Excellent food - expertly cooked!
An excellent turn-out - a good time was had by all!
Monday, 10 September 2012
Late Summer BBQ
Another successful Needham Village BBQ!
Excellent food - expertly cooked!
An excellent turn-out - a good time was had by all!
Excellent food - expertly cooked!
An excellent turn-out - a good time was had by all!
Saturday, 1 September 2012
From the editor
This year has been marked by events which have brought the community of Needham together. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration was a remarkable success, followed by Open Gardens and in September we have the village barbecue. Needham is a village without a physical centre so it’s important that we make the effort to get together at village events.
I’m very grateful, as always, to all the contributors to the Link. If you would like to contribute something to the Link please do get in touch either by email at needhamlink@gmail.com or by posting through my letter box at Mill Farm Cottage in Mill Lane. As someone who has thoroughly embraced the 2012 Olympics, mostly from the comfort of my sofa, I’m very grateful to Emily for her keep fit page! Also, thanks to our regular columnist, Derek and also thanks again to Barney.
If you would like to contact any contributors or members of the village hall committee, please get in touch with the editor.
Don’t forget to spread the word that the Link is available online to people who have moved away from the village but still want to keep in touch! Additional information is also posted online between editions.Visit www.needhamlink.co.uk At the time of writing there have been 827 page views!
Helen
Letters to the Editor
I would like to thank John & Pauline Seaman for the good job they did cutting down all the over-grown weeds off the steps of Brook Lane and sweeping them clean.
Thank you.From a grateful dog walker.
Friends of St Peter’s
On Sunday 15 July eleven gardens in Needham were opened to visitors. It didn’t rain, occasionally the sun shone and people came in numbers - in fact 152 entry fees were paid. There was a variety of gardens from the intimacy of a courtyard garden to cottage gardens and gardens with large open spaces with lawns and woodland areas. Ploughman’s lunches and cream teas were served. Pimms was on offer too. The event raised the fantastic sum of £1082.35 for the upkeep of St Peter’s Church. The latest work to be done will be a wooden ramp to facilitate access.
A BIG thank you to all the participating gardeners, the Cunliffes and especially to Pauline Spinlove who masterminded the day on behalf of the Friends.
The centre spread in the Link shows aspects of each open garden.
Village Hall Update
The committee is continuing to update the facilities at the village hall. We have purchased some super new white crockery and the Diamond Jubilee bench will soon be taking pride of place in the grounds. Come along and join us at the annual BBQ on the 9th September and see what’s going on! Don’t forget the Village Hall is now on Facebook with loads of Jubilee photos and information.
If you have any suggestions or questions please contact us via the Editor or message us on Facebook! www.facebook/needhamvillagehall
Look forward to seeing you soon,
Caroline (Secretary)
Fancy a day out with a Bordahoppa
Bordahoppa are continuing to operate outings on Mondays throughout the year for our members. These include days at the seaside, shopping trips, boat trips and visits to garden centres & other places of interest. Membership is free - all you have to do is to complete a simple membership form. For more information or to book a trip phone 01378 854800
All outings are on a Monday unless otherwise stated.
3 Sept South Walsham boat trip £21
10 Sept Gressenhall Rural Life Museum £24 (inc entrance)
17 Sept Latham & Potter Heigham £16
24 Sept Lowestoft £14
1 Oct Cambridge £18.50
8 Oct Stowmarket & Lunch at Thorndon Black Horse *
Wed 17 Oct Dereham £16
22 Oct Pulham Garden Centre & lunch at Jolly Farmers *
29 Oct Bury St Edmunds £12
- Lunch £12 extra
Our demand response service (previously known as Dial-A-Ride) is now available to everyone. Anyone with a bus pass can travel free after 9:30am. To book or for further information call 01379 854800. We require at least 2 working days’ notice for bookings.
We also hire our mini buses out for days, evenings or at weekends.
