Focal Point December Newsletter
HEATHLANDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
Would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year, and thank you all for your support over the year, The Next Management Meeting is on 5th December
Forthcoming attractions
The children’s party for the younger ones is on 2nd December. Freddie will entertain, snack tea and hopefully Father Christmas will arrive. The 16th December will see the return of our 60’s night, with the OFENDERS
Tickets are going fast! With only a few tickets left, so call into the Social Club or ring 01603 714164 to secure your place.
Tea and Chat
Come and join us on the 19th December 2-4pm for tea, coffee, cake and plenty of chats as well. We’ll also have a raffle so bring a friend and join us for a fun afternoon.
Bingo
Get your dabbers ready and join us on the 8th and 22nd December. We’ll be back in the new year on the 5th January so make sure to mark your calendars and start the year with some Bingo fun.
NEWS FROM NORFOLK POLICE.
Police are aware that a series of stickers of a transphobic nature were placed on postboxes, road signs and lampposts around Blofield and Blofield Heath during July and August.
These stickers are under investigation as a hate crime, and are taken very seriously. If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please call on 101 or email SNTAcle@norfolk.police.uk, quoting crime reference 36/55124/23.
All money raised will support the play equipment replacement project at The Margaret Harker Hall and Blofield Memorial Grounds.
BLOFIELD PRESCHOOL
Based at Margaret Harker Hall, Blofield, NR13 4LE. Opening Times: Mon, Tues, Thurs and Fri – 9am to 3pm. 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
THURSDAY WALKS
Walkers are welcome to join a friendly informal group that meets at Blofield Church at 1.30pm every Thursday. Using the local footpaths around Blofield, Brundall and Strumpshaw walks are at a moderate pace for about 1-2 hours. For more details Telephone Tricia on 01603 716339.
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.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL.
Come and join in our Christmas Tree Festival at St Mary’s Church, South Walsham with a wonderful display
of many different decorated trees from 3rd December until 3rd January. The Church is open daily from 10am until 5pm.
MESSY MUSHROOMS.
Messy Mushrooms, based at Heathlands, stay and messy play fun and sensory for 0-4 years. £5.50 per child, £2 for additional siblings. The price includes a healthy snack. Fridays, term time only 10am to 11.30am. Run by experienced early years practitioners. Visit our Facebook page. Weekly book sale, 50p per book.
WEA BLOFIELD BRANCH.
We are very pleased that courses continued at Blofield Court House this year, and are planned for early next year too. In November Charles Lewis presented “The Earth on Fire”, a detailed explanation of the Earth’s crust and what can happen during volcanic eruptions. From 23rd January 2024 we are glad to welcome back Stephen Poulter, who will discuss “Highwaymen vs. the Georgian Judicial System”. This 3 week course will look at the careers of some notorious highway robbers and at the authorities who struggled to apprehend them.
Some of you may remember Nigel Herwin, who amused us no end with comedic extracts from film and TV some time ago. From 27th February, Nigel will present “Alfred Hitchcock - The British Movies” – a 4 week course which promises to explore how he became “the master of suspense” through a series of classic movies during the 1920s and ‘30s
These courses will be held at The Blofield Court House on Tuesday mornings, starting at 10am and
finishing at 12 noon. Light refreshments are offered during a brief interval. Enrolment with the WEA
online at www.wea.org.uk
BLOFIELD & DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB.
The committee is pleased to report that the Club had a very successful 2023, with lively and interesting speakers, a well-attended Summer Show, and several new members to help spread the word about how good gardening - and generally being outdoors is for the soul as well as keeping the body fit! We hope many more of you will join us in 2024.
The first meeting of 2024 will be on Wednesday evening, 13rd March at 7.30pm at The Margaret Harker Hall. This is our A.G.M, reviewing what happened in 2023, and looking ahead to the speakers booked for 2024,
as well as any changes to the Summer Show schedule. This is followed by a free open buffet and a quiz!
All are welcome.
If you have any queries about the club, please contact the Secretary via email at
blofieldgardeningclub@outlook.com, via phone on 01603 715804.
Or see the Club’s website at www.blofieldgardeningclub.org.uk
WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB.
Our Christmas meeting is on Wednesday 13th December with a flower demonstration by Jill Clarke and Hannah Deane entitled “Christmas is Coming”. Doors open at 6.30pm at Rackheath Village Hall, NR13 6LT. £10 Includes mulled wine and nibbles (club members free). Please call Su Mace on 07902 140520 to book your ticket.
