[PDF] A. E. Beel MOT WHILE-U-WAIT 6 DAYS A WEEK. St George s Proms & Picnic in The Park THORPE ST ANDREW TOWN COUNCIL NEWS - Free Download PDF (2024)

THORPE ST ANDREW TOWN COUNCIL NEWS www.thorpestandrew-tc.gov.uk

NIGEL FARROW CARS

SPRING 2008

MOT WHILE-U-WAIT 6 DAYS A WEEK The official Thorpe St Andrew Town Council Newspaper over 6000 copies distributed throughout the Town

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St George’s Proms & Picnic in The Park Thorpe St Andrew Town Council would like to invite you and your families to:

“St George’s Proms & Picnic in The Park” Fitzmaurice Pavilion Sunday 27th April 2008 2.30 - 4.30

Following the wonderful success in Thorpe St Andrew of our Christmas Celebrations we would like to follow this with the next event on our Calendar and celebrate “St George” the Patron Saint of England. St George’s day is celebrated on 23rd of April. As a town council we would like to take the initiative in acknowledging our country's Patron Saint. Many of our local businesses, companies and schools will also be joining the celebrations this year, as the quest for our national day to be addressed goes on. The week of celebrations for “St George” will begin with some of our children from Thorpe St Andrew taking part in the annual Scout Parade in Norwich City centre on Sunday the 20th April 2008. The new landlords at The Gordon public house in Gordon Avenue, Anita and Rod Pugh, welcome you to join their celebrations in the week prior to Proms and Picnic in the Park. The pub will be decked out in St George’s flags for the entire week, on Tuesday 22nd from noon beef stew, bangers and mash will be available, before “eyes down” for bingo at 1pm. Then on Friday 25th April there will be live music with Tony Cann from 8.30pm. Matt Harris of The Griffin public house has offered to run the bar at our event. Andy King and Mark Sands of Thorpe Family Butchers of Yarmouth Road are putting some fire into their “Dragon Burgers”. “The burgers are made to a special recipe with 100% steak mince and are made with meat from local farms and carefully blended spices to make a unique dish that reflects the spirit of St George” said Andy. “As well as selling them fresh from the shop before the event we will be barbecuing them and selling them at the Proms and Picnic in The Park.” The finale to the celebrations in Thorpe St Andrew will be the “Proms and Picnic in the Park”. Bring the whole family along with your blankets and picnics and have an afternoon of good old traditional English entertainment in the park, the agenda is of course subject to weather conditions and could be as follows:-

Entertaining us will be:

Hellesdon & Sprowston Band St George Slays the Dragon (Thorpe Players) Maypole Dancers Hillside School Proms Sing-along lead by Isobel Munday

There will be fancy dress competitions for the children and anyone else game enough!! Throughout the afternoon we will be judging the competition for The Best Dressed, St George, Dragon and Damsel in distress. Just in case you don’t feel like packing a picnic just bring the blanket and there will be refreshments on hand including Ronaldo’s Ice cream. We shall also have some traditional fun fare rides with a few side stall entertainers. Through out the week of 20th April -27th April we shall fly “St George’s” Banners and bunting on The River Green and we would like to ask any residents who have St Georges Flags if they would fly the flag for the week of celebrations.

ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING 20TH MAY TO BE HELD AT THE VILLAGE HALL FROM 7.30 YARMOUTH ROAD Please come along to the Annual Public Meeting to find out what your Town Council has been doing for you over the past year and also what is in store for the next year. This meeting is open to all and your questions will be welcomed. Take the opportunity to take an interest in what your Councillors do.

Alternatively you are welcome to attend the monthly meetings of the Council which are held at the Dussindale Centre on the first Monday of each month at 7.30. The agenda to these meetings are available to see at the Town Council office and are also posted on our 7 notice boards around the Town four days prior to the meeting.

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Marsh Management in Thorpe St Andrew

The town council has been asked by the current landowner if it would like to manage an area of marshland south of the railway at the end of Whitlingham Lane. Aggregates are currently being extracted from the land by Lafarge. This work should be completed by mid 2009 and a suggested plan for creation of a broad and nature reserve has been put forward. The aim for the site in future is the conservation of wildlife, and in particular, birds. It is therefore unlikely that fishing or boating would be allowed, and public access to the water in the broad will be limited. The project could provide a fine facility for the community, particularly for those who are interested in wild birds and the conservation of wildlife. The creation of local nature reserves is of particular interest at the moment with the number of green spaces dwindling in England. The council is currently considering this proposal, and one of the main obstacles is the cost of managing the land. The Norwich Fringe Project has agreed to produce a basic management plan for us. We would be very interested to hear the views of local people to help us make our decision. If this marshland became a local nature reserve for birds, would you be likely to visit the area? Would you be happy for council tax to be spent on such a project? Do let us know by contacting the council office.

“For England and St George!” Many will know that St George is the Patron Saint of England, but who was St George and why do we celebrate St George’s Day on 23rd of April? What is myth and what is fact? Did he really slay the Dragon? Most seem to agree that St George was born in Cappadocia in what is now Turkey, in about the year 280 AD. He enlisted into the Cavalry of the Roman Army, during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian, and very quickly established a reputation amongst his peers for his virtuous behaviour. He quickly achieved the rank of Millenary or Tribunus Militum, an officer's rank roughly equivalent to a full Colonel, and became a particular favourite of his Emperor. Diocletian's second in Command was Galerius. As a result of a rumour that the Christians were plotting the death of Galerius, an edict was issued that all Christian Churches were to be destroyed and all scriptures to be burnt. Having become a convert to Christianity, St. George acted to limit the excesses of Diocletian's actions against the Christians and the poor. He went to the city of Nicomedia where, upon entering, he tore down the notice of the Emperor's edict. In response, the Emperor consigned St George to prison with instructions that he be tortured until he denied his faith in Christ. St George, having defended his faith was beheaded at Nicomedia near Lyddia in Palestine on the 23rd of April in the year 303 AD. Stories of St George's courage soon spread and his reputation grew very quickly. His reputation for virtue and chivalrous conduct became the spiritual inspiration of the Crusaders and by this time the flag with a red cross on a white or silver background became prominent as a means of recognition by English Knights. A holiday in honour of St George, to be kept on 23 April, was declared by the Synod of Oxford in 1222 and in 1348 King Edward Ill established the Knights of the Garter, which is the oldest order of

Chivalry in Europe. The Order of the Garter was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Edward the Confessor and St George. It was in the year 1415 AD that St George became the Patron Saint of England when English Soldiers under Henry V won the battle of Agincourt. Archbishop Chichele rose St George's Day to a great feast and ordered it to be observed like Christmas Day. The legends about St George spread far and wide and it was claimed that near the town of Silene in Libya, a dragon dwelt, keeping the population in terror. To remove him the population tethered an animal, until they had no more. Then a young princess was selected, the king's daughter named Cleolinda. The story then relates how St George rode up on his white charger, dismounted and fought the monster on foot until it eventually succumbed. The story is a powerful allegory, emblematic of the triumph of good over evil. St George is also the Patron Saint of Norwich. The Norwich Guild of St George was founded in 1389. It honoured St George's feast day and gave help to guild members who were in need. St. George's day celebrations were very elaborate. There were processions through the streets and services at the Cathedral. The procession included a re-enactment of St George's battle with the dragon. The dragon was represented by 'Snap', who would scare the watching crowd. Norwich is also home to the Norwich Trafalgar Branch of the Royal Society of St George, established in 2005 to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and honouring Norfolk’s most famous son – Lord Nelson. The Royal Society of St George is a global organisation, with HM the Queen as its Patron. More information can be found at: www.royalsocietyofstgeorge.com St George stands for chivalry, devotion to duty, courage and valour in the face of adversity – all things which should make us proud to celebrate St George and our pride in England!

