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Transcript of August 2020 1starstonvillage.co.uk/starston/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/8.-Pigeon... · It’s a...
1 August 2020
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Distribution Pigeon Post is delivered free to every home in Starston.
It can also be sent by email in PDF format. To request a PDF version please contact the Co-ordinating Editor.
Whilst the editorial team do not necessarily agree with the opinions expressed by contributors, they believe that the magazine is available for local people to air their views. Letters to the Editor must be signed. The Editor reserves the right to alter or amend any copy received. Items for inclusion in the next issue MUST reach the Co-ordinating Editor by the 12th of the preceding month, (usually earlier in December). Space in the magazine will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Photos and pictures are welcome and will be used wherever possible.
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Liz Stacey: Tel: 01379 853427 Email: [email protected]
or Sue Moore: Tel: 01379 852387 Email: [email protected]
If you know of any new residents in the village please tell Norman Steer (854245) or Sue Moore (452432) so that we can welcome them in Pigeon Post.
‘For Starston People’ Copyright 2020 PIGEON POST The Production Team
Co-ordinating Editor: Sue Moore: 6 Allthorpe Rd, Harleston Tel: 452432 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Editors: Chris Doughty: Email: [email protected]
Auriel Gibson: Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Mandy Carter: Brick Kiln Farm, Cross Roads Tel: 854600 Email: [email protected]
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Distributors include: Brenda & David Beech, Sarah Beech, Sonja Burnett, Mandy Carter, Patricia Lombe-Taylor, Alison Miners, Rosemary & Norman Steer, and others.
ISSUE EDITOR Chris Doughty
3 August 2020
Harvest—in all it’s forms
Final Copy Date for September edition: 12.00 Noon - Wednesday 12th August
To Book the Jubilee Hall - Contact the Bookings Manager:
Robert Wood: 01379 852535 or Email: [email protected] Deputy: Joy Brooks: 01379 854755 or [email protected]
Let us know of anything happening in the village for this Diary page
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5 August 2020
Children in Care, 1834-1929, The Lives of Destitute,
Orphaned and Deserted Children
I am delighted that my first book will be published by Pen and Sword at the end of July, at an introductory price of £11.99. The origins of the book lie in my study of the lives of over 300 children who came into the care of the charity in Dickleburgh started in the 1870s by the Rector’s wife, Louisa Brandreth. The book extends the study of children in care across the country to cover the main period of the Poor Law Amendment Act (‘The New Poor Law’) from 1834 to 1929, but there is a whole chapter about the Dickleburgh charity and many other references to the local area and to local children in care. I am most grateful to all those who helped and encouraged me with the original study, pointing out the children’s graves, showing me round the former children’s homes and sharing their knowledge of family or friends associated with the Dickleburgh charity. The book will be available from Pen and Sword, https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Children-in-Care-18341929-Paperback/p/17767, and all usual outlets, or direct from me. I am happy to sign copies if you wish and can arrange delivery or collection locally or post as required. Rosemary Steer 01379854245 [email protected] Maybe we don't have it that bad? It’s a mess out there now. Hard to discern between what’s a real threat and what is just simple panic and hysteria. For a small amount of perspective at this moment, imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perish in that war. Later in the year a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. Yes, 50 million. On your 29th birthday the Great Depression begins, unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy. When you turn 39 World War II starts. You aren’t even over the hill yet. And don’t try to catch your breath. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully pulled into WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday, 75 million people perish in the war. Smallpox was epidemic until you were in your 40’s, it killed 300 million people during your lifetime. At 50 the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. From your birth, until you were 55, you dealt with the fear of polio epidemics each summer. You experienced friends and family contracting polio and being paralysed and/or dying. At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict. During the Cold War you lived each day with the fear of nuclear annihilation. On your 62nd birthday you had the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, almost ended. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900; how did they endure all of that? When you were a kid in 1985 you didn’t think your 85 year old grandparent understood how hard school was or how mean that kid in your class was. Yet they survived everything listed above. Perspective is an amazing art. Refined and enlightening as time goes on. Let’s try and keep things in perspective. Your parents and/or grandparents were called to endure all of the above; you were called on to stay home and sit on your couch.
