As hoped for following the roaring success of the 2011 Dersingham Community Christmas Dinner a second Community Dinner was held once again at Le Strange Arms Hotel in Hunstanton.  Organiser of both, Bob Tipling, pulled out all the stops as usual to create a quality top notch evening.

Strollers sing their hearts out

Great food, ambience and delightful entertainment featured throughout the evening starting with a relaxed drinks reception.  Following the reception we were invited to go into dinner by Bob who led us all in saying “grace”.  During dinner we enjoyed the sounds of “Gentle Jazz” and then Santa made his customary visit with presents for the ladies – I have to say Santa was especially thoughtful about what ladies might enjoy as a pressie this year – even if he forgot his beard!

Who can reason with Herod’s man?

There was a twist on last year’s gift for the gentlemen in that Bob had organised a syndicated lottery for them all to participate in as well as their own personal lottery ticket.  In all there were 23 lines on the Euro Lottery for the gentlemen which resulted in winnings of £17.50. This gave a return of only 75p approximately to each person.  It was therefore decided to re-invest £17 in the Lotto draw (with the odd 50p being added to the evening’s charity donation) the following night which proved to be a loser!

Once dinner was over, a live and very funny cabaret was the order of the day courtesy of “The Stolling Players” who were formed over 30 years ago as the “New Dersingham Players” but became “The Strolling Players” 10 years ago.  The troupe regularly perform for charity and their entertainment generally has a specific theme.  Naturally the evening’s theme was “Christmas”.

They kicked off singing up in support of turkeys and performed a hilarious ditty about the office Christmas party. During their repertoire they managed re-write The Twelve Days of Christmas which included:

1. partridge in an old sack!

Christmas fairy (or is it an angel?) gets in on the action

2. moor hens!

3. lame ducks!

4. bald coots!

5. poached eggs!

6. bootiful turkeys!

7. pleasant pheasants!

8. stoned crows!

9. breeding rabbits!

10. hairs receding!

11. salmon smoking!

12. stags a rutting!

More repartee from the Strollers

Then “Good King Wenceslas” was turned into a comical letter followed by instructions on how to cook a Christmas pudding.  All in all their style of poetry, rhyme and song kept us enthralled for a good part of the evening.

Well done to everyone involved and a big thank you to all the businesses who sponsored the evening (Dersingham Post Office, Coastal Veterinary Group, Rounce & Evans Property Management, Rounce & Evans Estate Agents, Hayes & Storr Solicitors, Thaxters Garden Centre & Coffee Shop), E H Prior & Sons Family Butchers) and especially for Bob.  Without these people such an evening would not be possible.

I am already looking forward to 2013!

Strollers making a Christmas pudding!

Dersingham Village Sign (Unveiled 1980)

Dersingham Village Sign (Unveiled 2012)

Essential to marking HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year in Dersingham was the replacement of the Dersingham Village sign by Dersingham Parish Council.   The updated village sign was made by Flights of Fancy in Dersingham village.

The unveiling of the new village sign by the Chief Executive of English Heritage, Dr Simon Thurley,  took place on Saturday, 6 October.  Around 30 people attended the unveiling.  Dr Thurley gave an interesting talk about the history of village signs going back to the early 1900’s when the King anticipated that the area around Sandringham was going to become a magnet for tourists with the advent of the motor car, and began putting village signs in each of the estate villages.

The original Dersingham village sign was designed by Mr  S Turner, manufactured by Mr R Carter of Swaffham and given to the village by the Women’s Institute in May 1967. This original sign disappeared around 1980 and was replaced by the village sign which was removed on 6 October 2012.

Restoration of the sign(s) has been undertaken over the years – usually at Wayland Prison – but it was deemed a full replacement was necessary at this time as the condition of the sign had deteriorated to make it unsuitable for continued outdoor usage.
The previous sign of course will be suitably preserved for posterity.

The design of the sign is based around a Norman shield which is divided into four quarters with Lions supporting.  The shield sits on an oak post set into a brick and carrstone base. The quarter sections of the shield are comprised of:

• the three crowns of East Anglia.
• the little ship (not unlike a Hanse Cogge) which is a heraldic device called a ” lymphad” in recognition of the fact that Dersingham was once a fishing port.
• the three trout represent the fish.
• the rampant dragon represents strength.
• the five castellations stand for the village Church.