SPEEDING!!

Last year the Council asked for Speed Activated Signs (SAM) to be sited on roads subject to speeding. They were sited on Thunder Lane, Laundry Lane and St Williams Way for one hour at a time. Some interesting statistics emerged. • Thunder Lane 13th 20th November 3rd December Total vehicles 779 Exceeding the speed limit on entry 256 (32.8%) Top speeds 44 & 46 mph

• Laundry Lane 13th 20th November 3rd December Total vehicles 436 Exceeding the speed limit on entry 190 (25%) Top speeds 43 & 49 mph

• St Williams Way 20th 29th November 8th December Total vehicles 813 Exceeding the speed limit on entry 511 (62.8%) Top speeds 49 &59 mph

In a total of 2028 vehicles 879 (43.2%) exceeded the speed limit on entry. Residents in these areas have often complained of speeding and these figures justify their complaints. The Council decided to ask for Sam on Spinney Road, Booty Road and South Hill Road and to ask the Safer Neighbourhood Team what action they propose to take to deal with the speeding revealed by these statistics.

THE BUDGET

Each year by the end of January the Council has to set a budget for the next financial year so that the precept can be claimed. The Council first determines how much it plans to spend, deducts from that figure estimated income, and the balance forms the precept which is paid by Broadland District Council. Planned spending for 2008/9 is £338755 with an estimated income of £56590 leaving a precept of £281805. Compared with the precept for 2007/8 of £271005 this represents an increase of 4% which is in line with the Retail Price Index in January. Principal items of expenditure are : Central and Administration £91056, Village Hall and River Green £15318, Recreation Ground £99416 which includes salaries of the ground staff plus employer’s pension and National Insurance contributions, Dussindale and Fitzmaurice Pavilion £24205, Street Lighting £26100, Capital Spending £41000, Tree management £8000 and loan payment on the Morse Pavilion £8310.

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NEWS FROM THE TOWN COUNCIL

The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972 Page 3

Would you like to see a Community Garden?

Thorpe St Andrew is very fortunate to have large community spaces for sport and recreation but there are few gardens on these areas. The council has been thinking about the possibility of creating a community garden, maybe on the recreation ground or in the Tree Plantation on Laundry Lane. Gardens can be places of great beauty and tranquillity, adding a great deal to the life of a community. We would be particularly interested in helping with a project which aims to create a sustainable garden, planted with plants which need little watering and will thrive as the climate changes We would love to hear from individuals or community horticultural groups who may be interested in getting involved with this sort of project. If you are, please phone, email or write to the town council office and let us know!

Town Plan for Thorpe St Andrew

Designated Public Places Orders for the Recreation Grounds?

In February the town council decided to have Designated Public Places Orders (DPPO’s) placed on the Laundry Lane and Dussindale Park Recreation grounds if Broadland District Council are agreeable. DPPO’s are available for areas which have experienced alcohol-related anti-social behaviour problems. Once a DPPO is in place it is not an offence to consume alcohol within the designated area, but failure to comply with a police officer’s requests to stop drinking and surrender alcohol without reasonable excuse is. A DPPO can be made in a public place where there has been nuisance or annoyance to members of the public or disorder associated with consuming alcohol in that area. The council considered the following points when making this decision:1) There is a past history of groups gathering on the recreation grounds particularly in summer and evidence that alcohol is drunk on some occasions, possibly fuelling some incidents of antisocial behaviour. 2) Damage has been caused on various occasions to the St Andrews Football Club premises, the Fitzmaurice Pavilion and sports equipment on Dussindale Park and Laundry Lane. The cost of repairing the damage is paid for by the Town Council, and therefore the council tax payers in the area. 3) It is suspected that there is a link between alcohol being drunk and some resultant criminal damage occurring. There have also been reports of use of abusive language being used by some individuals and inappropriate behaviour. The recreation grounds are community spaces, open at all times and for the use of everybody. It is good to see people meeting

Last year the town council discussed the possibility of producing a town plan for Thorpe St Andrew. A town plan is a document giving details of the local area and ideas for its future based on the views and opinions of local residents. Thorpe St Andrew has seen significant growth and development in the last 20 years. The council would like to know how you feel about your area now and whether you would like to see any changes and improvements to it. If the council knows what residents think, we will be in a better position to put those views forward when discussing future developments with the community and other organisations. The plan will be mainly based on a questionnaire survey which will be sent out to every household, asking for your views on a number of issues. Please do take some time to fill it in if you can – your opinions are invaluable to us when making decisions! The questionnaire is due to be distributed in the next Beacon issue due out at the end of June. We will keep you updated with this and let you know when the survey is due to be distributed! We hope to enter the completed surveys in a prize draw. If you know of a local business who may like to make a small donation for the prizes please let the town council know. We will advertise any prize donors in the next issue of the Beacon.

there in groups, but not to see them drinking alcohol irresponsibly. The council recognises that the police are making huge efforts to ensure that underage people cannot purchase alcohol in local shops and to address anti-social behaviour in Thorpe St Andrew, and we thank them for this. We would need the help and support of the police to enforce the DPPO’s. The main concern the police had was that introducing DPPO’s may encourage people to move to other areas to drink alcohol. What do you think? Let us know your views by emailing, phoning or writing to the Town Council Office.

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Thorpe Club Blooming Well ST ANDREWS CRICKET CLUB

The Thorpe and District Gardening Club who have recently announced that they have reached their membership capacity held their annual dinner at the Cottage, Thorpe St Andrew on Tuesday February 26th. After a short monthly meeting which started at noon the chair Janet Clements introduced the invited guests. This year the Clerk to the Town Council Steven Ford and the councils Amenities Officer Darrin Sayer attended. A number of members could not attend through health reasons or work commitments but the dinner was well supported with thirty three attending. The January and February meetings both start at midday with a lunch option, to avoid members turning out in the cold winter evenings. After the meal Andy Street led the meeting and thanked Steven for the support the Council, through him, had given the club - especially to Maureen and himself. He thanked Darrin for his teams work on behalf of us all and also for keeping an eye on his wife Maureen and her 'doggy'

friends. Janet Clements presented Steven on behalf of the membership with a donation to the guests selected charity which was the SOS Bus. The Payne family usually entertain the members with their music at the event but on this occasion had the day off and were given an accolade for their support of the club since joining three years ago. Joan accepted a bouquet a flowers on behalf of herself, husband David and son Ben. Honorariums where given to vice chair Janet Battle and husband Peter and to the longest continual serving members Vera and Jimmy Whurr for their work on behalf of the club and local horticulture. A competition organised by the chair with the help of new member Julie Slaughter was very successful and was won by guest Darrin Sayer. This was in spite of help from club secretary Maureen Street. Members wished Maureen a successful visit to Scarborough the following day, to represent with her colleagues, Friends Of Norwich Bloom at the Britain In Bloom preparation event.

