Focal Point August Newsletter
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News from Blofield Parish Council
REPAIRS TO BLOFIELD FOOTPATH 12 WHICH HELPS LINK ST. ANDREW & ST. PETER CHURCH, BLOFIELD TO ST. MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS CHURCH, BRAYDESTON.
Repairs to make the footpath safer will take place in September and last about two weeks. Part funded by Norfolk County Council Parish Partnership Scheme, works are currently scheduled to start from 16th September. During the works, the footpath will be closed.
INSTALLATION OF A NEW PLAYGROUND AT BLOFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Work to install the new playground and outdoor gym equipment will take place over the summer holidays (22/7 to 30/8) as a result of funding from National Highways Regional Investment Programme (East). The playground will be available for the primary school children to use until the school relocates. Once the school relocates, it will be available to all residents. Please note, there may be some minor disruption on Plantation Road when deliveries are being made.
ALL PARISHIONERS ARE VERY WELCOME TO BLOFIELD PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
All parishioners are very welcome to Blofield Parish Council meetings – The next is on Monday 29th July at 7.30pm at Blofield Courthouse, 28 Yarmouth Road. The following is on Monday 17th September at 7.30 at the same location. Come and learn about the latest projects, meet the council and if of interest, help make a difference to your local community. For further information email: clerk@blofield-pc.gov.uk
Questions or concerns?
Finally, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Parish Clerks by email or by telephone as above. The Council also tries to keep residents informed of general updates via www.facebook.com/blofieldparishcouncil but please note that if you have any questions on the posts, please email the clerks.
Everyone is also very welcome to attend any Parish Council meeting. See the website for Agendas and Minutes: www.blofield-pc.gov.uk/meetings
THE MARGARET HARKER HALL AND BLOFIELD MEMORIAL GROUNDS
We welcomed new committee members at the AGM in May and would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to those who passed on the mantle after many years of working to maintain the hall and its grounds. Thanks also to those who continue to give their time freely to ensure the hall runs smoothly and meets the needs of the community.
The hall and its grounds are home to many community groups. So, if you are interested in short-tennis, gardening, dancing, singing, scouts, tennis, football or badminton then we’ve got something for you. The pre-school continues to be the main user of the hall, and with the addition of the new play area, we continue to provide much needed services and facilities for young families in the area. Here’s some information from one of the groups: SHORT TENNIS - A small, friendly group of men and women play short tennis every Wednesday morning from 9-11am in the hall. No previous experience or special equipment needed, so do come along and join us. For more details, please ring Jenny Green 01603 712837 or email jennyandmiles@talktalk.net. Come and have a look or have a try, you will be very welcome.
The hall has some space available for casual or regular hirers, please email bookings@margaretharker.onmicrosoft.com
BROADBEAT CHOIR AT THE MARGARET HARKER HALL
Members from our Blofield group recently performed at Witard Baptist Church in Heartsease to help raise funds for our charity this year, NARS - Norfolk Accident Rescue Service. It was a lovely evening, and we raised £110 for a good cause. Singing is good for emotional health, it enhances lung function, helps improve memory and can help with stress and relaxation. We are currently learning ‘Seasons of Love’ from Rent and ‘Electricity’ from Billy Elliot, two beautiful songs from musicals. Our members are ordinary people, most with no previous singing experience, but together we sound great. It really is a team effort. If you love singing but are shy then maybe a choir is the place for you, there’s definitely confidence in numbers. We are a friendly bunch, you get 2 free sessions then it’s £7 per session when you come along. Just come along to the hall on a Wednesday evening, we start at 7.15pm, or message Sandra on 07899 676560.
BLOFIELD PRESCHOOL.
Based at Margaret Harker Hall, Blofield, NR13 4LE.
Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri – 9.00am to 3.00pm. Term time only for 2.5 – 4 year olds.
Ofsted Rated Good. For more information and to be added to our waiting list please see our website
www.blofieldpreschool.co.uk or contact blofieldpreschool@outlook.com
BLOFIELD AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB,
Many thanks to all who came along to enjoy the Club’s Annual Summer Show at the Margaret Harker Hall in July. Even given the often appalling weather in the spring and early summer, club members exhibited an amazing array of vegetables, fruits and flowers as well as some delicious-looking home produce. Well done to all who exhibited, and thanks to those visitors who came along in the afternoon to admire the produce and enjoy refreshments.