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7 August 2020
Partial Re-Opening of the Jubilee Hall
Future Pub Nights If you refer to page 23 you will see a report on the Pub Night we held on the Glebe Meadow. This went so well, as Dee reports, that we have decided to do it again on the 14th August. Bearing in mind the restrictions shown above, there cannot be access to the loos. This and/or the amount of intoxicating drink consumed, may limit the time you stay. However, given half decent weather, we plan to reconvene in August. Do bring your own beverages and chairs—and table, should you wish. Hopefully the current unpleasantness will soon be over and we can resume normal service. Chris Doughty
Although lock down restrictions on public buildings have been relaxed to a certain extent, each individual facility has to make its own decision about what is safe. The Trustees of Starston Jubilee Hall have decided that, in view of the fact that our hall is a very small space and because of the need to put various facilities and procedures in place before allowing people back in, we will not be opening the hall again until September at the earliest. Even then it will only be limited opening, restricted to groups of a maximum of 10 people. In addition, all current hire agreements from various groups and individuals are now cancelled. Anyone wishing to use the Hall in the future will need to sign a new Hirers’ Agreement which will include various COVID 19 procedures which have to be observed.
This decision is partly driven by common sense and partly by the requirements of our insurance company. Please note that this article has been prepared in time for the August press date for Pigeon Post (12th July). As we all know, the situation regarding COVID 19 is constantly changing and it may be that the Trustees will have to revise this plan in the light of any future developments.
For up to date information please contact any of the Trustees or look at the Jubilee Hall page on the village web site. The good news is that we are planning to carry out the building work to enable disability access before the Hall reopens. We hope that the national situation continues to improve and we look forward to the time when we can safely welcome all users back into the Jubilee Hall. Michael Bartlett Chairman of Trustees Starston Jubilee Hall
The Pennoyer Centre will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in August by re-opening its café from Monday 10th – all being well. The café will open Monday to Saturday 10am to 2.30pm with table service, so no queueing. There will be a reduced menu to assist with the smooth running of the kitchen within the new guidelines. For the time being the rest of the Centre will remain closed.
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Honey produced by Glebe Meadow bees this spring proved really popular and has sold like hot cakes. There are a few jars of this spring honey remaining so please contact me if you’d like some (£4/jar). The bees have promised us a supply of summer honey later in July. This second crop is usually a bit clearer and runnier as the bees feed on nectar from flowers and trees with a different balance of sugars, but is equally pure, healthy and delicious. Honey would normally be promoted and sold at functions including the village fete, but this is not possible at the present time. So please do get in touch - all proceeds go to Jubilee Hall. We were fortunate to get the hay cut and baled in Glebe Meadow in dry weather and my thanks go to the Glebe Meadow Hay Team of volunteers for their help with carting, stacking and loading the bales. Some bales went immediately to liveried horses and around 60 bales are well sheeted down and remain available for purchase. If anyone would like some hay bales then please get in touch. Again, all proceeds go to Jubilee Hall.
And continuing thanks to those stalwarts who are helping to mow each week and keep Glebe Meadow in such great condition for all sorts of people, families and their dogs from Starston and more widely. And special thanks go to the unsung volunteer who regularly changes the dog poo bin bags.
Glebe Meadow has proved its worth time and again this year as a safe and calm place where one can escape but relax in isolation if you choose. For honey or hay, please give me a call - and stay safe. Peter [email protected] 01379 852819 07879 330925
Glebe Meadow Honey – and Bales
9 August 2020
Notes From A Starston Garden
Like, I suspect, most people, I’ve spent even more time in my Starston garden this summer than I usually do. This has given me the chance to observe some of the garden’s visitors. I’ve always noticed the birds that nest and feed here, but this year I’ve been paying much more attention than usual to some of the insects which come to take advantage of my floral offerings. I must confess that over the years I’ve been very disappointed that so few of the flowers I’d like to grow do not like my dry soil which is either baked by the sun or shaded by trees. However, the ones that do grow well seem to be a magnet for insects. For instance, I was working in the south-facing front garden one morning when a hummingbird hawk moth put in an appearance, hovering over the valerian and feeding on the flowers’ nectar. Small tortoiseshell butterflies also seemed to like valerian which comes in shades of red, pink and white. Then there are the bumblebees and similar species which visit my garden. Now, unless you’ve been living in a paper bag for the last few years, you’ll know that bee numbers have declined dramatically. Gardens, with our liking for a range of flowers that bloom in succession, can be a lifeline for them. My first offering to the bees is the flowering currant which comes online nice and early, in February. Then the comfrey takes over the role of bee café. It blooms and blooms and blooms for weeks on end and thrives in dry shade. The one I planted was the variety ‘Hidcote Bleu’. One word of warning – comfrey is very rampant. As the spring really gets going there are other flowers that bees love – Salvias and cat mint seem especially popular. On the “meadow” of perennials which I’ve created, the viper’s bugloss and field scabious - native wildflowers - add to the menu. And then there are the foxgloves. Mine are the descendants of the ones which were here when we arrived and are also the native species. It is a delight to watch a large bumblebee land on the lip of one of the flowers and crawl inside, emerging coated with pollen, all ready to fulfil its role in the ecological scheme of things. Now, in mid-July, these flowers are beginning to go over but the clumps of marjoram are coming into their own. They are alive with bees - big ones and small ones, some with yellow bands on the body, some with white “tails”, some with a black furry body and an orange “tail”. I don’t know their names but I do recognise the honeybees. I like to think that they come from the hives on the Glebe Meadow and that their foraging in my garden is contributing to our very own Glebe honey. Topical Tip Scour the Internet for courgette recipes.