St Andrews cricket club’s preparations for the 2008 season are well under way with pre-season nets building up to the first game in late April. Saints enjoyed a good season last year, narrowly missing out on promotion, as they finished 3rd in Norfolk League Division 3. They did, however, achieve the feat of being the only side to beat champions Caister. Despite the unfavourable weather it was the club’s batsmen who prospered and skipper Keith Hunt and opener Neil Oxbury led the way, with plenty of runs at the top of the order. Away from the pressures of league cricket, the club continued to have an excellent programme of Sunday friendlies and 2008 will, again, see them visiting some of Norfolk’s more picturesque grounds such as Old Buckenham, Bradfield, Lowestoft and Mattishall. Particularly pleasing was the contribution made by some of the younger players in the side. The club have actively encouraged youth participation in recent years and the quintet of teenage players who regularly appeared in 2007, Louis Bellchamber, Joe Thompson, George Carney, Jack Wiseman and Daniel Bone, all produced match winning efforts at some stage of the campaign. The club continued to be indebted to the Town Council for their support and assistance and particular thanks are due to Darrin Sayer and his groundstaff for producing some good wickets, despite all the rain. All at the club were shocked at the start of the year when Life President, Monty Montague, had to have a double leg amputation, brought about by his diabetes. Accordingly, it was very pleasing to see him in attendance at the annual Presidents Game at the end of the summer, and that numerous explayers and supporters of the club attended on the day to pass on their best wishes to him. St Andrews are keen to attract new players or help off the pitch. Anyone interested in playing, scoring or umpiring for one of Norfolk’s oldest clubs would receive a warm welcome. Further details can be obtained from club secretary Gary Knights (01508 528961) or by using the email function on the club’s website: www.standrewscricketclub.co.uk

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‘Things To Do’ for young people……

‘Things To Do’ is a database full of activities in Norfolk for young people in the13-19ish age range. It’s free to search for activities and free to put activities on. We do have loads of activities but are certain there are many more we haven’t. So we need your help. • If your activity or club would welcome young people please make sure you are listed. The activity might normally be attended by adults but must be open to young people. So camera clubs, flower arrangements, dog training, hiking, reading groups and yoga can all go on together with the skate parks, martial arts and youth clubs. You can put restrictions on e.g. a scalextric club says ‘under 16’s must bring an adult’. • If you are a young person please make sure we have listed the activities you like. It might be a café or a club or something completely different. To help make the site even better please send us your comments, tell us if you are having difficulty finding activities or join the website user group and help decide how the website develops. To search for ‘Things to do’ go to www.norfolkblurb.co.uk/thingstodo and search on; postcode and distance, age, keyword or activity type. To add activities go to ‘Things To Do’ and click on Add an Activity. To tell us something go to ‘Things To Do’ and click on I wish or Feedback. Please contact ‘Things To Do’ if you have any problems or comments; on 01362 654054 or [emailprotected].

Walks with the Tree Wardens Summer 2008

Tuesday 20th May Explore the Ridge 1- Gargle Hill/Allotments Meet 19.00 Recreation Ground, Laundry Lane

Tuesday 3rd June Explore the Ridge 2- Thorpe Pits Meet 19.00 Hillcreast Road Chapel (Please note there are steep gradients involved on this walk) Tuesday 17th June Explore Broadland Business Park Meet 19.00 Dussindale Centre, Pound Lane Tuesday 1st July Explore Thorpe Marshes Meet Whitlingham Lane, Yarmouth Road

Tuesday 15th July Explore Cary’s Meadow Meet Broadland District Council car park, Yarmouth Road

Local man Iain Cook has recently set in business trading as Thorpe Lock & Safe and realised a long standing ambition to own his own business. After spending the last four years working elsewhere as a locksmith this experience has provided the springboard to “going it alone” after many years spent in an engineering background. Thousands of pounds have been invested in setting up the new venture which provides a comprehensive locksmith service that includes mobile key cutting while you wait and on site. All types of locks can be changed or upgraded which many people do after moving house for example. A small range of home safes and fire boxes are also stocked. “I am a genuine, honest person of good integrity and have been police checked” said Iain. “I offer a good, prompt service to local residents and my van can operate as a mobile workshop to tackle all manner of problems with locks.”

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The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972 Page 5

Local Network Fund Award for Children in Thorpe St Andrew

Early last year, the town council started to look at the provision of play facilities in Thorpe St Andrew - particularly on the Laundry Lane Recreation ground and Dussindale Park. Questionnaires were distributed to children who used the parks and to members of the local Fusion youth club which meets on Wednesday evenings at the Fitzmaurice Pavilion. An open session was also held in August at the Morse Pavilion where people were asked to come and give their opinions and look at options for play equipment. The results showed that young people felt that

CHURCH NEWS

Hello again, how quickly the last three months have slipped by. I concluded the last Church News looking forward to the Crib service which is always well supported by the children who bring along their parents and grandparents to support them. Once again the church was packed with shepherds, angels, wise men and several Marys and Josephs. This really got Christmas off to a good start. Now we have celebrated Easter. On Palm Sunday (March 16th) Fr. Barry dedicated a new set of Stations of the Cross at the Good Shepherd which have been donated by Sandra Fleming, our Reader in memory of her parents. The old set of pictures has been carefully packed and stored. The Stations provide a particular focus in Lent and Holy Week, helping us to travel the Via Dolorosa, the Way of Sorrow, as we move towards Good Friday. On Good Friday we walked that road between 1 and 2pm. That journey really helped us concentrate our minds on the suffering of Jesus. Recently, we have adjusted the pattern of worship, particularly at the Good Shepherd, starting on April 1st. At the Parish Church the 8am Said Eucharist will continue to alternate with the Good Shepherd. The service will be held at the Parish Church on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month. The 9.30am Sung Eucharist will continue as now at the Parish Church. At the Good Shepherd the 8am Said Eucharist will alternate with the Parish Church on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. On Sundays 1 and 3 at 10 am there will be Morning Praise followed by a Said Eucharist at 11.15am. On Sundays 2, 4 and 5 there will be a Sung Eucharist at 11.15am. We hope that this pattern of services will stand the test of time for the foreseeable future. Fr. Barry will be going to Koblenz at the end of April as the church representative of a Civic Group making the visit to our twinned City. In June we are looking forward to welcoming our new Curate, Chris Ellis and his family. On Saturday 28th he will be ordained as Deacon. This is the beginning of his journey to become a priest.

the provision for play could be better and that there was a particular shortage of items for the 6-14 year olds and teenagers. In 2007 a group of local parents set up a group called the Friends of Laundry Lane to apply for a grant to improve play equipment provision on the Recreation Ground. They applied to the Local Network Fund (administered by the Norfolk Rural Community Council) for a grant to put in an item of play equipment for older children called the Rock-It, manufactured by Kompan. In October 2007 a grant for £3633 was awarded and the new As I understand it the word Deacon means `servant' and he will assist the Rector at the Eucharist by reading the Gospel, preparing the altar and occasionally leading prayers. He cannot give absolution, preside at the Eucharist or give a blessing though. We are well aware that his first year with us is very much a training year and we must not treat him as an extra pair of hands. However, it is our hope that Chris and his family will settle happily in our community and we look forward to getting to know them. On June 29th after a Service of Evening Prayer at the Good Shepherd starting at 6pm. we will have a Welcome Party for Chris and his Family in St. Andrews Centre. So I close with another party to look forward to and with good wishes to you all for a warm, bright, early summer.

item has been installed! This is fantastic news and the council would like to thank the parents and children who were involved. It is a great first step towards improving our local recreational facilities. As part of the whole play project, the town council has already put in a 2 seat swing set and new fencing at Laundry Lane. We have also been awarded a large grant from the National Lottery with the help and support of Broadland District Council, a smaller grant from WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Limited) and one from Broadland District Council.

