Harleston Cinema

The Harleston Cinema has provided entertainment for people living in Harleston and surrounding villages for more than one year.  Every month we show a newly issued film chosen mainly from reviews and audience selection.  We have been forced to change venues twice as the audience grows.

The films are provided by Creative Arts East and the venture is not designed to make a profit. The list of forthcoming films is sent to us three times a year and we choose four films at a time from the list.

Venue: Masonic Rooms Harleston

Tickets: £4. For further information and to book, please ring Harleston Information Plus on 01379 851917

Thursday, 25^th February 2016

The Martian – 2h 24m The Martian is a thrilling and surprisingly funny film.  It is a faithful adaptation of the bestselling book by Andy Weir bringing out the best in leading man Matt Damon and director Ridley Scott.

Thursday, 31^st March 2016

The Lady in the Van –1h 44m.

Directed by Nicholas Hytner, who also directed the film adaptation of Alan Bennett’s play The History Boys, this charming and hilarious British film is based on Bennett’s real experiences with the lady who lived in a van on his own driveway.

Starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings and James Cordon, this is a quintessentially British comedy that tells the true story of one of our favourite dramatists.

 Thursday, 28^th April 2016

 Brooklyn – 1h 52m

An Irish immigrant (Saoirse Ronan) in 1950s New York falls for a tough Italian plumber (Emory Cohen), but faces temptation from another man (Domhnall Gleeson) when she returns to her homeland for a visit

Brooklyn is a big-hearted, romantic and beautiful film. 

January / February Edition

The latest edition of the Needham Link has been Guest Edited by Jim Woodger, a long time friend of Needham and a former resident.  

I think you'll all agree that this edition is a very entertaining read.  I should like to thank Jim for all his efforts and would welcome him back as a Guest Editor any time!

Needham Village Link

January / February 2016

www.needhamlink.co.uk

needhamlink@gmail.com

The Guest Editor

Jim's Gems for the New Year

It was with great pleasure but some trepidation that I accepted the task of editing this issue.  Why me, you may ask?   Well, as many of you may know, I have been associated with Needham for some thirty-five years and have, in that time, served as Chairman of both the Village Hall and Parish Council and generally poked my nose into most activities that were going on.  The other reason, no doubt, is that I now live far enough away to escape most of the brickbats that may be thrown when you read my efforts!  Just put them down to the ramblings of an old sentimentalist!

I wish you all the best for 2016

Jim Woodger

Needham Parish Council

After the September meeting I reported on a joint initiative by Needham and Brockdish Parish Councils in requesting a meeting with the Highways Authority to resolve the concerns of both Parishes on speeding and existing weight restrictions.  Regrettably, the reply is that they are unable to help with our concerns.  However, Brockdish Parish Council is applying for grant assistance to purchase a SAM2 machine.  These have been effective in other villages in alerting motorists to the speed they are going.  We have therefore agreed to share the cost and the use of the machine with Brockdish.

I was able to report on a meeting for Parish Council Chairmen held at the South Norfolk Council offices.  There are 119 Parish Councils in South Norfolk but only in 19 of those was there sufficient interest to justify holding an election.  Because of the low support the suggestion therefore was that parishes could voluntarily combine to form a single PC.  The meeting discussed the merits of combining with Brockdish but unanimously agreed that we want to retain our own identity.  I am therefore extremely grateful we currently have a full complement of Councillors.

It was noted that boundary changes to constabularies mean that Needham is no longer covered by the Harleston police station but will be the responsibility of Diss.  The meeting expressed regret that this change was carried out without consultation as we have always enjoyed the support of extremely able and enthusiastic officers in Harleston, and we have no previous link with Diss.  It was agreed to request the Diss beat manager to attend a future meeting to introduce himself.

As last year, it was agreed to donate the sum of £100 to Harleston Town Council towards the maintenance and use of the Bullock Fair car park.

It was noted that requests to the Rangers to clear local footpaths had been successful.  However, we have complained about the practice of shovelling soil off the pavements onto the verge where it washes back down again after the first rain.  As there have been no complaints about the missing dog bin on Upper Burnt House Lane it was decided not to purchase a replacement.

The planning appeal against the refusal of a planning application for a new house for a manager at Whitehouse Farm, which the Parish Council had supported, has been successful. 

Parish Council meetings in 2016 will be held on:

11 January        Precept setting meeting

4 April

23 May              Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

18 July

26 September

21 November

All meetings are held at 7.30 in the annex to the Village Hall.  Issues that affect all of us in the village are discussed at these meetings.  Councillors very much appreciate the support of all those attending the meetings and it is our hope that more will do so in the coming year.