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The month of August for many people is associated with rest and going away on holiday. I am writing this article in early July and when I go out I am already seeing many caravans on the road as people come to Norfolk for their holiday. Sadly though, Covid-19 has prevented many people from even thinking about spending time away, due to illness, self-shielding or financial loss. The holiday season will be disappointing for many this year and it may be that the well deserved rest that people are needing has to be taken at home. One of the positive elements, though, of this pandemic has been the chance for people to think creatively and make the most of what is available to them. My sister has made me a lovely summer skirt from old curtains! This creativity has been seen with many artists, actors and musicians who have found ways of bringing people together through video conferencing to share their skills and talents. Perhaps then, if you are not able to go on holiday this year, you too may think of different creative things to do which enable you to ‘take time out’ and recharge your batteries. One family I know, for instance, who is not able to go away was telling me how they were planning to camp with some of their friends in their own back garden and were organising camp fire songs and games during the day in order to have fun and relax. Whatever you are able to do during this summer period, I hope too that you are able to enjoy the quietness and peace that the month of August often brings. Covid-19 will not easily be forgotten, but as we travel into the future, and the easing of the lockdown increases, let us not forget to take on board the positive things that have come from living through this time. I am thinking, for example of the growing sense of community and a wider appreciation of all those who have cared for and looked after the vulnerable, the very sick and those who have had sudden bereavements. I am pleased to say that the churches within our Benefice are beginning little by little to re-open for individual prayer and worship. The list of services, however, is limited, as in order to ensure people’s safety, we have been advised to open things carefully and gradually. With this in mind, you are most welcome to attend any of the services that are listed within our Benefice. It certainly will be good to see people in person rather than through a computer screen. May I wish you God’s blessing and I hope that you have some good peaceful times during this summer holiday period. As always, please do get in touch with me or a member of the ministry team if you have any concerns or just need to have a chat, as we are always here to help and listen. Reverend Sarah Walsh, Rector of Dickleburgh and the Pulhams.
Message from the Rector
11 August 2020
Cookery Corner
Pickles Have you been gardening this year? Do you have surplus vegetables? Have you ever considered making your own pickles? It’s very easy, and they are quite tasty with cheeses or cold meats. I find red cabbage, cauliflower and shallots/onions easy to deal with, although there’s no reason why other veg can’t be used. It is very important that the vegetables are good quality and without any blemishes. Equipment must be scrupulously clean and not cracked or damaged in any way. You will need Jars,. Old jam jars will do, or any jar with a wide lid and preferably a screw cap. The jar should be freshly washed in hot soapy water, rinsed and left to dry. (Or sterilise in the oven.) Lids.. These should be washed and dried and should not be scratched or rusty. Pickling Vinegar. This can be purchased ready prepared from most large shops (and the village shop in Pulham St Mary). Be sure to buy pickling or spiced vinegar. It comes as the classic malt or clear distilled sort, the choice is yours. Good quality salt. Never scrimp on the salt! This is used to prepare the vegetables. It draws water from them and starts the preserving process. It is washed off after it has done it’s job. The pickles will not keep well if you omit the salt. Your choice of vegetables. Red cabbage. Trim and cut into reasonably sized pieces. Cauliflower. Trim and cut into bite sized florets. Shallots/small onions. Peel and trim as required. Shallots are milder than onions. Method. Place your vegetables into a large bowl sprinkling salt between the layers. When you have used all the vegetables sprinkle more salt on top. Cover the bowl and leave to stand for 24 hours in a cool place, but not in a fridge. The next day rinse the salt from the vegetables, preferably under running water. Drain shallots/cauliflower on a clean tea towel to absorb most of the water. Use kitchen paper for red cabbage. They do not need to be totally dry, but excess water should be removed. Arrange your veg in the jars, fairly tightly. Pour on the vinegar, as the jar fills tap it on the worktop to help to displace any air bubbles. The jars should be filled quite close to the rim, the vinegar level needs to be above the level of the veg, but it should not touch the lid. If in doubt use parchment or clingfilm to protect the lid. Screw lid on tightly. Store your jars in a cool dark cupboard, but not in the fridge. Shallots take about 3
months to mature, so they should be pickled in September to be ready for Christmas. Other veg take less time, but they shouldn’t be rushed, be patient. The longer they are
kept the softer they will become, so it’s a matter of taste.