Cycling
I started cycling in war-torn London and vividly recall the destruction caused by the indiscriminate bombing by V1 and V2 rockets and the people rummaging through piles of debris looking for personal items.
The serenity of cycling was a contrast to this. It influenced my life and the sense of adventure gave me the strength of mind, courage and determination to overcome life’s setbacks with the added bonus of enjoying life. A new existence opened up for me. In cycling you appreciate England’s historical architecture, sublime churches and beautiful scenery.
I joined a cycling club and found most members were older as the younger ones were away fighting. I made genuine friendships and was introduced to travel which had been a previously undreamed venture for a young boy.
The war ended with a profusion of street parties with allied flags everywhere - colourful bunting hung from every tree and lamp post. Everyone dug deep into their rationed food reserves. Tables stretched from street to street. There was singing, dancing and a joyous cacophony.
Hostilities had ceased.
Peace at last!
Derek Buttle
Art Exhibition
The Art Exhibition in the village hall on 18th August was very well attended and many favourable comments were received.
It was lovely to see folk from Needham. We enjoyed putting the exhibition on and visitors certainly seemed to enjoy it. There was a good response to the collection for the village hall funds and we look forward to exhibiting again next year.
Evelyn Ives
Parish News
Needham Parish Council News
A planning application for approval of reserved matters for a detatched bungalow in Brook Lane has been approved by South Norfolk Council. The application was supported by the Parish Council that recommended it should be a condition of the approval that all external details are agreed before construction takes place.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held at 7.30 on Monday 24th September in the Village Hall.
Waveney Valley Project
You may have noticed that we have a new village sign.
South Norfolk, Mid Suffolk and Waveney District Councils have come together in this project to develop and deliver an exciting new identity for the Waveney Valley which seeks to build on the sense of community that already exists in the beautiful market towns and villages along its length. Needham is one of these villages.
The Waveney Valley is characterised by its winding river, rolling countryside and wide skies. It’s a peaceful and attractive landscape which should appeal to cyclists, walkers, canoeists and anyone who would appreciate its quiet beauty.
The new logo has been designed to represent various key aspects of the valley - its wildlife, round tower churches and the river itself.
Members of the Parish Council
Paul Bird (vice chair) 80 High Road 852 062
Diane Clarke 108 High Road 852 603
Andrew Major (chair) Mill Farm Cottage 852 958
Sylvia Miller 44 High Road 852 059
Karen Smith The Nestling 852 397
Denis Tavner 11 High Road 854 108
Philip Freeman (clerk) 783 203
Jenny Wilby (District Councillor) 741 504
Martin Wilby (County Councillor) “
Musings of a Canine Nature
Barney’s Blatherings
For all their moaning in the run up to the Olympics, we couldn’t get them off the couch and away from the telly, I can’t remember the last time I stepped outside the house for a good walk. Personally, I was slightly disappointed at the lack of variation in the events; after all, once you’ve seen one cycle race, you’ve seen them all. Also, tennis.................we’ve just had Wimbledon, you can have too much tennis.......and football! I was pleased to see they have added new sports though, such as BMX (although it is just a variation of a bike again!) and I wonder if this should not be extended further...perhaps rabbit chasing? It could be a day or night time event. I’d like to see Usain chase a rabbit and catch it. It wouldn’t happen; he may have speed, but not rabbit speed. Unlike myself of course - I would have the capability of catching a rabbit at full pelt, especially if it’s trapped within my garden and my belly was a little lighter. My brother Mutley has caught several recently from a sitting position; all are motionless and smell, some might say already in a state of decay from dying several weeks previously from myxomatosis! On reflection, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him catch a live one! I was alarmed to see a small spandex suit being brought out of the cupboard - no one needs a spandex suit for rabbit chasing. Fortunately it wasn’t for me......in fact, they squeezed themselves in to one each and proceeded to jog around the garden. The scene remained alarming and an impressive 35 minute mile was achieved.......but no rabbits caught. Instead they went to the pub to rehydrate! The spandex suit novelty has since worn off and the Olympics a distant memory for them.....but not for me. My dream is still very much alive. So here’s to Rio 2016 Rabbit Chasing. Come on Mutley....Mutley wake up.....we’ve got training to do.