HEMBLINGTON PRE SCHOOL
Hemblington Pre School, based at Heathlands, Woodbastwick Road, Blofield Heath NR13 4QH. Tuesday 9.30am to 12.30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am to12.30pm,12.30pm to 3.30pm. Ofsted rated Good. www.hemblingtonpreschool.com
HEMBLINGTON PRE-SCHOOL, BLOFIELD HEATH, EARLY YEARS.
Early Years setting based in Blofield Heath, Norwich. Ofsted rated ‘Good’ (2018). Our vision is to inspire curiosity, independence and a lifelong love of learning. Forest School activities weekly.
For all enquiries please visit our website, click on the ‘Contact us’ tab and submit an enquiry form.
We can discuss availability and an opportunity to visit the setting. We look forward to hearing from you soon! www.hemblingtonpreschool.com
Hemblington Pre School Jumble Sale.
Saturday 20th January 2024. 2.00pm. Heathlands, NR13 4QH. Please drop Jumble at 12 noon onwards.
HEMBLINGTON PRIMARY SCHOOL.
Join us for our Christmas Cracker Event, at Hemblington Primary School. An outdoor event, Friday 8th December, 5.30pm to 6.30pm with stalls, games and a bar including mulled wine and boozy hot chocolate, cakes and much more. There will be a raffle with amazing prizes to be won. For enquiries or to donate a raffle prize please email friendsofhemblington@gmail.com
THE FRIENDS OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH, HEMBLINGTON.
Many thanks to David Bryant and band “Synergy” for a great night of rock and blues music at Heathlands on 28th October. Over £440 was made from ticket sales, raffle and donations, all of which go into the Friends Fund. This offers support towards the costs of any necessary repairs to the church and keeping the churchyard in good order.
Further social events are being planned for the spring, including “The Big Churchyard Birdwatch” on Sunday, 28th January, 11am to 1pm, with warming refreshments available and a talk in the church before our AGM on Saturday afternoon, 27th April, and an ‘Art Exhibition’ during a weekend in June. All our events will be publicised in local newsletters and parish council websites – or better still you can receive information directly to your inbox by becoming a Friend! For just £10 per year or £100 for a lifetime membership, you can help support this lovely little church and its beautiful, peaceful churchyard. Perhaps give the gift of a membership to someone as a Christmas gift. Information is available from the secretary at hemblington@gmail.com or call 01603 715804 or see the church website www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk
BLOFIELD TENNIS CLUB.
Following the completion of our second hard court, we are inviting new members to join and enjoy regular tennis throughout the year. Now is a great time to start, or get back into tennis at this friendly club, welcoming players of all standards. We offer:
Four high-quality courts, two grass, two hard
Daytime and evening social play
Group and individual adult and junior coaching with L.T.A. licenced coaches
Fun tournaments for a mix of ability
League team play
Family, adult and junior membership packages
Call Diana Gilder on 07799 506809 to discuss what membership offers and arrange a free taster session, or join via the website www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/blofieldtennisclub or email blofieldtennisclub@btinternet.com
Margaret Harker Hall, Yarmouth Road, Blofield, NR13 4LE
BLOFIELD, HEMBLINGTON AND NORTH BURLINGHAM
CHURCHES SERVICES FOR SEPT
| Hemblington Church | Sunday Services | 9.30am |
| Blofield Church | Sunday Services | 11.00am |
| North Burlingham | Jointly with Hemblington | 9.30am |
| December 17th | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hemblington Church | Carol Service | 4.00pm |
| Blofield Church | Carol Service | 11.00am |
| December 24th Christmas Eve | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hemblington Church | Midnight in Bethlehem HC | 10.00pm |
| Blofield Church | Christingle Family Service | 4.00pm |
| Blofield Church | Midnight Service with HC | 11.30pm |
| December 25th Christmas Day | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hemblington Church | Holy Communion | 9.30am |
| Blofield Church | Christmas Day Worship | 10.30am |
| Wednesday Services at Blofield Church | ||
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 28th December | No midweek 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
PLAY CHURCH BABY AND TODDLER GROUP
Blofield Church is open every Wednesday during term time from 1pm - 3pm.
Term Dates 29th November to 13th December.
Nativity Play Wednesday 13th December.
Please contact Yvonne on 01603 715213 / 07720 942955 or Barbara on 01603 714519 for further information or you can go to the Blofield Church website at www.blofieldchurch.org.uk.
Blofield Church
Present a Christmas Concert on Sunday 3rd December at 3pm with Mundesley Community Choir bringing a Christmas repertoire and some audience participation. Tickets, £8 at the door and includes tea.
A quiz for Winter Evenings.
A light hearted quiz for you, your family and friends to enjoy. Why not enclose one with a Christmas card?