Norfolk Botanical Artists

Norfolk Botanical Artists are a group of retired ladies who meet at the Dussindale Centre on Friday mornings for three hours to paint flowers in watercolour. We originally attended classes at Wensum Lodge with Audrey Clarke as our tutor. When the prices at Wensum Lodge were increased and non-examination classes had concessions withdrawn, we decided to find a room where we could paint for ourselves without a tutor and fortunately found the ideal room at the centre. A large room with amazing light, essential for selecting true colours, and with available tables and use of kitchen facilities for the all important coffee break. Our year is arranged in three terms of twelve weeks each and how I miss Friday mornings during our ‘holiday’ breaks, although we never stop painting and always have something to show each other at the beginning of term. Each year we organise a Christmas lunch when our husbands join us at the end of year celebrations. We have been running now for ten years and, although our numbers fluctuate, we still all love what we are doing and have some lovely paintings to prove it. When the Society of Botanical Artists (SBA) hold their annual exhibition we visit their show at Central Hall in Westminster, London. I myself have acted as a steward at several of their exhibitions and always make the journey to see the exhibition which is awe-inspiring.

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Thorpe Players presentation

Page 6 The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972

On 22nd February at the Annual General Meeting of the Thorpe Players, Dave Wilson, the chairman, presented Otto Palotai with some engraved wine glasses in recognition of his 23 years as Treasurer. He was also given a card signed by all the members.

Unitary Council options for the future We write with regard to the winter 2007 edition of The Beacon, which is a free newspaper from the Town Council of Thorpe St Andrew with 6,500 copies delivered by volunteers. The paper’s main purpose is to try to keep all our residents up to date with regard to local issues which will affect them. The response to, or distinct lack of response to the front page article, titled Local Government Reorganisation has surprised councillors who believed this would be of high importance to residents. As your Town Council we believe that the proposed reorganisation of local Government is a major issue; however if local residents do not consider the issue to be important then we will not spend time considering the options. The revue of local government is already costing council taxpayers money with the county council and city council designating senior officer time to develop their preferred options. The county council has set aside in the region of £800,000 to formulate and advertise their preferred option and to consider and respond to the options proposed by other councils. Norwich City Council has set aside around £200,000 and already employed a new officer (£80,000) tasked purely with the remit to formulate a City Unitary option. This option is to extend the city boundary probably encompassing the fringe areas of Thorpe St Andrew, Sprowston, Old Catton, Hellesdon, Costessey, and Cringleford. Their boundary could be much wider even extending to Plumstead, Rackheath and Wymondham. The government has instructed the Boundary committee to consider all options proposed by the local government bodies of Norfolk and then to consult on the options. The timetable laid out for this is as below. Phase 1: 3rd March – 11th April. The committee will consider concepts for change and discuss these with the authorities. Re-examine the proposals previously put forward and receive views on the Yarmouth / Waveney idea.

Phase 2: 14th April – 4th July. Further discussions between committee and councils to try to formulate a set of proposals for consultation. Committee will gain evidence and information on the emerging options and judge these against the five set criteria. The Five Criteria are: 1. Affordability, 2. Broad cross section of support, 3. Strategic leadership, 4. Neighbourhood empowerment, 5. Value for money. Phase 3: 7th July – 26th September. Committee will publish its proposals by 7th July and consult on them. If there is more than one proposal the committee must state its preferred option. Phase 4: 29th Sept – 19th December. The Boundary Committee will consider all responses received and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State. This is followed by a four week period where representations can be made direct to the Secretary of State who will either agree, reject, modify or ask for further information. If the decision is made to change to a unitary council or councils, the new authority will commence on 1st April 2010. I would like to sincerely thank the residents who took the time to complete the simple questionnaire published in the last edition of The Beacon and return it to our office. Out of 6500 copies of The Beacon printed 40 completed slips were received. The results were as follows:30

8

1

1

The current two tier system in Norfolk works well and should not be changed. The current two tier system in Norfolk could be improved but not changed to Unitary. I would welcome being part of a Unitary Council but not part of Norwich. I would welcome being part of a Unitary Council as part of a greater Norwich.

Jan on (01603) 716745

Safer neighbourhood Panel (SNAP) This is a panel composed of police, representatives of Thorpe St Andrew Town Council, Postwick Parish Council, The Salvation Army, Thorpe St Andrew School, Broadland District Council, Homewatch and Norfolk County Council. The panel met on 27th February and Sgt. Rachel Cork reported on action taken following a previous meeting of the Panel. She described increased targeting of juveniles possessing alcohol and antisocial behaviour. Test purchases to find whether alcohol was being sold to juveniles were made at Sainburys and The Woodside Stores. In each case no sales were made. All off-licence premises have been visited and reminded of their responsibility to make age and identity checks. The increased police patrols have the aim of identifying juveniles in possession of alcohol and where the alcohol came from (often provided by parents.) The parents of offenders have been informed by letter. Anti-social offences have fallen by 27% compared with the previous three months, cyclists on pavements and without lights have been targeted and a number, principally children, have been stopped. Parents of offenders have been informed by letter. Two cannabis factories have been raided on Dussindale and one offender is in custody. The two perpetrators of the SFF graffiti tag seen everywhere in the Town have been dealt with. Speed checks, other than SAM, have been carried out and of 280 vehicles 15 drivers were warned and one fixed penalty ticket issued. At the February meeting the Panel set three priorities: increased police presence to combat anti-social behaviour on South Hill Road (Primrose Crescent was also mentioned), liaison with Broadland District Council to deal with the problem of fly tipping and dog fouling and action on the state of the toilets on the River Green together with their misuse. Meetings of the Panel are open to anyone who wishes to attend, either with a specific problem or just to hear what is being done to improve the quality of life in the Town. The next one will be in May.

Yarmouth Road Traffic Problems We receive an enormous amount of complaints, queries and concerns regarding parking on Yarmouth Road mainly in the area of River Green. The Town Council in turn has made many representations to the Highways Department and met highway officials on site to discuss the issues a number of times. Unfortunately the problems which the Council and local residents identify are not acknowledged as problems by the Highway officials. We have suggested parking restrictions on Yarmouth Road near the toilets and near the church as both these places are pinch points which cause traffic hold ups when motorists park here. We believe this idea is common sense and we know that many residents and motorists agree with these proposals. The Highways Department however believe that road side parking in these areas provide a form of traffic calming which slows traffic down and therefore make the roads safer. Whilst we do agree that this is the case we do not believe slowing traffic down is what is needed in this area. During rush hour many motorists get very frustrated at what they perceive to be inconsiderate parking. The traffic does not speed along Yarmouth Road in rush hour or in fact at all between 07.00 – 18.30 hrs. Whilst always remaining positive in situations with the Highways Department we now appeal to residents to help us in our quest to bring common sense to the department. We now need your back up in the form of letters and emails to Norfolk County Council Planning and Transportation Department at County Hall stating your experiences on the Yarmouth Road and your opinions as to the way forward. We will continue to press for action of some sort but feel that overwhelming public support would help our case to be reconsidered.