Filling the Olympics Void
Has anyone else been left feeling a little empty since the closing of the Olympic Games?
Whether you are a keen sports enthusiast or not, the whole event certainly captured the hearts and minds of the nation and it was lovely to watch so many inspiring role models of all different ages. I suspect that we will be wowed once again when the Paralympics start at the end of the month.
Whilst attending a recent training course in London on adapting exercise for older adults, I was reminded of a few statistics which highlight the importance of regular exercise, no matter our age.
So, just in case you were under the illusion that you didn’t need to think about your fitness until much later down the line, here are few facts that might get you moving a little sooner!
- Muscles - We reach peak muscle mass by the grand old age of 30, after which time, muscle tissue begins to decrease
- Bones – Peak bone density is reached around the age of 35. After this time, bone mineral density and mass begins to decrease which can result in diseases of the bone such as osteoporosis over time
- Heart and lungs – these can also begin to decline from the age of 30. Don’t forget, the heart is a muscle and needs to be worked and strengthened like any other muscle in the body
Whilst this might be scary reading for some, don’t despair! The good news is that you can help to delay the ageing process by undertaking regular exercise.
As a reminder, we need to be doing 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity a week PLUS strength training exercises on 2 days of the week e.g. squats, press up, sit up.
So, if you’ve been promising yourself over the last few weeks that you’re going to start a new regime, then don’t delay and start making some healthy deposits into those muscle and bone accounts today!
Emily is a qualified fitness instructor and runs regular weekly fitness classes - starting September on Tuesday mornings in Dickleburgh. To find out more, visit www.inthepinkfit.co.uk or contact her at emily@inthepinkfit.co.uk
Emily Orford
Needham Carpet Bowls Club
Needham Carpet Bowls Club
Since our last report the Pairs Competition has been completed with the winners being Margaret Carlile and Lenny Whymark.
Two committee members attended the AGM which was held at Old Buckenham village hall on 11 July. The draw took place for the Winter League which starts in September. We will be playing against Brockdish, Debenham, Garboldisham, Kenninghall and Syleham. This will be on a home and away basis. Eight members will be required for each match.
In the knock out cup match we have been drawn against Debenham. Unfortunately, we shall have to cancel our club evening on Wednesday 26 September as on that evening we will be playing away at Debenham.
We will shortly be receiving an invitation to the Summer League Presentation and Quiz Evening which will be held at Alburgh village hall on Friday 28 September. We do hope as many members as possible will support this event.
Our club evenings are held at Needham Village Hall every Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30pm. New members are very welcome so do come along and join us. Fees are £1.50 and all equipment is provided. Tea / coffee and biscuits are included in the fees.
Nudger
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Monday, 23 July 2012
Needham Art Group
The Needham Art Group will be holding its Annual Exhibition in Needham Village Hall on Saturday 18th August from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
All the paintings are by amateur local artists. Alongside their paintings, local amateur photographers will be exhibiting their photographs and there will also be a variety of craft stalls showing some beautiful work.
Refreshments will be on sale.
Free admission.
Not to be missed!
Monday, 16 July 2012
Saturday, 30 June 2012
From the editor
I’m sure all those who attended the Needham Village Diamond Jubilee celebrations in the village hall on 2nd June will agree that, despite the unseasonably chilly and windy weather, it was a wonderful community event. You turned up in numbers and we all met villagers whom we hadn’t met before. I received the following email from a grateful villager...
“A big thank you to all who planned, organised and worked very hard on the day to provide the Needham Jubilee Party .
I appreciate that the weather made everything harder but it was a lovely occasion !