Andrew Major

Chairman, Needham Parish Council

Notes from Jack Whurr

A happy new year to all.  As youngsters we looked forward to Christmas so much with the thought of Father Christmas coming down the chimney with sacks of presents just for me.  But the war and rationing which lasted until 1954 meant that there wasn't much for the stocking.  Children were happy to get some nuts, an orange, a couple of plastic toys, a book with crayons or a drum maybe.

The Village Hall which was the school doubled up for other things - socials & council meetings.  The social evenings were good, mainly organised for the children..One couple's name which comes to mind is Mr & Mrs Howell who lived in the second house in Brook Lane and also Mr Bush.  They were always doing things for the village as well as other generous people.

Mr Dean, who we children believed was a millionaire was the owner of the sand pits and lived in the big house on the right hand side as you go out of the village towards Harleston.  He allowed the village to hold  fêtes on a field just before the house.

Can anyone confirm that the Red Lion was called the White Hart sometime in the past?  Also, the Fishmongers Arms - which building was it?  Needham had a blacksmiths shop on the right hand side just past Burnthouse Lane and alongside it a large barn.  Mr Drain was building caravans in it when it went up in flames and the whole village was out to see it burn.  A rumour at the time was that it had been deliberately set on fire. There was an arsonist around said to be the butcher's delivery driver.  Most groceries were delivered to the house - the bread and milk came from the baker in Brockdish.  You gave the shopkeeper the order by phone or someone dropped a shopping list into the shop.  In Harleston a school boy delivered on a butcher's bike with a big basket on the front.  They worked after school and got a lovely 10 shilling note for the week.  That 10 shilling note meant a great deal.

How did people manage with few of them having cars or telephones?  Not everyone had a bicycle.  The buses were few and far between.  Yarmouth was the most popular holiday destination and we did have a railway station in Harleston.  Yarmouth was crowded in the summer.  The lovely sandy beach was covered with people in deck chairs eating cheese and tomato sandwiches with charabanc trips on day visits from Sunday schools, clubs, Mothers' Unions and boozy outings.

Jack Whurr

Reflections

As the New Year dawns and we look forward in anticipation, expectation or trepidation to 2016, I invite you to relict back twenty, thirty and even forty years ago.

1976 wav memorable for many things.  It was the start of the first scheduled supersonic flights of Concorde.  It was the start of the first outbreak of Ebola disease in Africa.  Agatha Christie died, Harold Wilson resigned and Benedict Cumberbatch was born. Whilst a committee chaired by Derek Buttle, Needham's own 'Arkwright' who ran the Village Post Office & Stores with his wife Sheila, was organising celebrations for the forthcoming Silver Jubilee of the Queen's Coronation in 1952, a new family quietly moved into the Old Fishmongers Arms and began to make a big impression in the village.  David & Sue Simmonds with their young family, Jane, Julia and Oliver, not only had the task to regenerate their historic house but the entire family have since played a significant part in both the social life of Needham as well as playing their part in moulding it into the village it is today.
Ollie Simmonds who is still integral in the running of the family's International Air Freight business in Needham submitted the following article on his latest passion - cycling.

JW

Aalborg or Bust

A view from the wheels in Denmark

Well, did I win?  Sadly, not and boy what a steep learning curve - more on that later especially the steep bit!

What I did get out of the weekend though was that Denmark is a wonderfully beautiful country, with great people and one that I'd be more than happy to go back and explore further.  However, you can keep your Tuborg and Carlsberg and we'll keep our Adnams and Aspalls.  I rolled into the men's road race final in good shape, however sleep or rather lack of it may have got the better of me!  Can you imagine 102 miles flat out with 30mph winds?  It's not for the faint hearted and I'm not sure it's really for me either.  The race was on the Sunday so most competitors arrived several days before to prep and ride the course.  Not us though.  In fact, we technically only arrived the day before arriving at the hotel very early Saturday morning.  We awoke (I say 'awoke' though I'm convinced I didn't get any sleep - can you imagine 3 blokes, 3 beds, 1 small room?  Maybe it's the same for Wiggins and Froome, but I doubt it.) and peering out the curtains at 7:00am I got my first glimpse of Denmark in the light.  When I say light, I really mean torrential rain and sub 10 degrees C temperature.  Not inspiring but we had a race to prep for, bikes to build, so along with good friends, Ian & James, we cracked on in our own fashion, basically goofing around, walking round Aalborg for several hours finding spare parts and getting soaked in the process.  Apparently, as I found out later, this was completely the wrong thing to do pre-race day!

The wrong thing to do pre-race day!  Normally, we'd get the bikes and take them out half pace/distance and turn the legs over but the weather was truly apocalyptic!  So, food and bed and no beer - the body's a temple of course!  I lay there in bed listening to the Aalborg city traffic and my two mates snoring and kept checking my watch.  11:00pm, 12, 1, 2, 3, 4:00am.  OMG, I need to sleep!  Did I sleep?  I guess, yes but I'm a light sleeper at best and my head was awash with the gruelling course that lay ahead.  More gaffing in the morning and finally onto the bikes and out into the sun - yes sun.  What a glorious if cold windy day. 