The next club meeting will be Wednesday, 11th September (7:30 pm) when Matt Willer will be discussing The Papillon Project, which promotes sustainable living and environmental awareness for young people. The members’ competition will be a foliage pot plant.
Guests are always welcome at our meetings (£2.50 entry) or a full year’s membership is just £10. There is always a speaker, a competition for members - usually a plant or in season flowers, plus a raffle and a £1 bring and buy table. There is a lot of horticultural experience within the group, so if you have any queries or subjects you would like to hear about, do let us know. The Club’s website is: www.blofieldgardeningclub.org.uk or your queries to the Secretary (01603) 715804.
KEEP BLOFIELD SPECIAL.
We are a small group of volunteers who like to keep our villages looking attractive and reasonably free of litter, we meet monthly for about an hour of litter-picking, anyone is welcome to join us, there is never a shortage of litter unfortunately! August litter picks take place on:
Monday 5th August, meet at Heathlands, Blofield Heath at 9.30am
Monday 12th August, meet at the Old Court House, Blofield at 9.30am
Thank you to everyone in the villages who kindly pick up litter when out and about - it really does make a difference!
BADCOG ~ BLOFIELD AND DISTRICT CONSERVATION GROUP.
An active group which undertakes site management of local wildlife habitats, BADCOG holds fortnightly work parties on Saturday mornings starting at 10.30am and finishing no later than 1.00pm. Anyone can come and join in for as little or as long as they like or just to see what we do.
Saturday 3rd August – Walsham Fen;
Saturday 17th August – Jary’s Meadow;
Saturday 31st August – Buckenham woods
Come and admire these sites in their summer splendour.
Further details and any changes to plans will be on the website www.badcog.co.uk
BLOFIELD GARAGE SALE
MONDAY 26th AUGUST 10.00am to 2.00pm to raise funds for Brundall and Blofield Sea Scouts including an International trip in 2025.
If you would like to open your garage please email 1stbbfundraisingteam@gmail.com to get yourself on the map. We will send you an application form which can be returned to S. and S. Mitchell, newsagents in Blofield along with £5. You can also book a table in the scout hut if you prefer, space is limited, first come first served.
Maps will be on sale from 9.45am at Blofield and Brundall Scout Hut, Yarmouth Road, Blofield.
Refreshments will also be available from the Scout Hut from 10.00am.
BLOFIELD TENNIS CLUB: CELEBRATES 100 YEARS!
A club with a history, that looks to the future.
Start or get back into the sport at this friendly club. We welcome new members of all standards to join and enjoy regular tennis throughout the year.
We offer:
Four high-quality courts, two grass, two hard
Daytime and evening social play
Group and individual adult and junior coaching, with LTA-licenced coaches
Mixed ability fun tournaments
League team play
Family, adult and junior membership packages
Call Diana Gilder at 07799 506809 to discuss what membership offers and arrange a free taster session, or join via the website.
www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/blofieldtennisclub. Email: blofieldtennisclub@btinternet.com
Margaret Harker Hall, Yarmouth Road, Blofield, NR13 4LE
BRUNDALL MEN’S SHED.
Now not just for men, it’s for ladies too. Not just for Brundall either, but every other village around. If you’re lonely, stuck in the house and would like to do something practical, come and see what we do. £10 a month for as much tea and biscuits as you want. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10.00am to 3.00pm. Our contacts:
www.brms.org.uk or hello@brms.org.uk.
OPEN GARDEN
Bird in Hand. 80 Mill Road. Blofield Heath. NR13 4QS.
Just a reminder that our OPEN GARDEN is over the weekend of the 10th and 11th of August, 11.00 am to 4.00 pm each day.
We will have lots of plants for sale and equal amounts will be available on both days. We will have the kitchen open for teas and cakes (any cakes welcome please) and the bar will be well stocked with Ales, Pimms and Wine.
Hemblington Church will have its wonderful cakes, provision and preserves stall and would welcome any “donations”. we will arrange a raffle and a book stall, donations of any books are appreciated.
The entrance fee will be £3.50 and all proceeds will go to Hemblington Church and Heathlands so your support would be greatly appreciated.
Friends of All Saints Church, Hemblington
Heritage Open Days - 6th – 15th September. There is a lot happening in the local area – do pick up pamphlets available at The Forum and in church.
At Hemblington we have not one but two free talks for you to enjoy during Heritage Open Days, both based on the national theme of “Routes, networks and connections”. On Saturday, 7th September (2 pm) the well-known popular presenter Imogen Corrigan will be discussing “The Hazards of the Journey” - Pilgrimage and travel in the Middle Ages. She will be considering how people organised themselves for long journeys, often in appalling conditions, who was travelling and why.