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Thank You
I would like to say a BIG thank you to all who donated sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases to enable me to make laundry bags for NHS staff and key workers. I stopped counting at 57 bags made. There were many people across the UK doing the same and some were making scrubs. I decided my sewing skills didn’t run to making scrubs so settled for the laundry bags. Some were personalised with names.
Another BIG thank you must go to Janet Broadhurst and her helpers for their efforts in helping to coordinate collecting and delivery of prescriptions and shopping and much, much more. We are living in challenging times, stay safe and keep well Starston. Linda Savage
We have had reports of an incident in early July in Bunn’s Lane where a walker was bitten by a dog. We would advise caution if you are one of
the many people who use this very popular route, especially if you are accompanied by small children.
13 August 2020
Every Cloud…...
The last few months have been challenging, both for individuals and businesses. For some there have been surprising benefits too. When the news came on 23rd March that cafes would have to close it was quite a blow to all our small independent eating places. At The Apiary Cake and Coffee House in Harleston Mike and his team hatched a plan to keep the business operational and to help the community. The Apiary re-invented itself as a Community Store, but also took on the task of delivering its goods to the door in Harleston and the neighbouring villages. First and foremost this was to be a green grocery enterprise, but basic essentials, eggs, milk, butter and that most elusive of products FLOUR were included too. The range has grown considerably. Encouraged by the response of their customers the team have decided that the grocery side of the business should remain. So now that the café is beginning to get back in its stride again you will be able to buy your fruit and veg and treat yourself to coffee and cake at the same time. The premises is undergoing a refit to make it easier to run the two enterprises side by side. The Apiary advertises with Pigeon Post on a regular basis- see page 6
Lockdown Ammunition Some of you may have noticed an Armed Response Vehicle travelling towards Yew Tree Cottage. Well:- Whilst digging in the garden Jenny saw something she thought unusual, so she brought it into the house and put it on the breakfast table in the kitchen. Later she mentioned “there is something on the breakfast table you might be interested in!” Intrigued I walked indoors and saw what she had found. I picked it up gingerly and put it on the sleepers that retain part of our garden slope. I also laid a tape measure alongside it and rang
101. I explained what I thought my wife had found and was put through, immediately, to the Control Room. I explained again and heard a yell of “Inspector we have a 407”. Then I was asked where it was and whether this was a public area. I replied that it was not and offered to send them an email photo. The chap welcomed that idea providing “it is safe and you don’t have to get too near it”. “In the mean-time someone will be along to see it”. About twenty minutes later a BMW arrived with two heavily armed policemen who asked where ‘it’ was. I showed them and they thought it may be a shell from the gun turret of a bomber that had failed to fire and been discarded. They put it in their Bomb Box and left. Their parting suggestion was “there could be more of these. Do you have a metal detector?” We don’t – perhaps someone who has might like to venture into our garden – then again perhaps not? Chris Doughty
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Are you ever inspired by a piece of Poetry? I was once and I wanted to experience what the poet said, and this is what happened. Wordsworth ‘I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills When all at once I saw a crowd A host of golden daffodils Beside the Lake beneath the trees Fluttering and dancing in the breeze’. I thought that sounds idyllic and I set out one sunny morning when I was visiting the Lakes on holiday, to experience such bliss told by my favourite poet. Togged up in my new tweed shooting jacket and plus fours, I really looked the part and I felt good as I climbed this high hill towards a wooded area to get to the lakeside to see the dancing fluttering daffodils. Out of breath and gasping for a rest I reached the wood just as a storm blew up. Blew up! I thought I was in the middle of a twister? There was a gale at least 50 miles an hour plus, driving rain and sleet, twigs and some heavier branches flying everywhere. Ouch! a large branch snapped off and bounced off of my head taking my new cap with it, my eyes