You may think Denmark is flat but  whilst Northern Jutland doesn't have any really big hills it has plenty of short sharp climbs and the course seemed to seek out each and every one of them, giving the race an Ardennes classic feel - i.e. tuff, very tuff! For the first hour of racing we had a strong tailwind.  The course headed south and the speeds were breathtakingly high.  I was averaging 28mph.  I knew I wouldn't be able to sustain that but the event and surroundings make you feel you're a pro even at 43 years old.  Leaving Aalborg the country roads followed fields of crops and at each 90 degree corner or slight turn caused by a farmer's wall a crosswind slammed into us causing momentary havoc as we fought for position.  I saw several riders go down for one reason or another but worse was to come when we turned west and then north for the push for home with long stretches riding straight into the full power of the invisible moving mass of a horrid headwind.  Echelon riding is an art and many of the competitors from less windy parts of the world found their lack of practice their undoing.  Luckily, here in east Anglia, I've had a bit of practice but I'm by no means a master at it.  To those who know me, this came as no surprise, but at the 86 mile point I took a 6 mile wrong turn!  Yes, into a headwind 6 mile wrong turn up a dual carriageway.  Only I could do this.  Well, I say 'I' but I blame the Aussie in front of me!  At the time, I was working in a group of 4 - myself, the Aussie, aSwede and a Dane.  The local police pulled us over, full sirens going, to advise us we'd gone the wrong way and to turn around.  I couldn't believe it but we'd gone straight over a roundabout instead of going right. The vent was marshalled by 400 Danish Military staff  and out of 1500 riders just 4 went the wrong way but, hey, you might have know it would be me!  Somewhat deflated I limped the last few miles but it's about finishing and no way was I going to quit. Given the time, effort and money to get there you've got to finish.  I could not bear to be mopped up by the broom wagon!  All in all I finished just behind my 2 friends.  No podium finish this time but at least not last and it was the World Championship so I'm proud of what I achieved in my brief cycling career and whilst I;d like to blame wind/course/getting lost, the truth is I think I let the event get the better of me.  I have to say those Danes were fantastic hosts of the UWCT finals and Aalborg is a wonderful city, traditional yet vibrant and cosmopolitan - a great weekend city break no doubt and probably note so without the bike!

Will I compete again if I qualify?  I said, 'no' but that probably means' yes'!

OS

1986 - And the shows keep coming

In 1979 the Hall had pleasure in producing the first of a series of amateur productions both to entertain and of course to raise funds for the upkeep of the Hall.  I say amateurs but we did boast one professional, Ray Holder, a thespian guru who was more used to manipulating the cast of West End musicals than the Needham version of Tin Pan Alley!  He famously boasted that he could teach anybody to sing - that is until he met yours truly!

The original show was based on the then popular TV series of the Old Time Music Hall but developed over the years to a more standard variety show often mimicking (and improving on?) the TV shows of the day with sketches from Dad's Army, Tenko, Esatenders and many more!  The shows were always a challenge with a cast ranging from the talented children, unrepentant adults to our more senior citizens.  With lighting, sound and scenery to be prepared all on our compact stage, the only way to move large props was by hoisting them on pulleys to be suspended in the ceiling above the actors.

On one occasion a young child was fired out of a canon in the show - 'The Circus Comes to Needham'. Health & Safety hadn't raised its head in those days!

And on another occasion a French theme saw Can Can dancers and a strip tease artiste performing a Fan Dance!

In 1986 the new production saw the stage transformed into a TV set with full colour and surround sound.  As usual there was an enthusiastic front of house support team providing tasty snacks and stimulating (or steadying) refreshments.  Following all the enjoyment of the cast, the sufferance of the paying public and generosity of many local businesses a post production profit of £525.00 was handed over to the Hall.

1996 - A Quietness Envelopes Needham

1996 was a memorable year for the residents of Needham with a celebration of the long awaited coming of peace!

traffic issues had been brewing for many years with the increasing popularity of the East Coast which was exacerbated by the extra freight bound between the ports of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft to the Midlands.  With the County Council refusing even to grant Needham a 40mph speed limit, the battle commenced in earnest in 1983.  Plans were unveiled to resurrect the proposal for a Brockdish bypass first proposed in the 1930s with traffic returning to the old A143 through Needham.

Although the original 1967 Brockdish plans, hidden by the County Council for many years, which proposed a route through the water meadows to the south of the village were due to be scrapped, it was obvious to the residents of Needham that they would be left exposed to high speed traffic in both directions coming off the Thorpe Abbotts/Brockdish and the Harleston bypasses.