Quiz £2 - prize £20. With proceeds going to Blofield Church. Available at Blofield Church and from the side porch at The White House, The Street, Blofield.
FOODBANK AT BLOFIELD CHURCH.
Please note! No deliveries will be made to the warehouse after the 21st December. The warehouse needs time to pack and deliver to families in the city in time for Christmas.
Thank you so much to everyone who supports the Foodbank at Blofield Church. We are very grateful for the continuing generosity of people in our villages. The basket is in the porch at Blofield Church and delivered to the warehouse in Norwich weekly, where it is distributed to families, churches and Foodbank Centres. Your support is invaluable. Donations of tinned meat, fish and Christmas Goodies will be greatly appreciated.
THE WAREHOUSE HAS REPORTED THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO FULFIL ALL THE REQUESTS FOR ESSENTIAL ITEMS THAT ARE COMING IN!! WE ARE ALSO SUPPORTING LOCAL FAMILIES WHEN ASKED.
Please contact Yvonne on 07720 942955 for more information.
CHRISTMAS FAIR IN BLOFIELD CHURCH.
Come and visit us on Saturday November 25th 10.30am to 2pm. A galaxy of exciting craft stalls, gifts and nearly new items, home baking, tea, coffee and lunches. With lots of ideas for Christmas presents and lots of fun for children with Christmas craft activities.
BLOFIELD AND DISTRICT CONSERVATION GROUP.
BADCOG is an active group which undertakes site management of wildlife habitats, BADCOG holds fortnightly work parties. We meet for work parties on alternate Saturday mornings starting at 10.30am and finishing no later than 1pm. Anyone can come and join in for as little or as long as they like or just to see what we do.
Saturday 9th December - Jary’s Meadow.
Saturday 23rd December - Railway Wood.
Saturday 6th January 2024 - Lingwood Pond.
Further details and any changes to plans will be on the website www.badcog.co.uk
Our January evening meeting will be one when we entertain ourselves with slide shows, presentations and informal talks on items of interest to members. This will be on Friday 12th January at 7.30pm in Strumpshaw Community Hall, Mill Road, Strumpshaw. Do join us. Visitors are welcome and refreshments are served.
THE CHILDREN’S SOCIETY.
It’s that time of year again!
If you have one of my home collection boxes for the Children’s Society this is the time of year when I open the boxes. The contents are sent off to help the work of the society with many children who have problems and needs. Please bring me your box when it is convenient. If other people would like to have a box at home to collect loose change then please speak to me. Many thanks, Barbara Pilch.
THE BISHOP OF NORWICH FIRST NATURE AWARD.
Paston Footprints, whose local work has given Blofield its Paston trail linked to the church’s healing garden, has won the First Nature Campaign and Bishop of Norwich Award.
Paston Footprints aims to help young people reconnect with nature and their local heritage with benefits to their health and well-being. Find out more at www.pastonfootprints.co.uk
BRUNDALL LOCAL HISTORY GROUP.
The next talk is on Saturday 6th January 2024 at 2.30pm in Brundall Memorial Hall, Links Avenue, Brundall, NR13 5LL. It will be given by Steve Cash and will be about ’The Origin of the Sugar Industry in Norfolk’. Steve is the archivist for the Cantley Sugar Factory and will illustrate how a combination of the events of warfare and commercial enterprise gave rise to the development of the beet sugar industry in Norfolk and the building of the first successful UK sugar factory at Cantley.
Admission is free to members and £3 to visitors who are very welcome.
For further details visit our website at www.brundallvillagehistory.org.uk
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you have a story, event or cause you want to let the community know about? Send your entries to Focal Point and be featured in a future edition of the newsletter. Email Andy Broad at andyb@focalpointonline.org.uk
Word count up to 200 words.
HEATHLANDS SOCIAL CLUB
Your club is open from Tuesday through to Sunday. Come and join us. We usually have 3 ales on tap from various breweries plus Lagers (Birra Moretti, Stella Artois, Carlsberg), Guinness, Magners, Camden Hells Lager and Camden Pale Ale. We also have lots of wines, spirits, soft drinks and snacks.
Thai street food fortnightly on a Tues (next session 12th Dec) Serving between 5-8pm.
Order online at woktruck.co.uk. Nippy Chippy Van onsite every Friday.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday
Doors open at 7:30pm, closed at 11pm
Darts Club night
Friendly crib night
Wednesday
Doors open at 7:30pm, closed at 11pm
Short mat bowls in the main hall
Thursday
Doors open at 7:30pm, closed at 11pm
Pool Team night
Friday
Doors open at 4:30pm, closed at 11pm
Nippy Chippy van onsite. Have a pint while you wait for your chips!
