Focal Point May Newsletter
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you have a story to share, an event to announce, or a piece of news that you think your neighbours would love to know about? Look no further! Focal Point, your go-to online newsletter serving our vibrant village communities, is eager to hear from YOU!
Whether it’s a heartwarming tale of community spirit, a notice about upcoming events, a shout-out to a local hero, or even a delicious recipe you’ve been dying to share, we want to feature it in our next issue.
Focal Point is all about celebrating the unique voices and happenings in our community, and we can’t do it without your input. Your stories are what make our newsletter shine!
Here’s how you can contribute:
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.
Remember, no story is too big or too small – if it matters to you, it matters to us!
Let’s keep our community connected and informed. Together, we can make Focal Point a true reflection of the wonderful people and happenings that make our villages special.
We can’t wait to hear from you!
HEATHLANDS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING, MAY 9TH
LOTS OF THINGS COMING UP
Garage Sale - this is on Sunday May 5th (NOT THE SEPTEMBER DATE)
If you would like to open your garage please fill in a form on the back page of the Focal Point or ring 01603 714164 to get yourself on the map. You can also book a table in the hall if you would rather do this.
Maps will be on sale from 8.45am. Refreshments will be on sale in the kitchen from 9.00am until 1.00pm
TEA and CHAT - May 21st from 2-4pm.
With lots of tea and cake, a raffle and lots of chat. Come and join us.
CEILIDH EVENING - Saturday May 11th.
From 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Social Club or ring 714164 to book one. £10.00 each
QUIZ at Heathlands - IN AID OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION. FRIDAY 3RD MAY 7.30PM
£5.00 per person - Teams of 4-6. Join in an evening of fun with our quiz, including a raffle and head-to-tales games. Contact Clare on 07557223442 or email clare.hill268@outlook.com to book your team.
BINGO DATES - May 10th, May 24th.
JUNE 6th - D-Day Celebrations
This event will be taking place at Heathlands so watch this space!
BLOFIELD COURT HOUSE VILLAGE SCREEN - FRIDAY 10TH MAY. ONE LIFE (12A)
ONE LIFE tells the incredible, emotional true story of Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton (Johnny Flynn), a young London broker who visits Prague in December 1938. In a race against time, Winton convinces the British Committee for Refugees in Czechoslovakia to rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children before Nazi occupation closes the borders. Fifty years later, Nicky (Anthony Hopkins), is haunted by the fate of the children he wasn’t able to bring to safety in England. Finally begins to come to terms with the guilt and grief he carries and moves from anonymity to a national hero.
Excellent support from Romola Garai and Helena Bonham-Carter.
Matinee 2.30pm (tea, cakes, ice creams)
Evening 7.30pm (bar, soft drinks, ice creams).
Tickets £5 from S. and S. Mitchell Newsagents, The Street, Blofield. Enquiries to 01603 712306.
BLOFIELD COURT HOUSE VILLAGE SCREEN NEEDS HELP!
The Court House Committee needs someone to find suitable short films to be shown before our main features at Village Screen. If you are interested, for more information contact the chair, Mike Coley at mike.coley2@btinternet.com
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
WROXHAM FLOWER CLUB.
On Wednesday 8th May Retha Naidoo will demonstrate to us “Inspirations of India” in Rackheath Village Hall NR13 6LT. Visitors and new members warmly welcomed, doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
Visitors £8 includes tea/coffee and homemade cake, Email wroxhamflowerclub55@gmail.com for more information.
Save the date! 12th June is our Open Meeting, for more information see our Facebook page or call Su Mace 0n 07902140520 for tickets.
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.
BLOFIELD HEATH W.I.
We held our meeting on 9th April. Our speaker was Christine Webber, writer, broadcaster and former physiotherapist. This was Christine’s second visit to our WI and today she gave a very informative and uplifting talk on Ageing Positively, for which she also writes about in a newspaper column. The members enjoyed Christine’s talk and afterwards, an excellent tea was provided to celebrate Blofield Heath’s WI 59th birthday. The next two meetings are 14th May and 11th June.
BUCKENHAM ANCIENT WOODLAND TRUST.
Our aim is to acquire the central portion of Buckenham Wood and to become its caretakers for the benefit of the nature that lives there and the local community.
For information about how you can support the charity, the wood and any events being run by the BAWT check out the website via the link or QR code (www.buckenhamancientwoodland.org). We also regularly post updates to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/people/Buckenham-Ancient-Woodland-Trust/61556400513827/
If you would like to find out more, we warmly welcome you to one of our informal drop-ins held every second Thursday of the month (6:30pm, Lingwood Village Hall, Station Road, Lingwood).
BABYSITTER AVAILABLE.