were shut as the hail was bouncing off my eyeballs, but I saw my cap disappearing over the brow. I ran to catch it brolly turned inside out, and it too flew away like a kite with jet propulsion. I slipped, brogues do not like a lot of water, in a puddle and careered on my bottom down the other side and came to rest beside the lake. Yes there they were, the golden host of daffodils, horizontal to the ground and I can tell you they were not dancing but were at full bore stretched out and scattering petals before them. I scramble up levering myself in a patch of dandelions and nettles and I can tell you my words were unrepeatable but extremely expressive. The waves should also have been dancing and sparkling but flew by with the jetsam and flotsam erupting irresponsibly flashing past at a rate of knots. I stood transfixed as the water came up to where I was standing covering my shoes and socks rising above where my plus fours fashionably ended neatly above my brogues. By this time, my tie was waving about in the wind and my shirt was drenched. I decided to make my way home. The poem says that a poet should not but be gay…... I was speechless and far from being gay. It goes on to say ‘I gazed and gazed but little thought what wealth the show to me had brought. I can tell you that this little episode was going to cost me a great deal not only to get my clothing dried and cleaned but finding transport to get me home and out of the wet. I eventually arrived back at the hotel bedraggled wet and cap less, the concierge having heard me speak eloquently about Wordsworth as I left for my walk, smiling as I walked into the hotel, or rather crept, started quoting Wordsworth ‘For oft when on my couch I lie in vacant or in pensive mood. They flash upon that inward eye which is the bliss of solitude and then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils’ My reply is ex- rated and therefore cannot be written for those reading this article. Needless to say, the poem followed my cap and brolly. However, you are at liberty to write what you think I said or to offer your own thoughts. Norman
Poetic Inspiration
15 August 2020
Apparently the rain in Spain doesn’t quite manage to remain on the plain, always. Whilst we were there last winter we had four days of storm. The worst storm in living memory there. So much rain fell and rushed down the mountainsides that the Mediteranean temporarily rose. Dockside boat repair yards were flooded and the winds raised waves on even small lakes. There was also some destruction of roads. In Spain only the main roads are maintained by the local authority. If you live in the country — i.e. on a road like Railway Hill the residents have to repair the roads themselves. Most residents do not have plant and machinery so they gather together with their picks and shovels. We must bear in mind that, not infrequently, this road may be their only means of access to civilization. So until the road is again passable they are unable to shop, even for food. This adds an amount of urgency to their repairs.
When I took this photo I was standing on the tarmacked road. You can see the road (also tarmacked) near the top of the picture—the water having flowed from right to left. There were many examples of this type of devastation and it will take many months for the residents to make the repairs necessary. Chris Doughty
The Weather
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During the Second World War there was no branded petrol. All the fuel available was called ‘pool petrol’ and made to low specifications. Petrol rationing went on for several years after the war and it was not until the early 1950s that brand advertising came into its own again. It was then that the Esso tiger was seen for the first time.
He made his debut in 1951, leaping out towards the observer with teeth and claws aggressively bared. This image had been consciously created to suggest the quality and sheer power of Esso petrol after the poor performance pool petrol; a return to better times. Unfortunately, a few critics complained that the advertisement encouraged dangerously fast driving, and the vigorous image was withdrawn.
It had, however, established a lasting relationship between the idea of Esso and that of the tiger. Other advertisers devised variations: Japan's Tiger Beer, for example, recommended, ‘Put a Tiger in your Tankard’, whilst in the United States, Standard Rochester Beer replied with, ‘Put a Tankard in your Tiger’.
In the early 1960s the Esso tiger made a refreshing come-back as a zany cartoon character. The slogan ‘Put a tiger in your tank’ seized the public imagination. In France it appeared as ‘Mettez un tigre dans votre moteur’. Tiger tails for fixing to petrol caps sold a staggering two and a half million.