The following Saturday, 14th September (2 pm) Joyce and Andrew Burtenshaw (previously of this parish!) will be discussing “The Journey of St Christopher”, based on the Golden Legend and the 15th century wall painting in the church.
Both of these events are free to attend and light refreshments will be available after each talk. There is level access into the church and to the WC. Information about The Friends group is available from the Secretary – email: hemblington@gmail.com / (01603) 715804. Church website: www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk
BLOFIELD, HEMBLINGTON AND NORTH BURLINGHAM CHURCHES. SERVICES FOR AUGUST.
| Day | Location | Service | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Hemblington Church | Sunday Services | 9.30am |
| Sunday | Blofield Church | Sunday Services | 11.00am |
| Sunday | North Burlingham | Jointly with Hemblington | 9.30am |
| Wednesday | Blofield Church | Midweek Benefice Service | 9.30am |
ALL THREE CHURCHES ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO DUSK
Rector, Revd Kevin M Billson: 01603 712299 | kevin.m.billson@gmail.com
Revd Sue Shillam, Curate: 01603 211629
Blofield Wardens
Yvonne Mack: 01603 715213
Stephen Wales: 01603 211931
www.blofieldchurch.org.uk
Hemblington Wardens
Catherine Howe: 01603 270360
Simon Mutten: 01603 715701
www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk
North Burlingham
Rev Kevin Billson: 01603 712299
www.northburlinghamchurch.org.uk
INTERREGNUM.
A message from the churchwardens of Blofield and Hemblington churches:
You will probably have heard that Revd Kevin Billson, our Rector, will be retiring at the end of September 2024. This means that we will enter a period known as an Interregnum during which a specific process takes place. This was set out at a meeting with the Archdeacon of Norfolk, Steven Betts, on 27th June attended by us together with the churchwardens at South Walsham, Upton and Fishley.
We will keep everyone updated with developments as and when appropriate but we wanted to assure all parishioners that, after 30th September, we will be available (as we are now) to help with any queries you may have. Our contact details will continue to be published in Focal Point and Blofield News along with church services as they are now.
During the Interregnum we will do all we can to keep to the regular schedule of services but occasionally circumstances may cause us to make a change. Hopefully, these will be kept to a minimum.
Please get in touch if you have any queries. Yvonne, Stephen, Catherine and Simon
PLAY CHURCH BABY AND TODDLER GROUP
Blofield church every Wednesday during term time from 1.00pm to 3.00pm
Autumn term dates 11th September – 23rd October.
No booking is necessary – all are welcome to join in the fun and friendship of this popular group.
Please contact Yvonne on 01603 715213/07720942955 or Barbara on 01603 714519 for further information or you can go to the Blofield Church Website at www.blofieldchurch.org.uk
FOODBANK AT BLOFIELD CHURCH
Thank you so much to everyone who supports the Foodbank at Blofield Church. The warehouse on Ivy Road is struggling to meet the demand of so many people. The basket is in the porch at Blofield Church and is delivered to the warehouse weekly, where it is distributed to families, churches and food centres. Your support is invaluable. Donations of tinned meat, fish, tea, coffee, cereals, toiletries and tinned vegetables will be greatly appreciated.
WE ARE ALSO TRYING TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES IN OUR VILLAGE WHEN IN NEED.
Please contact Yvonne on 07720 942955 for more information.
BLOFIELD CHURCH – OPEN DOORS
Everyone is welcome to join us for lunch on the first and third Thursdays of each month for friendship and laughter and where a two-course lunch is provided. The group is growing monthly, for further information please contact Jenny on 01603 712968
There will be no Open Doors during August!
The dates for September 2024 are Thursday 5th September and Thursday 19th September.
Choir of Gonville and Caius College Cambridge in Blofield Church
A marvellous concert by the Choir of Gonville and Caius College Cambridge in Blofield Church on Friday July 5th.
A full church appreciated the joy the young choir found in their concert performance of some Howells, Bruckner, Brahms and Britten pieces. The church has wonderful acoustics for this type of classical concert and they were fully explored with an excellent range of dynamics.