Dersingham Village Sign in all its glory 2012

Jonathan James & Caroline Bosworth (James Gravens – lunch sponsors)

July 2011 was the last Community Lunch owing to Bob’s illness and subsequent logistical difficulties.  So what a delightful surprise it was when Bob Tipling’s email announcing another Dersingham Community Lunch to be held on 21 September 2012.  I quickly confirmed my attendance and joined the throng at St Cecilia’s Church on the day.

It was wonderful to see Bob and a number of other familiar faces among the lunch guests.  I was particularly pleased to see Bob looking so well too.  Bob, as usual, warmly welcomed lunch guests and introduced Jonathan James of James Gravens Budgens as the sponsor for the lunch. Mr James also welcomed everyone and proudly announed that James Gravens Budgens had just won a national award and had been down to Park Lane in London to receive it the evening before. If my recollection serves me well, I believe the award was for the most environmentally friendly petrol station – since environmental issues are high on most agendas these days we should not be surprised that such an award exists!

Mr James had us all chuckling with tales of his recent experiences and then reminded us that Budgens offered a FREE home delivery service and this was perhaps of real benefit within the village during the winter months.  He explained that the community lunch concept had begun some years ago and it had successfully brought the community together. He went on to thank the ladies of the Women’s Institute for preparing our rustic ploughmans lunch (including cheese, gorgeous ham, chunks of wholesome bread and salad followed by apple or cherry pie with cream/icecream).

Walter Blaney addresses lunch guests

Bob interjected on several occasions throughout the lunch to say “this is a one off lunch” – this being an assertion that he would not organise a follow up event.  Naturally we all hope he doesn’t mean it.  Having said that, I later learned his wife’s health was not very good so we should perhaps be understanding if Bob feels he needs to bow out whilst keeping our fingers crossed he can make another comeback in the future.

All monies raised at the lunch were destined for the WI ladies and £52 was raised on the door (somewhat less than was anticipated as some booked lunch guests did not show up on the day – shame on them for not informing Bob).  The proceeds of the raffle totalled £170.  When Bob announced these figures he also told us that the WI ladies had decided to donate these funds to the Dersingham Day Centre for the Elderly instead of keeping it for themselves which elicited an applause of approval from the gathering.

The guest speaker at the lunch was Walter Blaney from Dersingham United Charities who eloquently informed the gathering of the charitable origins of Dersingham United Charities.  Mr Blaney explained that over many years, long before the days of Social Security, the poorest people in Dersingham were helped by the generosity of a few wealthy individuals.  These people left money or lands in their wills, usually in the care of the Parish Church, to provide funds or goods for the poor, provided they were ‘deserving poor.’

Post lunch chat

With some helpful visual aids, Mr Blaney announced that one of the earliest bequests on record was in the will of Jeffry Bummer in 1689 and, over time, several similar bequests were brought together under the title of Dersingham United Charities.  Naturally, some of the conditions in the wills became redundant and thus impossible to continue enforcement of them as Mr Blaney demonstrated when he mentioned Elizabeth Pell’s bequest – namely that a specific amount was given for the church warden who were to come to church with 16 penny loaves and leave these loaves in full view of the congregation.  At the conclusion of the church service, the church warden had to decide which 16 deserving souls were nominated to receive each of the 16 loaves and distribute them accordingly.

As a result of changing times and attitudes, under the surveillance of the Charity Commissioners, amendments were made as deemed necessary to ensure the spirit of the charitable bequests were honoured.  In 1960, the Charity Commissioners decreed that the United Charities should become the property of, and be administered by a Board of Trustees.  The composition of this Board is still used today: 5 members are appointed by the Parish Council and serve for 4 years, 3 members are co-opted and serve for 5 years, the vicar of St Nicholas Church is an ex-officio member, and a clerk is appointed by the Board.

Lunch begins

In 1986 the Commissioners updated the aims of the Charities to enable the Board to offer relief to individuals or groups in need by giving grants or providing facilities to suitable candidates, who apply in writing.  Instructions for this are given in the annual report to Dersingham Parish Council and are repeated in Village Voice and Dersingham Data.  Annual accounts are also sent to the Council and to the Charity Commissioners.