Blofield, Blofield Heath, Little Plumstead, Great Plumstead, Brundall area. I am available to babysit Friday and Saturday evenings. I have Studied Child Development at GCSE and I am currently studying Health and Social Care at sixth form. I am full DBS check completed in September 2023. I am reliable and friendly, currently enjoying volunteering at local events. Please text Jazmine on 07810 146777.
Margaret Harker Hall is looking for volunteers
The hall is holding its Annual General Meeting on the 16th May at 7:15pm at Margaret Harker Hall
Why is Margaret Harker Hall so important? The hall is multi-use and accommodates many different sports groups, singing and dance clubs and is also the village pre-school (term time only). It is also available for private hire for parties or one-off events.
Who keeps it running? A group of volunteers, from all walks of life, with a shared interest in maintaining and providing Margaret Harker Hall for the local community and surrounding villages. We have no special qualifications or specific experience. We simply want to support and help our village hall.
How do we do it? We come together, six to eight times per year to discuss the maintenance of the building and grounds, what funding opportunities are available and the hall’s finances. Collectively we (the trustees) have to make decisions on what is best for the hall and how to ensure its future for the local people.
Why do we do it? Without a committee, none of these groups or clubs would exist. Without volunteers, the charity would not be able to operate. The hall and park would simply close.
Can you help? We are looking to recruit volunteers for our hall committee. Our Chairperson is stepping down in May and this position must be filled for the hall to continue operating.
Do you use the hall and its facilities? Can you spare an hour or so each week? Are you looking for a new, rewarding role? If the answer is yes to any of the questions, please get in touch: fundraisingMHH@outlook.com
SOUTH WALSHAM GUIDES NEED YOU!
1st South Walsham Guides are in need of volunteers (aged 18+). Could you spare a few hours a week to help support your local Guide unit provide adventures and activities for members aged 10 to 14? Volunteering with Girl Guiding UK is a fantastic opportunity to support the local community, get creative, and have fun with other like-minded people. Guides meet once a week on Wednesday evenings in South Walsham. The small team of volunteers make the Guide meetings happen; from crafts and cooking to wide games and challenge badges to build skills. The Unit is looking for new volunteers to help run the Unit. Whether you can offer ad hoc help or can commit to being a regular volunteer for weekly meetings… we’d love to hear from you!
Are you under 18 and looking for a volunteer opportunity for your Duke of Edinburgh award?
Get in touch. No previous experience is required - just willingness to get stuck in!
BRUNDALL LOCAL HISTORY GROUP.
The next talk is on Saturday 4th May at 2.30pm in Brundall Memorial Hall, Links Avenue, Brundall, NR13 5LL. It will be given by Juyna Lewis and will be entitled ‘Norfolk’s Indian Princess’. Juyna will talk about Maharajah Duleep Singh’s daughter, Sophia, who, despite her privileged and wealthy background, was a suffragette and promoter of equality and served as a volunteer nurse during World War I.
Admission is free to members and £3 to visitors who are very welcome. For further details visit our website: www.brundallvillagehistory.org.uk
BLOFIELD, HEMBLINGTON AND NORTH BURLINGHAM CHURCHES MAY SERVICES.
| Service | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Blofield Deanery Ascension Day Service | Reedham Church | Thursday 9th May, 7:00pm |
| Hemblington Church | Sunday Services | 9:30am |
| Blofield Church | Sunday Services | 11:00am |
| North Burlingham | Jointly with Hemblington | 9:30am |
| Blofield Church | Midweek Benefice Service | Wednesday, 9:30am |
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
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. The dates for May are Thursday 2nd May and Thursday 16th May.
FOODBANK AT BLOFIELD CHURCH
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 in invaluable. Donations of tinned meat, fish, tea, coffee, 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 07720942955 for more information.
THE FRIENDS OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH, HEMBLINGTON.
Many thanks to all who attended the “Churchwardens’ Accounts in the 16th Century” talk by Adrian O’dell on 27th April, and the Friends AGM too. A successful afternoon and a great opportunity to show the repairs undertaken in the church recently, supported by funds raised by the Friends group. If you would like to know more about how you too can help secure the future of this Medieval gem, please contact the Friends Secretary: email hemblington@gmail.com / phone (01603) 715804. Website: www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk
Information about the Friends group is available from the secretary: hemblington@gmail.com / 01603 715804. Church website: www.hemblingtonchurch.org.uk.
PLAY CHURCH BABY AND TODDLER GROUP
Blofield church every Wednesday during term time from 1.00pm until 3.00pm.
Summer term dates are 17th April to 22nd May and 5th June to 17th July.