thank you!! COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AAnitamassive and Rod would like to thank everyone in

The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972 Page 7

On 1st December the Christmas lights were switched on at the River Green. This was the first time such an event had been organised and it proved to be very successful with an estimated attendance of 2500. There were Christmas stalls on the Buck car park, Father Christmas arrived at 6.15 and the lights were switched on by Helen McDermot at 6.30. This was followed by a candlelit procession of children from the Oaklands Hotel, carols around the Christmas tree and fireworks on the river island. The lights were sponsored by local businesses including Tops Hairdressers, the public address system was provided by Radio Norwich and Mrs Harding of Primrose Crescent gave the Christmas tree. We are very grateful to them and to all who contributed in any way, including those who may have been inconvenienced by the temporary closure of the road and the people who gave their support on a cold and blustery night. Several people

asked whether there would be a similar event in 2008. The answer? Yes, and it will be even better! The annual Christmas concert was held on 5th December. The first half included items by children and the stars of the show were the very young children from the new Dussindale Primary School whose obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment, particularly when they sang their song about the building of the school, set the tone for the evening. They were followed by the Church Junior Choir conducted by the Rector. They gave a confident and competent performance of three little known Christmas songs. The remainder of the programme was provided by Jefferson’s Mandolins with their unique sound and the Honingham Bellringers. In the interval there was a draw for a lucky ticket number and tea, coffee and mince pies were served to the accompaniment of a demonstration of didgeridoo playing. The evening ended with the audience joining in the singing of carols.

North Norfolk Coast Earth Day

An exhibition of environmental technologies and advice Deepdale Farm, Burnham Deepdale, north Norfolk coast Tuesday 22nd April, 10am to 4pm FREE to attend

On Earth Day 2008, 22nd April, Deepdale Backpackers and Camping will be hosting a whole range of eco friendly organisations for an Earth Day exhibition about the environment, including environmental technology installers, advisors, pressure groups and other related organisations.

Whether you are looking for solar panels, wood chip boiler, LED lights, ground source heat pump, wind turbine, need some advice about how to green up your home or business, want to know more about organics or just fancy a look around Deepdale's ecofriendly facilities, you are more than welcome. For more information visit: www.deepdalefarm.co.uk/earthday

The Gordon House

Public

88 Gordon Avenue, Thorpe St Andrew. 01603 434658

April:

Tuesday 22nd + Every Tuesday BINGO - Cash Bingo Lunch available from 12 noon Eyes down 1pm Friday 25th St George’s Weekend: Live Music: Tony Cann Tuesday 29th + Every Tuesday QUIZ Night - 8pm - Fish Supper available

May:

Saturday 3rd Live Music: Second2None - incrdeible vocal duo including an amazing Blues Brothers Tribute Saturday 16th Live Music: Alan Ley 8.30pm Friday 23rd Singles Night 8.30pm - All Welcome Friday 30th Live Music: The Georgeous Gemini guitar/vocal duo featuring our very own barmaid Denise! 8.30pm

June:

Saturday 14th Live Music: The Amazing Micky Spanton! 8.30pm Friday 20th Singles Night 8.30pm - All Welcome Friday 27th Live Music - Samphire - multi talented instrumental/vocal duo 8.30pm Rod & Anita would love to see you!

Thorpe St Andrew for their overwhelming kindness and support since they took over The Gordon Public House on the 28th February. It is their first pub and they spent months visiting hundreds of potential places. When they saw The Gordon, they knew immediately it was where they wanted to be. Rod worked as a production manager for Crane Fruehauf for 20 years and Anita has worked for both the Yellow Pages and Radio Broadland. It is one of the very few proper community pubs left, and the new couple are very keen to keep it that way. The pub will remain family and dog (clean and well behaved) friendly. Rod and Anita are introducing Bingo every Tuesday afternoon from the 1st April and a quiz night every Tuesday evening from the 29th April. They are determined that there continues to be an air of fun and friendliness about the pub. (Anita is a cousin of comedian Joe Pasquale, so you can see where the humour element comes in!) A small amount of food will be gradually introduced, as that is the one thing many locals have requested. They are also keen to start a ‘friendship club’ on Thursday afternoons, where senior people on their own, can come and meet old and new friends, perhaps play cards etc, or just chat. If anyone thinks this is a good idea, please could they contact Anita on 01603 434658, to discuss the best way to organise this, or indeed any other ideas residents might have to make use of their local pub. Once again, Rod and Anita would like to thank everyone for all their help and support. They are very well aware, that the pub was around long before they were!... and will be around long after them!...but in the meantime, they are very proud to be the ‘caretakers’ of The Gordon Public House. Rod and Anita are also very keen to join in the Thorpe St Andrew St George’s celebrations. The pub will be decked out in St George’s flags for the entire week. On Tuesday 22nd April from 12 noon, beef stew, bangers and mash will be available, before ‘eyes down’ for bingo at 1pm. Then on Friday 25th April there will be live music with Tony Cann from 8.30pm.

No volunteers, no National Trust – it’s that simple!

Do you have a few hours to spare? Ever thought of volunteering with the National Trust? Our Norfolk properties need your help! At Blickling Hall in Aylsham and Felbrigg Hall near Cromer, the houses will be opening their doors two hours earlier than usual this year, at 11am rather than 1pm. The change of time will have a direct impact on the number of volunteers we need to recruit and so the hunt is on… Do you think you can provide a warm welcome to visitors and assist with the protection of these extraordinary properties and their amazing contents? Then why not become a room steward? The rooms are a delight to be in and each day brings different tasks and challenges. From opening the house, greeting visitors and answering their questions, there is never a dull moment! Volunteering with the National Trust is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills, gain experience and most importantly to have fun! Whether you have reached retirement age and are looking for something to keep you active, work during the week and want something that little bit different to do at the weekend, or are simply starting out on the career ladder and looking to gain experience – then volunteering is just the thing for you. What better way to make a difference to your community and ensure that our heritage is preserved, for future generations to enjoy? Currently, there are over 4,500 National Trust volunteers in the East of England, who help keep our properties open and ensure that visitors receive a warm and enthusiastic welcome. The National Trust relies on its hardworking and dedicated team of volunteers to keep the houses it cares for open, for everyone to enjoy. Without them this simply wouldn’t be possible! For further information about forthcoming volunteer recruitment days or for more details about the volunteering opportunities, please contact us on 01284 747500 or e-mail [emailprotected]. You can visit our website on also www.nationaltrust.org.uk/volunteering

AIRPORTS 1ST CLASS TRAVEL

STANSTED LUTON HEATHROW GATWICK

£75 £95 £110 £110

DOVER £120 SOUTHAMPTON £140

ANYTIME, ANYPLACE, ANYWHERE DAY OR NIGHT

ALL PRICES FOR UP TO 4 PERSONS INCLUDES PARKING, TOLLS & WAITING TIME

01603 70 20 70

13 EARNSHAW COURT, THORPE ST ANDREW, NORWICH

Why should I compost at home? Page 8 The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972

Composting allows you to manage your garden waste for free and recycle it back into your garden. The benefits of this are:● ● ● ● ● ●

Making compost can save you money by reducing the amount you spend on compost Compost is good for your garden as it helps to improve soil structure and retain water for your plants Compost returns valuable nutrients back into the soil Home compost can replace commercial peat composts, which are dug from important wildlife sites Making your own compost helps to preserve these environments Composting your uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps as well as your garden waste helps to reduce the amount of rubbish sent to landfill and the amount of waste in your your garden waste bin (if you have one)

Where do I start? There are a number of compost systems available, which can be confusing when you first start. To make your decision easier we have suggested below appropriate compost systems for three typical situations: SITUATION

APPROPRIATE COMPOST SYSTEM

Large garden and continual supply of garden and kitchen waste Small garden and small amount of kitchen and garden waste Live in a flat and / or only produce kitchen waste

Build your own composter, for example out of wooden pallets, or buying one of the larger subsidised composters Buying one of the smaller subsidised composters Consider using a wormery

How can I get a compost bin? If you are a Norfolk resident you can buy a compost bin through the Norfolk Composting Scheme. This is a partnership campaign between all the Norfolk Local Authorities offering two different size composters at reduced prices. Please visit the Brodland District Council website for information.