A strong campaign was mounted with support from the District Councillor Mrs Vera Alexander, that there should be a combined Brockdish/Needham alternative.  At that time there were some 10,000 vehicles passing through the village, 1000 of them HGVs.  The chance of crossing the road on a summer Saturday was close to zero!

With a well organised campaign, led in great part by David Simmonds, culminating in a mass petition being delivered by villagers on 28 Sept 1989 to County Hall, schemes were considered for a joint solution with planning permission being granted in 1991.

It was our local MP, the then Minister of Transport, John McGregor who announced the approval of funds for the scheme and work began by the Norwich contractors May-Gurney in Jan 1995.  Their task was to excavate 320,000 cubic metres of soil, use 9,500 metres of drainage pipes and lay 65,000 sq m of road surface to complete the three and a quarter mile bypass.  Prior to the construction, an archaeological survey was undertaken with some 26 coins being found dating from AD63-64.

Although 18 months has been allocated for the construction, good weather during the summer of 1995 allowed the Cahrman of Norfolk CC, Peter Baldwin, to cut the opening tape in time for the villagers to enjoy a peaceful Christmas.  The official opening celebrations and street party were held at Needham Coronation Village Hall in Spring 1996 to coincide with the completion of the landscaping operations.

JW

Carols at Christmas

On 6 December an evening of carols for the village was generously hosted by the Red Lion.  It proved to be a very enjoyable evening and a welcome precursor to the festive period.

While carols were sung with great gusto......

                                                                               .... others needed to lower their hearing aids!

Ding Dong Merrily on High!

This year's Christmas Dinner at the Village Hall will be memorable not only for the excellent food and company but also for the festive ringing of the fire alarm.  Fortunately, there was no fire but unfortunately no one present could turn the alarm off so it rang and rang and rang until Denis Tavener was brought in from his sick bed to explain what to do.

With ringing in our ears everyone enjoyed the rest of the evening.

Thanks must go to those members of the village Hall Committee who throughout the year have worked so hard giving up their time to organise events at the Hall and to keep it in such good condition.

George Miller adjusts the background music.

Many thanks to HLC for donating a magnificent hamper which was won by Sally & Chris Nicholson.  Thanks also to other people who donated raffle prizes.

Needham Village Hall

Treasurer's Report

With this year marking the 55th anniversary of the opening of Needham's Coronation Village Hall, it is wonderful to realise that it is being maintained to a high level and indeed improvements continue to be made to make the Hall such an asset to the village and also available for the use of local groups and individuals.

Over the last two years some £4,300.00 has been spent on Hall maintenance and £4,400.00 on upgrades and improvements to the facilities of the Hall including the heating system and new chairs.  These costs have been met both by the hire charges and grants received from Adnams Brewery, the Parish Council and South Norfolk Council.

The Hall, however, cannot survive without the guidance of the Hall Committee and the village is indebted to the many people who have, over the years, played their part in that role.  If you would be willing to give a small amount of time (no previous experience necessary) [lease contact Steve Neaves on 01379 852214.  The committee would also be pleased to hear from anybody who would be happy to have their name retained on a list of 'occasional workers' who could be called upon for working parties such as setting up fêtes and barbecues.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John Morrish

St Peter's Needham

   3 Jan    Morning Prayer      11:00am
10  Jan    Morning Prayer      09:30am
17  Jan    Morning Prayer      11:00am
24  Jan   Holy Communion   09:30am
31  Jan   Benefice Holy Communion  10:30am

 7   Feb   Morning Prayer        11:00am
10  Feb  Ashing Service at St John's, Harleston
14  Feb  Morning Prayer         09:30am
21  Feb  Morning Prayer         11:00am
28  Feb  Holy Communion      09:30 am

Needham Coffee Morning, Cake & Raffle at the Red Lion
2 Feb and 1 March (1st Tues of every month)
Proceeds split between red Lion's charity of their choice and the upkeep of St Peter's Church

Chatty Church
Saturday 16 Jan & 20 Feb at 2pm
Similar to Messy Church
For more details contact: Claire McEntee: 07810 565805, Fiona Wilson: 07702 972656
Office email: welcome@7churches.org.uk

Needham Carpet Bowls Club

Since our last report we have played an away match against Wortwell.  Unfortunately, we lost all games.  On 20 November we played at home against Occuld.  We won 3 games and lost 1.  On 4 Dec we played another home game against Brockdish.  Although we won 2 games we also lost 2 games so Brockdish actually won by 7 shots.

In the New Year we have 3 home and 1 away matches.  Our away game at Occuld has to be played on Wednesday 27 Jan so our club evening will be cancelled that week.

Our Annual Dinner & Presentation evening has been arranged for saturday 30 Jan and as usual it will be held at Needham Red Lion.

Nudger

January/February Edition

The latest edition of the Needham Link, edited by Guest Editor Jim Woodger, should be with you shortly.

Many thanks to Jim for a very entertaining edition.

It will also be online shortly.