Mr Blaney explained to us that, in recent times, the Charities have given grants to 7 young people from Dersingham who were starting courses at the College of West Anglia and had to buy tools for their practical work.  Grants have also been given to 6 local groups or organisations providing care and facilities for the elderly and the sick.  We were also advised that the United Charities Trust own a number of pieces of land in and around Dersingham which are rented to farmers and others to raise funds (ie the allotments are rented to the Allotment Society which administers the gardens and pays rent to Dersingham United Charities).

Desserts are out

He went on to say that a different category of land owned by the Board of Trustees is the Commons and the Fen (a rare and nationally important nature site which used to be managed by Norfolk County Council but recently that support has been withdrawn).  Apparently, the Board of Trustees have obtained a Government Stewardship scheme which is now administered by Natural England.  However, the Board has to pay to maintain paths and bridges here and on the two commons to keep them in good order and available as an amenity for the exercise and enjoyment of the people of Dersingham.

Mr Blaney told us that in recent times, Dersingham United Charities had given grants to 7 students at the College of West Anglia, donations to Day Centre for the Elderly, the Phobbies Club and more.  He also confirmed that the common land which was beset by fire last year was now re-growing and burned boardwalks had since been replaced.  He also pointed out that the lowest tender for the boardwalk replacements was £2,000.

Back by popular demand for the fourth year running the Norfolk Brass will entertain once again at St Nicholas Church on  Saturday  8th December 2012  at 7.30pm.

Tickets in Advance £7.50  (£8.50 at the door) (including refreshments)     -     ORDER TICKETS FROM 01485 544866, 01485 540081,01485 540865

Friends of St Nicholas Church – Registered Charity Number 1046540

Dersingham Cricket Club, based in West Norfolk, has received an £800 grant from Bernard Matthews Farms to contribute towards further developing junior cricket in the community and holding a junior cricket festival during the summer.  The grant was awarded as part of the sixth round of donations from The Bernard Matthews Fund.

The cricket club coaches children of all ages and backgrounds and holds regular coaching sessions as well as operating four junior cricket team’s in local and county competitions.  The children participating not only learn and improve their cricket skills, they also benefit from building greater links within their community and the surrounding rural area, and develop their social interaction skills through this healthy outdoor activity.

The award will help to fund a junior cricket festival over the summer period where the club will run coaching sessions and games for groups of children aged 5 and over.  These days will also enable children to try their hand at cricket and the festival will enable local teams to compete.

Roger Poll, Chairman of Dersingham Cricket Club, said: “The junior cricket club really brings young people together, teaching them the positive outcomes of being part of a team with the added benefit of regular exercise.   All children of all levels enjoy taking part and learning new skills. The junior festival we are holding in the summer will extend the activity to other children to try taking part in cricket as well as improve their ability at the game.  We are extremely grateful to Bernard Matthews Farms for the award.”

Launched in October 2009 to help a wide range of rural charities and voluntary initiatives across Norfolk, north Suffolk and Lincolnshire, the fund has already provided over £36,000 in grants.  It is administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation.

Andrew Sherwood, Human Resources Director at Bernard Matthews Farms, commented: “Supporting groups working in the heart of our communities has always been important to Bernard Matthews Farms and the fund is just one aspect of our commitment to corporate responsibility.

“The fund aims to give at a truly local level and make a real difference to voluntary groups such as Dersingham Cricket Club. This is a worthy project people in Dersingham and its surrounding area and fulfils a worthwhile role within the community.”

The Bernard Matthews Fund awards grants of up to £2,000 to support community groups working in Norfolk, north Suffolk, and Lincolnshire. To find out more information about the fund or how to apply for grants, visit www.norfolkfoundation.com/Bernard-Matthews-Fund.htm.

Fantastic fun for children during the summer

The churches’ annual Summer Holiday Club (9.30am to 12.30pm) is on : Tuesday, 28th, Wednesday, 29th and Thursday, 30th August.  This is for 5 – 11 year olds.  It is at St Nicholas Church Hall/Church, Manor Road, Dersingham.