How long does composting take? Composting can take weeks or months, depending on the material and how much air, heat and moisture the compost receives. Home composting is a natural process and will happen no matter what you do. See the next question for some hints and tips.

How can I speed up the composting process? If you would like compost within a few weeks then you will need to spend a few minutes a week looking after your composter. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Place the composter in a sunny part of the garden to increase the temperature inside the unit Place a layer of twigs, cut flowers or remains of plants at the bottom of the composter to help ensure good circulation Shredding green waste prior to composting and cutting up fruit and vegetables will help to speed up the process This also produces better quality compost Create a good mix of dry and wet material Too much wet material e.g. grass cuttings and food scraps can provide a ‘sloppy’ odour compost Too much dry material e.g. twigs and shredded paper can slow down the process as not enough heat will be produced Add scrunched up cardboard randomly to aerate the compost Regular stirring will create ventilation channels helping the composting process

Beating Eating Disorders Can you spare three hours a week as a helpline volunteer for beat (the national eating disorder charity based in Norwich)? Have you ever thought that you would like to spend some of your time helping others but not known where to start? Over a million people in the UK have an eating disorder and don’t know where to turn for help. By volunteering to work on our helpline you could be the person who helps them on the road to recovery. Beat is a national charity offering help, support and information to people whose lives are affected by eating disorders, in particular anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. The national helpline is based in Norwich and is open Monday - Friday from 10.30am-8.30pm and on Saturdays from 1- 4.30pm and we need volunteers to work on the line. You would bring your own skills and personality to the role and we would train you to do the job. No experience of eating disorders is necessary, rather the ability to offer a listening ear and a non-judgmental response and a willingness to become familiar with beat information and policies. We ask for a commitment of three hours a week of your time and in return you would gain new skills and be part of a friendly team with ongoing support and training and the fulfilment of knowing you are helping others. Beat pays travelling and car parking expenses.

If you would like to know more about becoming a telephone helpline volunteer, please telephone beat on 01603 753325 between 10.00am-8.30pm Monday to Friday and speak to a Service Co-ordinator.

CIVIC AWARD

In Thorpe St Andrew we have a wide range of voluntary clubs, societies and social activities and the Council recognises their value because they are the means of bringing the community together. Often these clubs are dependant on an individual, or perhaps a husband and wife team, who will devote many hours to keeping the club running. Also there are those who give up a lot of time to a society which may not be exclusively local in its effect and benefits a wider community. In order to give recognition to these unsung people the Council has instituted a Civic Award scheme. It will be open to anyone to nominate a person, or a husband and wife team, for the award. Nomination forms and the criteria on which an award will be based are available at the Town Council office and should be returned to the Town Clerk. Any awards will be given at The Mayor’s reception and a roll of honour will be placed in the village hall.

City View View Kitchens Kitchens

In Association with:

44a City V iew Rd, Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5HA View

Suppliers of Prima and Apple Kitchens

Andy Clifton 01379 608050 07879 824597

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Why can I not put cooked and dairy food in the composter? Rats and other pests are more likely to be attracted to your composter if it contains food which is not found naturally in the environment. As a preventative measure it is therefore advised that you do not place cooked food, dairy products and fat in the composter.

Can I put weeds in the composter? Weeds can be placed in the composter providing they are not seeding and caution is given to perennial weeds. The last thing you want from your compost is to have it filled with weeds that will be reintroduced into the garden when you dig it back into the soil. Weeds can be hardy and they can seed even when they have been pulled up and even re-root on damp soil! The best method therefore for perennial weeds is to leave them out.

What can I use the compost for? Compost is an ideal soil improver and helps to improve soil structure, retain water, return nutrients and break up clay soil. The compost can either be dug back into your garden beds for existing plants, used for container plants, dug into soil before planting new seeds or used to improve the existing soil structure.

I’ve got a composting problem how can I sort it out? Below is a list of common compost problems: PROBLEM

REASON

SOLUTION

Nasty smells

Compost is too wet

Leave lid off in dry weather / remove some of the wet material and add dry material such as shredded paper

The compost is taking a long time to break down

Too little stirring Not enough heat

Aerate the compost as much as possible with stirring and add material such as scrunched up cardboard to help create air channels Position in sunlight, keep the lid on

Too dry / not the right mix

Add some water / add moisture rich vegetables and fruit scraps

Lack of air

Turn the compost & add materials in loose layers

Compost is ‘mushy’

Too wet

Add dry material i.e. shredded paper and prunnings. Also leave the lid off in dry conditions

Fruit flies

Exposed food material

Bury any food waste below the surface or place other material such as leaves and grass on top of the compost. This prevents the flies having easy access to the food, which will help in deterring them

Attracting pests

Cooked food, meats and fats have been added

Remove unsuitable material. Place corrugated metal sheet under your bin. Turn regularly to prevent nesting. Cayenne pepper spread liberally in the compost should also help to deter them

BCTS

Get a head start with BCTS

Broadland Council Training Services (BCTS) offers a wide range of courses for all ages and abilities. We have a new business suite located at our Thorpe offices which provides an excellent venue for all our courses ranging from Customer Care to I.T.

Digital Photography Desktop Publishing Basic Food Hygiene Time Management Presentation skills And many more!

Website Design Telephone Techniques Minute Taking Advanced Excel Emergency First Aid

Plus subsidised rates for small businesses, voluntary/charity organisations and senior citizens Whether learning for business or pleasure, for more information on all our courses, please telephone (01603) 430449 www.broadland.gov.uk