The Esso campaign ran in the United Kingdom from 1964 to 1966, but as time went by this idea needed to be refreshed to maintain its success and revive public interest. A new campaign was launched, in which the Esso advertising manager decided to fire the tiger - but the tiger refused to go, making a direct appeal to the public through newspaper appeals to ‘Save the Tiger!’
In its early stages the appeal had a big impact, but it proved the cartoon character's last flourish. Subsequent advertising continued the relationship between the tiger and Esso through beautifully photographed footage of a live tiger, who came to represent the company, not just the petrol, by evoking his elemental power in a natural setting.
Unforgetable Ads
17 August 2020
Low Road Roses
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Communicating – A 60th Anniversary
If nothing else 2020 will go down as the year when most of us learnt new forms of communication. For the first time, we have got to grips with the likes of Zoom, FaceTime and WhatsApp, but it’s not so very long ago that none of this would have been possible, or even imagined. We would all find it strange now if we couldn’t get in touch almost instantly with anyone, anywhere in the world. The first telephone was invented in the mid 1800s, then in the late 1880s Heinrich Hertz discovered radio waves; not really that long ago. This began a series of developments that assisted with our means of communication, but there were problems that got in the way. Telephones needed cables and radio waves like to travel in straight lines, so the curvature of the earth restricts how far they can go. It wasn’t until October 1945 that a paper was published in Wireless World suggesting that artificial satellites might be a means by which radio waves could be made to travel further. The writer suggested the radio waves would be sent up in a straight line, into space, to the satellite, and bounced back down again to a receiver in some other part of the world. This idea was put forward by an ex RAF officer who had worked on RADAR during WWII. His name was Arthur C Clarke, and he’s probably best known as a science fiction writer. His idea must have seemed very much like fiction at the time.
Clarke, who had been interested in planets and space exploration since a child growing up in Somerset, proposed that these satellites should be placed in geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO). That’s to say, 22,000 miles above the equator travelling in the same direction as the earth’s rotation. This idea was suggested 12 years before the first ever artificial satellite was launched by the Soviet Union, and it wasn’t until August 12th 1960 that the first satellite purely to advance global communications was launched, Echo 1. That’s only 60 years ago this month. There are now thousands of satellites in the GEO, and in honour of the man who came up with the idea it is often referred to as the Clarke Belt. Echo 1 was actually a 100 ft high aluminium balloon, which was used to simply reflect back the radio waves it received to another point on earth, but it was the beginning of the development of a modern
communications system. Despite their distance from earth it is possible to see satellites on a clear night, shining like stars. They appear still in the sky, despite being in constant motion, because they are in the Clarke Belt travelling at the same speed as the earth. We’ve come a long way in just 60 years. Clarke immigrated to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in 1956 and was knighted in 1998 Sue Moore
19 August 2020
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Waveney Valley Railway
In 2019 Perter Paye published a book (by Lightmoor Press) on the Waveney Valley Railway. I write below some small extracts from that book in the hope that they will excite you enough to buy it. The line through Starston was granted royal assent on 3rd July 1851 and permission was given to raise £80,000 to build it. Work had started on the section from Tivetshall to Harleston in 1853, apparently at a cost of £6500 per mile and opened on 1st December 1855. The original timetable, in 1855, showed trains stopping at Starston at 07:00, 09:50, 13:40, 16:15, 18:32 and 20:58 towards Harleston. In the other direction, that year, trains stopped at, 05:53, 09:03, 11:23, 15:03, and 19:43. The Starston population figures Mr Paye quotes are 1861-481, 1871-492, 1881-510, 1891-516, 1901-493, 1911-444, 1921-430, 1931-391, 1951-393, 1961-340.