The choir were all individually talented with excellent voices in the full range of sounds. The Brahms, ‘How lovely are they Dwellings’ which the choir obviously knew well, particularly brought out the best of their group sound as they enjoyed its full range. The Michael Haydn ‘Requiem in C’ was very interesting for us all to hear as it was probably a new arrangement for most listeners and the choir lost themselves in its beauty following their very talented conductor Matthew Martin. I look forward to hearing the recording they will be making of this piece shortly.
The organ scholars Eden Eyres and Harrison Cole showed their skill on the beautiful William Hill Organ so it resounded with Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C.
The hospitality of the church was abundant as usual, with wine, and cheese platters which gave the audience the opportunity to get together and discuss the music in the interval. Many people said how they really appreciated every aspect of the evening.
TEDDY PARACHUTING AND SUMMER FAIR AT BLOFIELD CHURCH.
Every year we plan, prepare and look forward to this day.
Every year we watch the weather forecast with apprehension.
This year was no different but the ominous storm clouds didn’t deter any of our eager hospitality team, helpers or visitors. They turned out, umbrellas in hand and wellies for some, to enjoy the games, children’s activities, the cake stall and meeting up with old friends. When the clouds came over and the rain came down in torrents, everyone dashed indoors for cover and had another go at the sock surprise game, win a teddy or win a bottle. The teddy stall was a huge hit with children repeatedly buying tickets for yet another teddy to take home to add to all those already there.
Refreshed with tea and homemade cakes and a lull in the rain, all dashed outside again to enjoy seeing their teddy being wound up the tower, ready to float down again. The delight on the children’s faces, as well as the parents, is the reason this happens at Blofield year after year.
Thank you so much to everyone who worked so hard to make this another memorable day for the village.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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Submit your stories, news, and events via email to andyb@focalpointonline.org.uk. Include photos or artwork to accompany your submission (please ensure you have permission to use them) and be sure to include any relevant dates, times, and locations for events.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
HEATHLANDS SOCIAL CLUB
HEATHLANDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AUGUST 6th
Many thanks to Sarah and all the willing volunteers who helped make our DD Celebrations a great success, and thank you to all those who turned up and supported us. Thank you, Garret, for the great BBQ as well.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS:
We have plenty going on at the social club over the next month. Please see our Facebook page for up-to-date news at www.facebook.com/heathlands.socialclub/ and our website.
JUMBLE SALE
Many thanks to everybody who helped on the day or donated lots of jumble. We made a nice profit of £403.
AUGUST 4TH. FAMILY AFTERNOON
Come and join us, hopefully, the weather will be kind and games of rounders planned, and a table tennis table available.
Also on SITE ARE CRABB & FOX Pizza Box, where you can purchase pizza. They do ask to pre-order before the day to make sure you can get one!!
Either text or WHATSAPP to 07900 381878 OR you can fill in the form in the Social Club.
We will open the Social Club from 1.00pm so ideal for a pint and pizza and a fun afternoon, see you all there.
Bingo Dates for August
August 2nd, 6th and 20th. Eyes down at 7.30 pm. Cash prizes and a great raffle.
OPEN GARDEN
Bird in the Hand - Weekend of 10th and 11th August from 11- 4.00pm. Lovely garden to walk around. Plants for sale, Tea, Coffee and Cakes. The cellar will be open for a Pint, or glass of Pimms.
SUMMER HOLIDAYS
When you read this we will be into the Summer Holidays, and we hope lots of you will use all the play equipment, BUT please can we ask for people to be sensible, we have had several bouts of vandalism including fires being lit in the wood at bottom of the field. Please have fun but be sensible.
Please remember to recycle your bottles and papers at Heathlands as we receive much-needed revenue.
50/50 lottery renewals were due in July ... please get any remaining renewals back to the promoter as early as possible.
Your club is open from Tuesday through to Sunday. Come and join us. We usually have 3 ales on tap from various local breweries plus Lagers (Birra Moretti, Stella Artois, Carlsberg), Guinness, Woodfordes Adder, Lacons LGR and Camden Pale Ale. We also have lots of wines, spirits, soft drinks and snacks.
Members benefit from cheaper bar prices. New Memberships are always welcome and forms are available in the Bar.
Opening Times
| Day | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| Tuesday - Thursday | 7:30pm - 11pm |
| Friday | 4:30pm - 11pm |
| Saturday | 5:30pm - 11pm |
| Sunday | 2pm - 6pm |
TREASURE HUNT
Blofield Church welcomes all ages to take part in hunting for clues and treasure around the village. Sunday 15th September, 2.00pm at the church, £2 per entry
Prizes for the winning teams. Cream teas Will be served from 3.30pm -5.00pm
(Donations gratefully accepted)
To enter – email:- reynoldsfamily53@hotmail.co.uk with a team name, the number of people in the team and contact telephone number OR complete the sign-up sheet in church.