Many thanks
Marion Taylor and Family”
..and April Clarke posted this comment on www.needhamlink.co.uk
“Had an excellent afternoon/evening as did the rest of my family! Although, I may have fell victim to the Pimms....
Thanks to you all for doing such a brilliant job organising it!”
Thanks to you all for doing such a brilliant job organising it!”
The Auction of Promises held in the Red Lion was a resounding success. Bidding for some promises was fierce resulting in over £1000 being raised to fund the Tea Party and a lasting memorial to the Jubilee. A big thank you to all our promisors, bidders and our most accomplished auctioneer, David Cunliffe.
If you were a successful bidder and have not yet claimed your promise please get in contact with the promisor. If you have lost the contact details please contact Caroline or me at needhamlink@gmail.com
More events have been planned including the Open Gardens on 15 July (see back page) and a Village BBQ on Sunday 9th September. Make a note of those dates in your diaries and keep them free!
Please submit articles for the next edition of The Link by 14 August. Post them through the door of Mill Farm Cottage or email them to needhamlink@gmail.com. Thanks.
Helen
Village Hall Committee
Have you noticed anything different about the village hall recently? Anyone who was at the Jubilee Tea Party will have found it a great deal easier to hold a conversation over tea. The reason is that acoustic panels have been installed in the ceiling of the hall. They are barely noticeable, but have made a huge difference. The reverberation time, that is the length of time that sound echoes in the hall, has been halved. As well as controlling background noise when there is a large group of people in the hall, it also means the acoustics are far better for making music. This is just one of the recent improvements that have been carried out with funds that have been raised by our activities. Another has been to carpet the new community room at the rear. The Hall Committee is grateful for the grants for the acoustic panels from the Townlands Trust and South Norfolk Council.
After the AGM we are entering a new year for the Hall Committee with additional people joining; Steve Neaves, Caroline Dear, John Morrish and Helen Walker. Sadly, Cindy Asprey has left us due to ill health and our previous secretary Brenda Hider has retired. We are very grateful to both Cindy and Brenda for their tremendous support over the years.
The Village Hall is now on Facebook.
The webpage is www.facebook.com/needhamvillagehall . There are lots of photos from the Jubilee Tea Party and you don’t have to join Facebook if you want to look at the postings.
Needham Village Hall
For enquiries or bookings please contact Jean Youell on
01379 854819
Over the fence ... musings of a canine nature
Jubilee in Needham was apparently quite a success. To be honest, I was quite pleased it was all over so we could get back into the normal routine...or so I thought. But the next thing you know they were off again. First thing Monday morning they were waving goodbye to me. I couldn’t believe it. Where were they going now? Anyway, they were back on Tuesday, draped in Union Jack scarves and waving flags....turns out they had been picked in the lottery to have tickets to the Queen’s Jubilee Picnic and Concert at Buckingham Palace. I think it was a bit over the top; after all they’d had a lovely day at the village event on the Saturday before so I don’t think it was necessary to drag it out any longer. I overheard them telling...........EVERYONE.....about it. They had EACH received a Heston Blumenthal hamper, full of delicious foods, a flag, a waterproof poncho and a glass of champers, Moet apparently (means nothing to me!). They sat in the garden overlooking the palace whilst the likes of Princesses Anne, Beatrice, Eugenie and Prince Edward to name a few, circulated chatting casually to everyone. They were allowed to wander freely around the gardens (bet it wasn’t the same without me!), which were beautiful but nettles were spotted in a few places......even with all the money in the world.....nettles will still get the better of you!!
After the picnic they were ushered to their seats around the Queen Victoria Memorial to enjoy the concert. It was a fabulous event. They reckon the highlights were Grace Jones, Kylie Minogue, the Commonwealth Choir and the images projected on Buckingham Palace.