From 1856 trains stopped at Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary and Starston only when required, with none on Sunday. Starston station closed on the 1st August 1866 though a William Moore is shown as the level crossing cottage tenant in 1913 and an H. Alga in 1924. Passenger services, on the line were withdrawn on 5th January 1953 and the line was finally closed on 18th April
The End Of WWII This year seems to be full of significant dates. In May we well and truly commemorated VE Day, the day that hostilities ended in Europe in 1945. Despite being in lockdown individuals and communities found ways to remember. As I am writing this Dame Vera Lynn is being laid to rest, 80 years after The Battle of Britain was just beginning, it continued until late October. The peak of activity being mid-September, that is when it is remembered each year with a special service in Starston church. After VE Day in May 1945 the war continued for three more months until Japan
surrendered following the devastation caused by the dropping of the atomic bomb. So, on 15th August it will be seventy-five years since the end of WWII. Plans had been made
for a national commemoration event at the National Memorial Arboretum, but due to the pandemic all such events have been cancelled. It is however expected that the day will
be marked in some way and details will emerge as the date approaches. Sue
21 August 2020
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A £1m per year fund to boost community schemes in Norfolk in the wake of Covid-19 has been launched by the county council. Known as the Social Infrastructure Fund, it will provide grants of between £50,000 and £250,000 to groups wishing to invest in community facilities – including adaptions required to ensure social distancing. Community groups have played a sterling role in supporting Norfolk throughout the coronavirus pandemic, so this new annual fund will help them to strengthen our communities by providing support for local facilities. To ensure the fund reaches as many groups as possible, the county council expects groups to include a financial contrbution towards the overall costs of their proposals. Details of how to bid are available at www.norfolk.gov.uk/socialinfrastructurefund Residents across Norfolk looking for a rewarding new career are being invited to apply to become full time firefighters. Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) has launched a recruitment drive to fill posts across the county and is keen to hear from anyone who thinks they may have what it takes to become the latest member of the team. As a firefighter you will protect people, the environment and property from a huge range of emergencies. As well as putting out fires, you could be rescuing people, providing emergency care and responding to storm and flood threat. For more information visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/beafirefighter Look out for our local libraries that are opening up again. Norfolk's libraries closed when the lockdown started in March and, while many people have been using the enhanced digital offer, they have missed using the service in person. Changes have therefore been made to allow customers to use the library safely. This includes asking customers to only visit the library on their own or in pairs and the introduction of a one-way system through every building. NCC have agreed a new six year contract (starting in 2021) with Veolia to dispose of Norfolk’s waste, which will see 180,000 tonnes of waste each year being used as fuel in incinerators to generate energy in the United Kingdom. This new contract will mean:- No waste from Norfolk residents would be sent directly to landfill. All of Norfolk's left over waste would be used to generate energy in the UK. More recycling with metals and aggregate recovered from the used fuel. 47,000 tonnes of carbon emissions saved every year or over a quarter of a million tonnes of carbon emissions saved over the six year contract compared to sending the waste to landfill. Savings of over £2m a year based on current costs. Best Wishes Martin
County Council Report
23 August 2020
July Pub Night
Oh What a Beautiful Evening
The grass wasn’t exactly as high as an elephant’s eye (having been cut the week before) but the Glebe Meadow was the place to be on the evening of July 10th. The rain stopped and the sun came out for an Al Fresco Pub Night, when more than twenty people gathered on the Glebe for a (socially distanced) drink and chat with friends. We brought our own tipple, our
own nibbles and our own chair and we sat round and caught up with all our news. It was especially nice to welcome two newcomers to the village and show them what a friendly place Starston is. This was a cautious, and legal, first step towards resuming the Jubilee Hall’s programme of events, as and when circumstances allow. It succeeded brilliantly. There will be a similar evening on August 14th, weather permitting, so please do come along and join us then. Dee Palmer, Jubilee Hall Secretary
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Answers to the July Crossword
Quick Quiz
The top of Norfolk
1. In 1216 King John lost something in Norfolk, what was it and where was it lost? 2. Which Norfolk port was part of the medieval Hansiatic League and traded with
Norway, Germany and many other European countries? 3. Which explorer, a son of Kings Lynn, gave his name to an island, two cities and
two mountains? 4. John Rolfe of Heacham married Rebecca in 1614 in Virgina USA, but by what
name is she better known? 5. Edmund (latterly St Edmund) ruled East Anglia 855-869AD Where did he first
step on English soil when he arrived here from Nuremberg? 6. What geological feature of the north Norfolk coast was formed by longshore drift
and what is it known as? 7. Who is the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history and where did he live? 8. Where was Winston Churchill staying when he used the phone to mobilise the
British navy at the start of WWI? 9. On which beach were fossilised remains of a mammoth found in the 1990s? 10. What claimed the lives of 100 Norfolk residents on 31st January 1953?