Saturday
Doors open at 5:30pm, closed at 11pm
Sunday
Doors open 2pm, closed at 6pm
Sky Sports are shown throughout the week. Come and join us, have a pint and watch the sports.
We also have rolling TV adverts for companies to advertise. If you are interested, please call in and talk to us or ring 01603 714164. Please see our facebook page for up to date news at www.facebook.com/heathlands.socialclub. Members benefit from cheaper bar prices. New Memberships are always welcome and forms are available in the Bar. £10.00 for a family including children under 17, Single membership £5.00.
Non Members are welcome to visit.
KEEP BLOFIELD SPECIAL
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 and anyone is welcome to join us, there is never a shortage of litter! December and January litter-picks take place on:
Monday 4th December, meet at Heathlands, Blofield Heath at 9.30am
Monday 11th December, meet at the Old Court House, Blofield at 9.30am
Monday 8th January 2024, meet at Heathlands, Blofield Heath at 9.30am
Monday 15th January 2024, meet at the Old Court House, Blofield at 9.30am
At the close of the year, we thank the many residents, walkers, and dog walkers who pick up litter when out and about - it is much appreciated and really helps to Keep Blofield Special! We wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and New Year.
JOIN US FOR CAROLS AND MINCE PIES.
You are most welcome to join us for joyful entertainment by the Village Voices Community Choir with pianist at the Lingwood Village Hall on Sunday 17th Dec at 3.15pm. Music will be performed with sing-along favourites, with words provided. Mince pies and refreshments will be available with a raffle to follow. The event is free and donations for the Hall are gratefully received.
THE BRAINS OF BLOFIELD
Blofield Church presents a ‘Quiz and Chilli Night’ at the Margaret Harker Hall - Starting at 6.30pm on Saturday 27th January 2024. To register your team of up to 6 call 01603 211931. Tickets are £10 per person (payable on the night by cash or card) and include food.
The Walled Garden Community Shop and Café Update.
We are open throughout the year. Pop in to our cozy cafe and enjoy a hot drink and cake this winter! We’ve also got a range of classes coming up, join us 16th January 2023 - Monday - for a beginners art class using pastels, and 23rd January 2023 - Monday - for a beginners felt making workshop. See social media for more details.
We are located at The Walled Garden Community Shop & Cafe, Old Hall Road, Little Plumstead, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 5FA. Check google maps for our opening times.
GREAT AND LITTLE PLUMSTEAD AND DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB
Another year coming to an end after a very successful year’s programme of talks and coach trip outings.
On 4th December, at Thorpe End church hall we hold our final meeting, with our AGM followed by Christmas entertainment and food. We wish all readers to the Focal Point a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous
New Year and look forward to another year getting together with friends.
WHY NOT START THE NEW YEAR BUILDING A LITTLE STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY?
Have you never joined a Yoga class because you think you are not flexible enough? Yes?
Then this class is just for you. Join our 6 week Introduction to Yoga class for the absolute beginner and you’re never too old to begin. We will meet every Saturday morning for 6 weeks, at 9.30am until 10.45am at Blofield Court House, Yarmouth Road, Blofield NR13 4JU. The first class is on Saturday 6th January 2024.
We will work together through some gentle Yoga postures, with modifications for all bodies. The cost is £42 for 6 weeks payable upon booking. If you would like to book a place or if you have any questions please email me at yogawithlynn@icloud.com or on 07834 776385.
NEWS FROM WROXHAM BURE VALLEY ROTARY CLUB.
The recent floods have left Granary Staithe in Hoveton and the A1151 through Wroxham waterlogged.
We’re optimistic the waters will recede in time for Santa’s rounds come December. Despite the soggy soil,
we’ve planted crocuses for Rotary’s End Polio Campaign, promising a burst of purple in February.
Our Santa Sleigh is revamped and eco-friendlier, swapping diesel for electric. Santa’s tour in December includes Sprowston 5th-7th, Spixworth 12th and 19th, Wroxham 13th, Horning 14th, Badersfield 20th, and Tesco, Stalham 21st-23rd. We’re fundraising for the East Anglia Air Ambulance and other causes.
Our Monday meet-ups at Wroxham Barns pause after 11th December and resume 8th January. Interested folks can join us; just let us know beforehand. Support our club and our charities via the Broadland Council Lottery or www.totalgiving.co.uk. Remember, we’re always ready to serve our community. To get involved, reach out to our president, Kelvin Dore, at 07798 786944.
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