But you know what? They said the best part about the whole event was that everyone from the taxi driver to the police man to the lady on the Thames river boat who gave them a cheap ticket - just because she could - oozed the high spirits and pride of being British
All I can say is, I’m glad they’re home and things can get back to normal around here and they can start giving me a bit more attention....mind you, a Union Jack still hangs in the kitchen, but the minute it drops to the floor that’ll be the end of it!!
Right that’s me, I need a snooze. Come on Mutley.
Thank you Needham!
I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed their valuable time and efforts to make such a success not only of the Jubilee Tea Party but the ‘Auction of Promises’ we held in May. We couldn’t have pulled it off without each and every one of you! Thank you!
We were so pleased to see everyone at the Jubilee Celebrations, there was a lovely feel to the whole day with lots of fun and laughter. No one will forget the ‘Red Barrows’ in a hurry! There were some fantastic crowns and best dressed outfits on the day too, with a fine afternoon tea and such a super display of cakes. Please have a look on the Needham Village Hall Facebook page for photos of the day.
It may have been a bit cool and overcast, but we definitely had the best day weather wise as well! We hope you all enjoyed it as well!
We hope you enjoy the selection of Jubilee photos on the centre pages. There are also some of Sandra Jordan’s photos on the Link page at www.needhamlink.co.uk
What next? Let the Editor know what you would like to see happening in Needham in the future! Email your suggestions to needhamlink@gmail.com or pop them through the letter box at Mill Farm Cottage.
Caroline
Parish Council
The Annual Meeting of Needham Parish Council was held at the Village Hall on Monday 28 May. Reports were received on the past years activities on behalf of local charities, including the Village Hall Committee, Needham Towns Lands Trust and the Friends of St. Peter’s, as well as from local groups and societies. Reports were also received from our District Councillor, Jenny Wilby, and our County Councillor, Martin Wilby.
The Chairman, in his annual report, stated that the Parish Council, over the last year, had maintained a full programme of bi-monthly meetings and thanked the Parish Councillors, and the Parish Clerk, for their continuing support. The Chairman also thanked Martin and Jenny Wilby for their invaluable support and for reporting at each meeting on their own activities.
The Parish Council plays an important role in caring for this village and its environs and connecting its people with their Local Government. In the past year there have been encouraging signs that the village is continuing to grow stronger as a community and that the Parish Council is playing a part in this. In the previous twelve months we have funded the production of a village information booklet, and we continue to fund the bi-monthly Link newsletter. We also paid for commemorative Needham Jubilee mugs that were distributed to children of 16 and under on the occasion of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. They were also given to anyone celebrating a 60th birthday or anniversary this year.
Following lengthy efforts, including a letter on our behalf from our local MP, we finally secured the return of the refurbished village sign from HM Wayland Prison.
The Parish Council has been active in responding to notifications of planning applications. We have been pleased to support applications that range from proposals for a dog training centre and a retirement livery to an application to extend a listed building.
The Parish Council did oppose the extension of time for the approval for the Needham Nursery site and the Chairman spoke on behalf of objectors at the Planning Committee meeting at South Norfolk Council. This application was however approved. Our objection to extensions to the house at 111 High Street was initially upheld on highway grounds but a revised proposal has now been approved by South Norfolk Council.
The report concluded that the Parish Council is in a strong position to continue to represent the parishioners of Needham through the coming year.
At the Parish Council meeting that followed, Andrew Major was elected as Chairman for a further year.
Borderhoppa Outings
Mon 11th June: Yesterdays World, Gt Yarmouth. £22.50 includes entrance
Mon 18th June: Felixstowe. £16.
Mon 25th June: Raveningham Craft Centre & Beccles. £12.
Mon 2nd July: Sheringham. £18.50.
Mon 9th July: Gorleston. £16.
Mon 16th July: Boat trip on Waveney Stardust from Brundall. £21
Mon 23rd July: Southwold. £14.
Mon 30th July: Rushall Gardens. £21 includes entrance, lunch, & tea
Mon 6th Aug: Gt Yarmouth. £16.