July Answers: 1.Revelations of Divine Love 2. King Edward VI Grammar School, now named Norwich School 3. The Coronation of Queen Victoria 4.Black Beauty, £40 5. The Round Table 6. Earlham Hall, University of East Anglia 7. To open the new City Hall 8. Mousehold Heath 9. The Norwich Society of Artists/ Norwich School 1803-1834 10. The Strangers
Correction: I am reliably informed that the answer to the June Quiz Q1 was incorrect. Harleston Station closed to passengers in 1953 but remained open for freight until the mid 1960s
ACROSS
1. Bike 4. Ox cart 8. Water ski 9. Mule 10. Sedan 11. Scooter 13. Sledge 15. Donkey 17. Tractor
19. Amble 22. Jeep 23. Rickshaw 24. Tandem 25. Ship
DOWN 2. Image 3. Emerald 4. Oast 5. Coincide
6. Romeo 7. Fleece 12. Devoured 14. Larder 16. Nemesis 18. Copra 20. Laari 21. Scum
25 August 2020
August Crossword by Dahlia
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
8 9
10 11
12
13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20
21
22 23
24 25
CLUES ACROSS
1. Hiberian place of worship (4) 4. Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness (6) 8. Equivalent to 2.4 x 4 down (8) 9. Neither alkaline nor neutral (4) 10. Pieces of this had value (5) 11. Icy Italian concoction (6) 13. Time allowed for payment of foreign bills of exchange (6) 15. Of dreaming spires (6) 17. Heavy, expensive fabric (7) 19. To do extremely well (5) 22. This might turn you green (4) 23. Poetic Irish city (8) 24. Theoretically the warmest time (6) 25. This responds to the moon (4)
CLUES DOWN 2. British tribe (5) 3. The hub of the home (7) 4. Measurement of area (4) 5. The writer of a will (8) 6. Someone’s wealth (5) 7. This has a solstice (6) 12. Means of regulating a clock (8) 14. Curled piece of metal at the start of the growing season (6) 16. Dance in 4.4 time (7) 18. Rodent of South American lineage (6) 20. Warlord of medieval Spain (2,3) 21. Short Dutch river but major navigational route (4)
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CHURCH SERVICES RESUME AND ALSO CONTINUE ON ZOOM
Services in churches within the group will recommence gradually from August.
The first service in St Margaret’s Starston is expected to be Holy Communion on Sunday
9th August at 11am
There may be music but no singing or bells.
Until then the church remains closed.
For the latest updates please see the website:
Thebenefice.org.uk
To join in a Zoom service you first need to visit the benefice website http: www.thebenefice.org.uk/ To contact the benefice administrator, Julie Wolterton, the office number is 741994 and the email address is: [email protected] To contact Rev Sarah Walsh phone 676921 or 07809430967 To contact Starston PCC please call the secretary Ruth Cawcutt 852087 or email: [email protected]
27 August 2020
Starston Parish Council
Martin Wilby County 01379 741504 [email protected]
Clayton Hudson District 01379 676259 [email protected]
Community Services
Starston Village Web Site: www.starstonvillage.co.uk
Local Councillors
Local Buses - from Starston to Harleston and Starston to Long Stratton and Norwich
For information Ring: 0871 200 2233
12p a minute plus access charge
Border Hoppa - dial-a-ride service Ring: 01379 854800
Police - (non-emergency) Ring: 101
Safer Neighbourhood Team Email: [email protected]
Report Power Cuts Ring 105
NHS Emergency & Urgent Care Services (Including Emergency out of hours chemist)
Ring: 111 when it’s less urgent than 999
Refuse Collection and Queries Ring: 01508 533830
Harleston Information Plus Ring: 01379 851917 [email protected]
Ann Leitch Chair
N’hood Plan [email protected] 01379423387
Richard Franklin Vice Chair Village Sign [email protected]
Janet Broadhurst Footpaths Emergency Plan [email protected] 01379853480
Jane Marsden Member [email protected]
Stuart Griffin Welcome Co-ordinator [email protected]
Lucy Cave Fay Fitch
Member Member
[email protected] 07786321025 [email protected]
Clare Crane Clerk to the Council and RFO 01379 608590
To contact Starston Parish Council: [email protected]
28 Pigeon Post
Printed by Town and Country Printers, Diss 01379 651107 www.tcprinters.co.uk/
Denny Holloway Bricklayer
Brick Work, General Building,
Hard Landscaping etc
01379 853471 or 07939 144446