Harts Cruisers of Thorpe

Harts, one of the oldest Broads boatyards, was established in 1878 in Thorpe, on the outskirts of Norwich. John Hart, the founder, was born in 1829. It is possible that he was experienced in the licensing trade before he took over a boatbuilding business at The Thorpe Gardens public house, previously operated by Stephen Field. John was married to Harriet Spencer and they had eight children, one of who, George, helped his father with the business. In George Christopher Davies' "Handbook of the Rivers and Broads," published in 1888 there was an advertisem*nt: "J. Hart and Son have on hand for Hire a Good Selection of Yachts & Boats Suitable for cruising about the Norfolk Waters." The largest of these was the Island Queen, a 12-ton Cutter drawing 3ft.3in. of water, fitted with two cabins, each 7ft. long. The ladies’ cabin had a patent toilet stand and good sleeping accommodation. A competent man and boy were to be had with the boat. All the cabins were 'commodiously furnished with blinds and cushions.' All cooking utensils and cutlery were provided on board. Also available for hire were The Augusta - a five ton Cutter, The Frolic - a two and a half ton Cutter, The Belvedeer - a five ton Cutter, The Imogen - a two and a half ton Cutter, and The Florence - a Una rig boat. Available also was ‘Excellent accommodation for

yachts and boats, and good dry storage sheds.' Obviously, Harts was a boatyard of some repute. A few years later John moved the boatyard to the island lying between the old river and the New Cut (made when the Yarmouth to Norwich railway was built in 1844). The Thorpe Gardens was taken over by B. Buck who also let yachts, sailing and fishing boats. He advertised 'Excellent sleeping accommodation for Gentlemen visiting the neighbourhood.' I wonder where the Ladies slept? When John died in 1898, aged 69, his son, George, continued the business. By now the island was known as Harts Island. John had also established a second boatyard, just upstream from Wroxham Bridge, which gave him a base on the Northern Broads. George was married to Emma (nee Cuthbert) and they had eight children - Vera, George, Eva, Gwendoline, Geoffrey John, Frederick, Gilbert and Norman. The whole family lived in a wooden bungalow that had been built on the island. That must have been quite a squash! There was plenty of space for the children to play in safety in the orchard behind the sheds, and on the river itself. The bungalow was next to the two large boatsheds that were used for boatbuilding and storage. To reach the yard on the island, the customers had to be ferried across the river in an open clinker skiff. There was a wooden sign, with Harts name, on the riverbank at the water's edge in Thorpe Village where the hirers waited for transport.

C. W. PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE ALL TYPES OF WORK CARRIED OUT

Come and see Julie on Thursday at 4.30pm, 6pm or 7.30pm at the

Dussindale Centre Pound Lane Tel: 01493 369967

Patios - Paths - Brickweave Drives Walls - Fencing Garden/Site Clearance All Indoor Work - No Job Too Small

229 Thunder Lane Thorpe St Andrew

Tel: 700731

Mobile 07748 280823

The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972 Page 9

During the First World War Gilbert and Geoffrey joined the army. Gilbert was in the 8th. Norfolk Regiment, but was killed whilst serving in France. Geoffrey too, was stationed in France and wrote regularly to his wife Winifred, sending her postcards of the local views. He returned safely to Thorpe after the hostilities. The boats, built during the early part of the 20th Century, were all round bilged, carvel construction on oak frames. The size of the boats was determined by the height of the railway bridges that spanned the gap between the island and the village. The height of the boats had to be such that they passed under the bridges, to allow them to cruise onto the Yare and join the Broads system. In the 1916 Blake's catalogue there is only one boatyard represented in Thorpe - that of Harts. The yacht houseboat, Test, is advertised in this catalogue. It was 21 tons and 50ft. in length, with a 12ft.6in. beam and slept up to eight people comfortably. Additionally, there were two 'cots' in the forepeak, which must have been used by the crew. At the busiest time of the season, August, the hire cost was 7 guineas a week, whilst only 6 guineas for the rest of the year. Other boats for hire were Purple Cloud, a 21 ft., sloop-rigged yacht sleeping four. Without an attendant the cost in August was £3 -10 shillings for a week. This was a fairly modern boat, having been built in 1911. Continued on page 12…

Page 10 The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972

Mr. John Lee

Mr Lee has lived in Thorpe St Andrew since 1962 and retired from the Royal Air Force in 1966. He soon became involved in local politics and was elected a founder member of Broadland District Council. He served on, and chaired, a number of important committees, including Housing and Policy and Resources. He was also Leader of the Council and was involved in discussions concerning the Dussindale development and the Business Parks. He has been a Parish Councillor, a Governor of St William’s School and the Thorpe Secondary Modern and Grammar Schools (as they were then), a member of the Longfields Road Youth and Community Centre Management Committee and a Trustee of the Dussindale Community Centre. My double struggle for survival by Johnny Lee (Part 1a) On the 29th June 1923 I was born into a Christian family in Catford, Lewisham, London. Two years later another son, Frederick was born making up a family of four boys and a sister who was the eldest. My mother and father were both of strong Christian beliefs and would be the main influence on our lives in the years to come, which were shattered when I was two years and five months old, when tragedy struck the family and my father died age 43 following an accident decorating the rear of the house. It was a blow which devastated my mother and the rest of the family and which would change our lives forever. My earliest recollection starts at this point in my life, I clearly remember my father lying in his coffin in the front room of the house, curtains drawn with an open space around the coffin. The organ my father played stood silent on one side. For the next few days friends and members of the family visited to convey their respect. The family were allowed to see their dad before the final closure of the coffin on the day of the funeral. The three youngest boys watched as the coffin was carefully loaded onto the large horse drawn hearse. I was fascinated by the two black horses adorned in all their regalia with Prince of Wales feathers moving with the horses’ heads, immaculate in their presentation. Whilst I did not understand what was happening the event is firmly etched in my memory. It was to be the beginning of my journey into the unknown. As I got older I witnessed my mother’s attempt to keep the family safe and secure. Money was short with the loss of the breadwinner, but fortunately the government had passed the widows and orphans legislation a few years earlier and my mother was entitled to a pension of ten shillings per week with seven shillings and six pence for the first child and five shillings for the rest. A total of one pound, seventeen shillings and sixpence - a difficult situation with three children attending school and two at home. There were many comings and goings during the following weeks, but notably was the day that a lady called on my mother to tell her that they wanted to take us into care. I was in the passage behind my mother and whilst I did not understand until years later the full meaning of this, it was a matter of grave consequence for my mother. She was a very strong willed Victorian person who refused to allow any of her children to be taken away, and I witnessed her maintaining her defence on the doorstep. This was a common occurrence in those days, and my mother later explained that my grandmother had lost her husband at a similar age. My father was taken into care and placed in an orphanage in Dartford, Kent. To my mother it looked like history repeating itself, and she was likely to loose her youngest children. Apparently my father was the youngest in his family with two other brothers who were older and left with their mother. Eventually the day came when my father reached 11 years old, when orphans could legally be reunited with their families. He travelled to London Bridge by steamship up the River Thames where the whole family turned out to welcome his return. My mother was well aware of the consequences that resulted from her situation and decided to fight for her rights. Fortunately she was successful in her bid

