflections.
The assembly was based around a Christmas cracker. Children were encouraged to share
ideas about why the cracker was fun. Two children were then asked to pull a cracker,
which they did with glee. They immediately discarded the paper wrapper and decora-
tions (picked up off the floor by a teacher and kept safe) whilst they explored the con-
tents of the inner cardboard tube with great anticipation.
Finally the toy inside was found and exclaimed over.
The children were then told to go and put the toy in the bin and were given the torn outer
wrapping of the cracker to keep.
All were of course very puzzled. The groans and moans reverberating from the children
around the school hall gave testimony to this!
Throwing away the treasure from inside but keeping the outside wrapping and frills –
how odd!
The point of the whole thing is, of course, that this is what we do so often with Christ-
mas. We hold on to the decoration, the superficial – and we lose the central message of
the season – the birth of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, come to live among us.
I think this is even more the case with the Christian festival of Easter.
For so many, Easter is about chocolate eggs and maybe a bunny or two, when, in fact,
the heart, the very centre of Easter, is the fact that Christ died for us and rose again.
Easter isn’t really about chocolate eggs, or bunnies. The reason we have these associa-
tions is because they provide images of new life and that image is tightly bound up with
the theology of Easter.
At a simple level we could associate new life with the resurrection of Jesus on that first
Easter Sunday and this is probably where the images come from. But, for Christians, the
real message of new life associated with Easter is that through what Jesus did for us on
the cross we have the opportunity for new life with Him, with God, starting now and
lasting on into eternity. ‘I am the resurrection and the life’ said Jesus. He shows us that
death is not the end and so changes life.
Now that’s worth celebrating! So don’t throw away the treasure inside the story this
Easter. Much love and happy holidays, Rev’d Jane

Luca Selected For Norfolk County Tennis Squad

Congratulations to Luca Ramasso for being selected for the Norfolk
U16 County Tennis Squad, based at Easton College. Luca has been
playing tennis at Massingham for the last four years and is currently
studying for a Higher Level Diploma in Sport at Easton & Otley Col-
lege. He helps with the junior coaching every Saturday and shows a
natural talent for inspiring youngsters. We wish Luca every success
with his tennis career, it looks like all his training and hard work has
paid off. Ali Ward
12
Church Services - April
Date Time Service Location
1st April 6.00 am Dawn Service Ashwicken
Easter Day 9.30 am Family Holy Communion Harpley
10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Holy Communion Gayton
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
4th April 9.00 am Holy Communion Harpley
th
8 April 10.30 am Group Holy Communion East Walton
Easter 2 4.00 pm The Gap Pott Row Methodist
15th April 8.30 am Holy Communion Roydon
Easter 3 9.30 am Holy Communion Little Massingham
10.30 am Holy Communion Gayton
10.30 am Morning Praise Grimston
11.00 am Family Service Great Massingham
11.15 am Sung Holy Communion Harpley
18th April 9.00 am Holy Communion Grimston
nd
22 April 8.30 am Holy Communion Congham
Easter 4 10.30 am Family Service Grimston
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
3.00 pm Celtic Service Gayton Thorpe
29th April 8.30 am Holy Communion East Walton
Easter 5 10.30 am Prayer and Praise Service Grimston
10.30 am Holy Communion Little Massingham
6th May 8.30 am Holy Communion Ashwicken
Easter 6 9.30 am Family Service Harpley
10.30 am Morning Praise Gayton
10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
11.00 am Holy Communion Great Massingham
Benefice Prayer Meeting, Sunday 6th May at St Andrew, Little Massingham.
For more news please visit our benefice website at www.ggmbenefice.uk

CHURCH NEWS Concert in May

Wednesday Teas from 4 April will now be
held in St Mary’s Church from 3pm - 4.30.
We thank Mary and Judith for their warm
hospitality during the winter months and
look forward to seeing you all for a cuppa
and cake and chat.
May Fair
This will be taking place on the green on
19th May, the day of the Royal Wedding.
Please see our advert on page 9.
The Matthew Bason Musical Variety Con-
cert will take place at St Botolph, Grimston
on Saturday 19th May at 7.30pm.
FUNERALS
From the Parish Register
20th February John Knox, at Mintlynn
1st March August Teljer, at
Little Massingham
Our thoughts are with their
families.

13
Shop window

D S PLUMBING
est 1990
Call 01485 542576
Or 07818 602258
Boiler Servicing, New Heating Systems,
Bathrooms, Breakdowns, Repairs,
Upgrades, All Plumbing Covered.