Mon 13th Aug: RHS Hyde Hall Gardens, Essex. £23 Includes entrance
Mon 23rd Aug: Aldeburgh & Thorpeness. £16.
Our outings are for Borderhoppa members only; to become a member (which is currently free) please call 01379 854800 for an application form.
If you would like to make a booking on one of our buses on our Demand Responsive service, (formerly called Dial-A-Ride & now available to anyone, any age) or you would like to hire one of our mini buses day, evening or weekend, please call the office between 8.30am & 5pm Monday – Friday 01379 854800.
Borderhoppa are currently looking for a book keeper 2 – 3 hours per week.
If you are interested, please call 01379 854800.
Love on Two Wheels
I read somewhere that the bicycle is the most revolutionary form of transport ever invented as it expanded the human gene pool. No longer did you have to marry the girl next door; you could hop on a bike and find a mate miles away – it happened to me!
I lived in London and my late lovely wife, Sheila, lived in Coventry. We met cycling in North Wales and most of our courtship was by letter.
I was in the RAF and was a keen cyclist. I took some leave to compete in a seven day cycle race which finished in Pwllheli in North Wales. My “mucker” back at camp, Alan C, was a cyclist from Coventry who knew Sheila. He bet that she could not ride from Coventry to Pwllheli to support her club mates who were competing in the same race. At the farewell social after the race I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see a charming young lady who said, “Tell Alan C he owes me two and six (12 ½ p).” This was the start of our beautiful romance and I have cycling to thank.
Derek Buttle
Many of you may not know that Derek, still a keen cyclist, took part in the first Tour of Britain in 1951 and as a professional rider in the Hercules team, participated in three Tour of Britain events in the early 1950s as well as competing in international races across Europe. You may find the following links interesting.
Carpet Bowls
Since our last report the Winter League has been completed.
We were invited by Cratfield to play a friendly match and nine members from our club enjoyed a very pleasant evening there. We will be arranging a return match at Needham during the summer.
We also received an invitation to attend the presentation and social evening of the Waveney League which was held at Shelfanger village hall on Friday 25th May. It was a really enjoyable evening. However, only four members from our club went and it would be appreciated if members were more supportive. The ladies’ singles competition was won by Jane Debattista and the gents’ singles was won by Brian Carlile.
Our club evenings are held every Wednesday starting at 7:30pm. Fees are only £1.50 per evening and this includes tea /coffee and biscuits. We are a very friendly club and would welcome new members. All equipment is provided so do come along and join us.
Nudger
Harleston & Waveney Art Trail 2012
You still have time to visit the studios and workshops of artists living in Needham. We have Gill Levin (aka Gill Alexander) at the Tithe Barn in Mill Lane and Rose Martin at Skeetsmere House in Upper Burnt House Lane. There are over twenty artists who are opening their studios on three weekends (June 23-24, June 30 – July 1, July 7-8) this year.
Details can be found on www.hwat.org.uk
A Message from your Churchwardens
We were very pleased when the announcement was made that the Revd Nigel Tuffnell will be joining us as our incumbent, and we look forward to the joyful day of his induction. We are sure you will all join in welcoming him and his family to our parishes.
Many changes lie ahead, particularly as Nigel will be priest in charge of both the Redenhall Benefice and the Scole Benefice, giving him seven churches to look after. We will be working together to combine these two benefices into one. Nigel will have less time for each separate parish and will probably do things in a different way from what we have known in the past. We trust that you will all face this time of transition with open minds and show your support for him during this change and reorganisation.
Please remember that we have to get to know only one man; he has to get to know seven congregations with six PCCs, and we must all give him time to settle in. In the same way we must respect his free time on his days off.
We trust that we can all work and pray together to ensure that the Church in this area is united, happy, and growing.
As the planning evolves, details will be given in the weekly news sheets, and the Benefice Magazine.
Maureen, George, Lindy and Charles.
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