No booking is necessary – all are welcome to join in the fun and friendship of this popular group
Please contact Yvonne on 715213/07720942955 or Barbara on 714519 for further information or you can go to the Blofield Church Website at www.blofieldchurch.org.uk
ART EXHIBITION.
Come along and enjoy a free Art Exhibition in All Saints Church (Church Lane, Hemblington NR13 4EF) over the weekend of Saturday 8th June between between 10.00am and 4.30pm and Sunday 9th June between 11.00am and 4.30pm. Artists Jan Lacey, Ian Walker, Vivienne Rainsbury and Jan Heath will be exhibiting their paintings and glasswork. Refreshments will be on sale. A great opportunity to enjoy the treasures of this lovely little Medieval church and also the wildflowers in the churchyard.
THE BLOFIELD AND DISTRICT GARDENING CLUB.
Would you like to learn a little more about “Allotment and Vegetable Growing”? Well-known local horticulturalist Martyn Davey will be encouraging us by giving this talk at the Margaret Harker Hall on Wednesday evening, 8th May (7.30pm). Guests are invited to come along to see what happens at Club meetings (£2:50) and new members will be warmly welcomed (£10 fee for the whole year.) Refreshments and a raffle are held. The members’ competition is: “A home-grown vegetable”. Local contact for information: 01603 715804. Club website: www.blofieldgardeningclub.org.uk
PLANT SALE
The Club is also holding a plant sale and coffee morning at Blofield Church on Saturday, 11th May between 10.00am and 1.00pm. Come along to find interesting plants at bargain prices, and enjoy refreshments provided by the church team.
MAKE AND MARDLE.
The dates for the next Make and Mardle sessions will be held on Thursday 23rd May and Tuesday 25th June.
These will be held in Hemblington Church from 10.00am to 12noon. All are welcome: coffee and cake are provided, and craft projects are welcome but not essential. Please drop by and join us.
For more information, call Catherine on 01603 270360
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 11th May - Buckenham Woods -
General maintenance.
Saturday 8th June - Lingwood Church -
Cut and clear conservation area.
Further details and any changes to plans will be on the website www.badcog.co.uk
KEEP BLOFIELD SPECIAL.
Our small group of volunteers meet each month, helping to keep our villages reasonably free of litter. The dates for litter picks in May are:-
Monday 13th May - meet at Heathlands,
Blofield Heath at 9.30am
Monday 13th May - evening meeting at 7pm Heathlands
Monday 20th May - meet at the Old Court House, Blofield at 9.30am
Anyone is welcome to join us, there is never a shortage of litter, unfortunately! We also occasionally meet in the evening to plan future litter-picking dates and discuss ideas that could help Keep Blofield Special. Please feel free to come along, new ideas are always welcome! Our next evening meeting is on Monday 13th May at Heathlands at 7.00pm.
HEATHLANDS SOCIAL CLUB
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/ as well as on our website.
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, Magners, 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. 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.
GREAT AND LITTLE PLUMSTEAD DISTRICT GARDEN CLUB.
Spring is well underway and after our spring table show in April meeting we are looking forward to the full flush of summer colour in the garden..at our next meeting on the 6th May at Great Plumstead village hall we welcome Rosemary Ward with her talk on Container garden gardening, which we can all do in our gardens however large or small.
On June the 3rd at Thorpe End Church Hall we look forward to a talk by Andrew Sankey entitled Land of 1000 Lakes. On Sunday, June 30th we are planning another coach trip, this time to Stockwood Discovery Centre, which is near Luton, followed by an afternoon treat with a visit to Capel Manor Gardens. The cost of this trip is £30 per person.
If anyone would wish to join this trip, please ring 01508 493981 to reserve a place. All would be very welcome. Enjoy Gardening
The Walled Garden Community Shop & Cafe update.
On bank holiday Monday, 27th of May, we will be running our popular Garden Day. This will feature a gigantic plant sale with many bargains, as well as garden and nature-themed stalls, all in aid of our beautiful restored Walled Garden.
And save the dates for our popular Friday Fizz nights in July and August. This summer’s events include BBQ, Platters, Tex Mex, Ploughmans, Charcuterie and Tex Mex! Be sure to check the website and come along on the nights you wish to attend.
Find details of all our events at our website at www.thewalledgardenshop.co.uk.
We are located at The Walled Garden Community Shop & Cafe, Old Hall Road, Little Plumstead, Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 5FA. Free parking in our community car park. Check Google Maps, Facebook or Instagram for our opening times and visit soon!
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 LTA-licenced coachesFun tournaments for a mix of ability
League team play
Family, adult and junior membership packages
Call Diana Gilder 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 via email: email at blofieldtennisclub@btinternet.com
Margaret Harker Hall, Yarmouth Road, Blofield, NR13 4LE
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