BABYSITTER AVAILABLE.
Blofield, Blofield Heath, Little Plumstead, Great Plumstead, Brundall area. I am available to babysit on Friday and Saturday evenings. I have Studied Child Development at GCSE and I am currently studying Health and Social Care at sixth form. I have a full DBS check completed in September 2023. I am reliable and friendly, currently enjoying volunteering at local events. Please text Jazmine on 07810 146777
QUIZ - HEATHLANDS - BLOFIELD HEATH.
The Brundall First Responder Group are celebrating their 15th anniversary and raising money for a Raizer Chair. Sadly people who have fallen and are unable to get up have often had to wait many hours for an ambulance. This is not only distressing for all concerned but increases the chance of their health being significantly adversely affected. This chair will enable our volunteer team to get to the patient much quicker reducing the patient’s distress and freeing an ambulance to attend to other calls. The Quiz on Friday 20th September at 7.00 pm will have 12 tables with a maximum of 6 in a team at a cost of £12 per team. You will be able to bring your own food but all drinks must be purchased from the Heathlands Bar. There will be cash prizes, a raffle and perhaps something a bit different! To book your place please E-mail brundallcfr@btinternet.com with your team name and contact details and pay £12 into the account Friends of Brundall Area Response Team 309997 - 29784760. For any queries please phone John on 07867 806657.
MONDAY CLUB.
At Blofield Heath Day Centre. We now have a very thriving club which meets every two weeks at the Heathlands, unfortunately, we are still short of volunteers to help with driving our members to the club, we start at 10.00 am and finish at 2.30 pm. If you could only do it occasionally when we are desperate, through holidays, illness etc. we would be most grateful. Also once a month we are short of an able person to help us put tables away after the meeting, this would only take half an hour. If you are able to help us please ring Sarah on 01603 714809 or Barbara on 07749 925566.
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT
Would anyone who has an excess of fruit or vegetable produce from their garden or allotment consider donating it to me so I can continue to make preserves to sell in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. I usually have a very good response but each year is different and I do very much appreciate any donations.
Please contact Jackie on either 01603 717372 or 07928 584113
Please make a note in your diary that this years coffee morning at Heathlands will be on Saturday 5th of OCTOBER. Thank you
MAKE AND MARDLE.
The forthcoming dates for Make and Mardle at Hemblington Church will be:
Tuesday 20th August and Tuesday 24th September from 10.00am to 12noon. Come and join us for a tea/coffee, cake, and chat with optional crafts. All will be very welcome
For more information, please phone Catherine on 01603 270 360
HEMBLINGTON PRESCHOOL.
Also open on Fridays from September. We're pleased to announce extended opening hours for the Ofsted-rated 'Good' Hemblington Preschool, based at Heathlands. From September, the preschool will be open on Tuesdays 9.00am to 12 noon, and Wednesday to Friday, 9.00am to 3.00pm. Morning and/or afternoon sessions are available. Also from September, we are open for children from 2 years of age. Please enquire via the website, www.hemblingtonpreschool.com
BLOFIELD HEATH W.I.
Katherine Maidment who helps run a small independent charity "Support Cambodia" gave an illustrated talk about how the charity runs sewing workshops, provides bicycles to families as there is no public transport, helps with water purification projects and supports schools and medical centres. Some members bought handmade toys and traditional scarves called the Kroma.
WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB.
Fun and Friendship through Flowers, Wroxham Flower Club est.1968.
Meet on the second Wednesday of the month, (Apart from January and August- we have other events).In the evening from 7.30pm at Rackheath Village Hall NR13 6LT
Throughout the year we have different demonstrators, we hold workshops, have outings out to gardens of interest, and enjoy our New Year Lunch.
Visitors and new members are always warmly welcomed. Visitors £8, annual membership £42.
For more information please contact wroxhamflowerclub55@gmail.com
CALLING ALL BRIDGE PLAYERS.
If you would like to play duplicate bridge at a friendly club come along to Horning Bridge Club.
We play on Monday evenings at Horning Village Hall and On Thursday afternoons (relaxed) at Hoveton Youth and Community Centre. We would be delighted to welcome new members.
Telephone: Sue for more information on 07799 777862.
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