Older children (11 years and upwards) are very welcome to come as Young Helpers – please contact us and we would love to have you with us.

This year our theme is “On Your Marks”, and we will be building up a team with the children for our very own Global Games … there will be all sorts of activities, and things to make and take home.

We’ll find out too about how Jesus built up his team, and challenged them, and how we can stick with him as they did. Come and join the fun !

Ask for a booking form from your school office, or from Steve Lofts tel: 07425 145887 or Alan Crawshaw tel: 01485 543836 email: alanandjunec@tiscali.co.uk.

Booking forms to be returned by 20^th August please.

The Snettisham village fete planned for July 7^th has unfortunately been cancelled. The recent bad weather and today’s prolonged period of rain has left the field water logged. The year’s bad weather has highlighted a drainage problem on the field, and options for rectifying this are currently being evaluated.

HM The Queen Visits Dersingham Infants School on her actual Diamond Jubilee

On Monday 6th February 2012, the actual 60th (Diamond) anniversary of the day the Queen came to the throne, she chose to come and visit Dersingham Infants School.  The school only had two weeks notice and quickly got to work learning songs to go with a short play about how the world has  changed over the last sixty years. It proved to be an exciting day for teachers and pupils alike.  Despite the snowy weather, everyone made a special effort to get to school looking their best.

The necessary security precautions were carried out and the children particularly  enjoyed watching the sniffer dogs doing their work. The Queen was due to arrive just before the regular lunch time so everyone had a bacon roll for brunch and had an   inside ‘street party’ lunch when the visit had finished.

Each classroom was visited by Her Majesty where she could see the various activities in each class. Then the production about changes over the last 60 years was put on to entertain The Queen. Her Majesty seemed to enjoy it and clapped at the end of the children’s songs. Children from each class gave her presents – a book of our work, a picture with photos from our school, a book of Diamond Jubilee Dress designs made from recycled materials, a sun catcher and the traditional posy of flowers.

HM The Queen admires the commemorative plaque

Her Majesty then unveiled a plaque to commemorate her visit and we all did ‘Three Cheers’ as she left and she turned and waved to us. The Queen told our Headteacher that she had enjoyed our play and said, ‘Well done!’.

This historic visit to mark this Jubilee was followed up with more Diamond Jubilee celebrations at St. George’s School over the official Diamond Jubilee Weekend itself.  Events included a Hog Roast, musical entertainment, various craft and activity workshops for the children along with demonstrations by different organisations from the local community.

Thursday 19 July, Hunstanton Town Hall, 2-7pm
Tuesday 24 July, Heacham Infant & Nursery School, 2-7pm

Click here for more details

Coffee Morning guests enjoy their cuppa

Coffee mornings are a special event in Dersingham.  They are a regular feature on the first Friday of each month in St Nicholas’ Church Hall (which is celebrating its centenary in serving Dersingham village in 2012) and are more than just a quick cup of coffee and a biscuit. If have only managed to attend two or three of these coffee mornings in my more than 10 years of living in the area but each time I am amazed at how well supported they are.  I shouldn’t be surprised though as each coffee morning has so much going on.

There is always a wide variety of second hand books to browse through to suit all tastes and all ages.  Just looking is interesting enough but the icing on the cake has to be finding that particular book you have been on the look out for amongst them!  In addition, there are always stalls selling goods like lovely fresh home-made preserves, cakes, sausage rolls and pastries.  The stalls do not stop there either – you will often find bric a brac (of course) but in addition you could find stalls offering great gift ideas such as jewellery, clothing and accessories.

I always seem to find something of interest to purchase and I do enjoy sitting at the “banquet table” in the centre and chatting to other coffee morning guests.  The atmosphere is alive with the buzz of social interaction and is a great way to feel you belong within the community.  So if you have been thinking about getting out and coming to one of these lovely events do not delay as you are missing out.

Coffee morning guests browse the many stalls

The next coffee morning dates for 2012 are:

Friday, 1 June 2012

Friday, 6 July 2012

Friday, 3 August 2012 (subject to confirmation)

Friday, 7 September 2012

Friday, 5 October 2012

Friday, 2 November 2012

Friday, 7 December 2012