PRIVATE WING WITH TWO BEDROOMS, GAMES ROOM,

BREAKFAST ROOM AND GARDEN
Contact Su’en Miller
Tel: 01485 520 988 Parsley Barn
Mob: 07968 246 083 Weasenham Rd
Email: suen.miller@foxcotte.force9.co.uk Gt Massingham
Or book via www.airbnb.co.uk PE32 2EY

ALL ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Level 3 Advanced Personal Trainer, A Warm Welcome Awaits
Children's Fitness Instructor, GP Exercise Referral Instructor
at
Nutrition and Weight Management,
Level 2 ASA Swimming Teacher, First Aid Qualified. Heath Farm, Lynn Lane, Great Massingham
01485 520828 www.lingscountrygoods.com

Welcomes old & new members

High quality fitted and free-standing

furniture. Individually designed,
Excellent facilities and
a friendly atmosphere. personally installed by experts from
Good beer, real ale, wines and spirits
all at competitive prices. our Great Massingham workshops.
Separate snooker room. www.tenacityinteriors.com
Satellite, large screen TV.
Outside drinking area.
Entertainment throughout the year.
Membership applications can be obtained CALL TODAY
from the club bar 01485 521888

14
 Useful Numbers
Organisation Contact Phone No.
Allotment Association Gill Goold 0750 824 2223
Biodiversity Project Mike Jackson 520 056
Borough Council Tim Tilbrook 01485 601413
Bell Ringing Denys Winner 520 598
Bowls Club Peter Wadham 520 796
Church Contacts Revd Judith Pollard 01485 601 251
or Revd Jane Holmes 01553 636227
Community Car Scheme Office 520 823
Coronation Club Jill Whitmore 520 609
County Council Stuart Graham Dark 07450 679 355
Doctors Massingham Surgery 520 521

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

Fishing Warden Deke Overson 520 143
Football Club Barry Talbot (seniors) 520 653
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 Kevin Webb (Clerk) 01328 855 046
Vic Cross (Chair) 520 387
Pre-School Pip Armitage 07807 185 746
Police Non-emergency 101
School Ann Beardall 520 362
Village Hall Hall & Bar & Vic Cross 520 588/520 387

The Village Store & Post Office OVEN CLEANING

• Fresh Bread Daily from Ridouts Bakery
CARPET CLEANING
• Holiday Insurance & Foreign Currency SOFA CLEANING
• Take Away Food Menu
• Fresh Fruit and vegetables Call the local experts now

Clean Tech
Ray and staff
welcome you to
your local shop,
7days a week.
FREE local deliveries
every Thursday ! 01485 609223
Mon. to Sat. Village Store Card, cheque and cash
8am to 5.30pm Great Massingham
Sun. 9.30 -12.30 payments accepted
Tel: 520 272

15
 Community Speed Watch Teams Honoured
On 8th March representatives from Great Massingham Community
Speed Watch team attended a Citizens in Policing event at King’s
Lynn Town Hall. Community Speed Watch teams, special consta-
bles and police cadets were all thanked for helping to keep the
public safe. Awards were then presented. The West Norfolk
Mayor, Carol Bower, who presented the awards said, “You save
the community a lot of money. On behalf of West Norfolk I want to say thank you.” The
Marham Community Speed Watch team received the award for the most hours and the
Stanhoe team received one as the longest serving group. Great Massingham was not far
behind in both categories.
Although we did not receive an award we did our best in tackling the buffet as shown by
the photo of Bruce Riches and Peter James tucking in to a second helping!
We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you have a couple of hours to spare
each week and wish to improve the safety of our residents contact me on 01485
520307. I can’t promise another buffet however! Andrew Bickerton

Next 50/50 Sale Thursday 3rd May

7pm to 9pm at Great Massingham Village Hall
Free Entry. Bar open. Cash only for purchases.
Have you got something a bit special that you no longer wear?
Put it on a hanger, label and price it and bring it to the village hall
between 2 & 4pm on 3rd May (or give it to Max Pratt, Mel Whitmore
or Sandy Francis before that date).
If it sells, you get 50% and the Village Hall Refurbishment Fund gets
the other 50%. If it doesn’t sell, collect it on the 4th at 10am or we will
donate it to charity. You are limited to 10 items each.
The brands that sell well are Per Una (M&S),
White Stuff, Next, Phase Eight, Joules, John Rocha etc
Ladies Clothes only this time, NO supermarket brands, Primark or
Matalan as they are good value new and not popular secondhand.
PLEASE GET LOTS OF PEOPLE TO COME ON THE NIGHT

Dates for your Diary – April

Date Event Time Place
7 April Biodiversity Working Party 10 am Weasenham Rd Pond
8,15,29 April West Norfolk Live 7pm to 10 Village Hall Bar
9 April Historical Society 7.30 pm Village Hall
9,23 April Craft & Chat 2 - 4.30 pm Village Hall Bar
16 April Ladies Night 7pm Village Hall Bar
16 April Parish Council Meeting 7.30 pm Village Hall
19 April Film Club 7 for 7.30 pm Village Hall
21 April Stalls On The Green From 9am Near the Well
26 April Gert & Daisy Quiz 7 for 7.30 pm Village Hall
3 May 50/50 Sale 7pm to 9 pm Village Hall
16