because there were a number of factors in her favour. The first was that she owned the house she was living in, which her husband had helped to build, with only a small loan outstanding. New legislation providing a widows and orphans pension ensured that she would not be penniless. Friends and family who could help, and the local church put pressure on to keep the family together. It was a major hurdle overcome. I was to learn over the years going to chapel three times a week, the help that was given. The chapel was part of the Plymouth Brethren and they paid off the final six months loan on the house. There was also a schedule D tax demand on the house and my mother was very worried. I remember her speaking to people about it, and the whole problem was taken out of her hands, and to my knowledge probably cancelled because it was never raised again. Another hurdle overcome. The next few years were busy with my mother settling into new routines, taking in washing, specialising in dress shirts with their stiff winged collars, on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wednesday we would all travel on the no 47 bus to Deptford to visit her mother and other members of the family. Housework, visits, shopping involved the rest of the week but Sunday was a day of rest and relaxation apart from cooking. Sunday School in the afternoon in our best clothes with an evening service for children to enable their parents to attend an adult service. During the winter months the whole family would sit around the fire and my mother would talk to us about the better things in life, teaching us parables and sayings. I can hear her voice now ‘ If you cannot do someone a good turn then never do them a bad one’., ‘ Do not get into debt because it is too difficult to get out of’ , ‘Help your neighbours and they will be willing to help you’ , ‘Respect friends and they will respect you’. Each week would bring another example of her love and dedication to her family. Over the years she gave us guidance, knowing too well that she could not be with five children all of the time. We would sit there in front of a roaring fire, toasting bread on long handled forks to be lashed with beautiful beef gravy and dripping, roasted in the large triplex oven next to the fire. Even today it makes my mouth water to think about it. The beef was provided by a neighbour but one, a Miss Lawson who every Friday would bring in a large brisket of beef and a whole Dutch Edam cheese. This was a God send, being full of nourishment and energy for four active boys. Every Christmas the local chapel would bring us half a ton of coal, which filled our coal bunker twice over, enough to see us through most of the cold weather. Although we were not ‘Salvationists’, in December every year we had to go to a hall in Brownhill Road to collect a Christmas hamper provided by the Salvation Army as a gift from their ‘Sunshine Band of Good Hope’. The hamper contained all the goodies for the family over the Christmas holiday and helped to relieve some of the extreme poverty that would otherwise have existed. Although as a family we had nothing, we had everything. By that I mean the help given by others made life much easier for my mother who worked until one and two in the morning to provide for her family. By the time I was four years old I was registered in the local infants’ school, about a mile from home and I started before I was five. The first class was more like an assessment unit with about 30 children of various ages. There were small bunk beds for some of the younger ones to have a sleep if they needed it, whilst the more energetic were taught games, painting and all the normal activities to acclimatise children to the routine and discipline to follow. I enjoyed my infant schooling and rapidly made progress in each class. However at about eight or nine my master was a Mr Barclay, and one day after physical training he wanted to cane me for doing something wrong. I did not know or understand why, so I refused to hold out my hand. Very soon I was struggling with the master as he tried to force me to take the cane. This went on for several minutes and the children in the class were jumping up and down laughing and cheering thinking it was all part of the lesson. Eventually Mr Barclay stopped and queried why I would not take my punishment. I replied that I did not know what I had done wrong. He replied that in the playground I was not keeping up with the rest of the class in physical training and that I was doing it deliberately. In view of this he ordered me to do 15 minutes detention standing in the hall after school for all to see. After classes were dismissed I stood in the hall and waited and waited. All the children had gone home with one or two cleaners about, but everything was dead. Suddenly one of the school masters came in and saw me standing there, and asked what I was doing. I explained I had to do 15 minutes detention for Mr Barclay. He turned me round facing a large clock on the wall and said ‘What time is it?’ I told him I didn’t know and he said that it was now quarter past four with the large minute hand 15 minutes past the hour, long past my 15 minutes detention and to go home immediately. He explained the clock face to me and how to tell the time, something I had never had to learn till then.

The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972 Page 11

C L U B S A N D O R G A N I S AT I O N S I N T H O R P E S T A N D R E W

SCHOOLS & PLAYGROUPS etc.

Acorn Playgroup, Mrs. Emma Gaskin, Tel 436934 Dussindale Primary School, Jane Worsdale, Head teacher, Vane Close Tel: 436180 Hillbillies Breakfast and After School Club, Mrs. Julie King, Tel 07969 681947 Hillside Avenue Primary School, Mrs. J Richardson, Head Teacher, Hillside Avenue, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0QW Tel 433453 Just Learning Nursery, (behind Bannatynes), North side, Broadland Business Park, Yarmouth Road, NR7 OHT Tel 300531 Kids Klub, Kerry Giles Tel 07900 904128 Langley Preparatory School and Nursery, Mr. S. Marfleet, Headmaster, 11 Yarmouth Road, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0EA Tel 433861 Pavilion Playgroup, Mrs S Whitney, 108 Furze Road, Thorpe St. Andrew Tel: 432065 or 462353 St Williams Way Primary School, Mr. N. Wood, Head Teacher, St Williams Way, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0AJ Tel 434128 Thorpe Toddlers, Wendy Reynolds, Village Hall, Tel: 300908 Thorpe Community Learning Centre, Longfields Road, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0NB Tel for bookings: 434249 Adult Education tel. no. for details of classes: 435857 Thorpe Community Under 3's, (Wednesday 9.30 – 11.00 term time) Lorraine Tel: 700789 Thorpe House School, Mr. A. Todd, BSc (Hons), Headmaster, 7 Yarmouth Road, NR7 OEA Tel 433055 Thorpe St Andrew School, Mr. I. Clayton, Principal, Laundry Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0XQ Tel 497711 Vineyard Tot Stop, Adult and Toddler (Dussindale Centre) Gillian Smith Tel: (01603) 300055

RELIGIOUS GROUPS Baptist, Witard Road, Heartsease Estate Rev. D. Adams Tel 432647 Adat Yeshua Messianic Synagogue, Rabbi Andrew Sheldrake, Email: [emailprotected] Tel: 464367 Church of England, Rev Barry Oake, 56a Thunder Lane, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0JW Tel 439754 Methodist Church, Heartsease Lane, Rev. Alan Wakeman Tel: 433936 Norwich Vineyard Thorpe Church, Meets Thorpe High School, Laundry Lane 10.30am Sundays For information Geoff Lawton Tel: 701750 Redeemed Christian Church of God Meets Dussindale Centre, Pound Lane, Thorpe St. Andrew Tel: 300044 Roman Catholic St George's Presbytery,

223 Sprowston Road, Norwich (for Church at St Williams Way, Thorpe St. Andrew) Tel 426971 Thorpe St. Andrew Spiritualist Church Mr. Smith Tel: 720362

SCOUTS, GUIDES etc. 15th Norwich Air Scouts, Mr. Stephen Wegg, Plumstead Road Tel 712699 15th Norwich Beavers, Mrs. Nichols Tel 449611 15th Norwich Cubs, Mrs. A Reed Tel 722287 15th Norwich Explorers, Mr. D Butcher Tel 432522 Brownies & Guides, Mrs. M. Myers, 6 Nursery Gardens, Blofield, NR13 4JE Tel 715883 1st Thorpe St Andrew Rangers, Mrs. C Cutting, 9 Eastern Close, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 OUG Tel 432274 th 1st Thorpe St Andrew (24 Norwich) Scout Group, Martin King, Common Lane Tel 437146

LEISURE / SPORT Badminton – intermediate standard – Wednesday nights at Dussindale Centre 8.30 – 10.30 p.m, Casuals Badminton Club – Tel: Stuart French (Day) 222391, (Eves) 469041 Ballet Classes for Children and Tap Classes for Adults, Julie Seeley Tel: 412470 County Arts Club, The Secretary, Plumstead Road East, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 9ND Tel 434529, Bowls instruction 12-2pm Saturdays Frostbite Sailing Club, Secretary: Mrs. S. E. Yapp, 96 Christchurch Road, Norwich NR2 3NG Tel 454567 Han Yung Hap-Ki-Do Association, Michael Rowles, 9 Piper Road, Thorpe St. Andrew Tel 01603 436837 Thorpe Leisure Bowls Club, (Sen. Citizens) Secretary: Mrs. R. Powell, 78 Gordon Avenue, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 ODP Tel: 434742 Hillside Old Boys F.C. Secretary – Brian Smith, 25 Bracknell Avenue, Sprowston, Norwich NR& 8XN Tel: 499092 Hillside Rovers F.C. Secretary – Duncan Crouch Tel: 434565 Ladies Keep Fit - Thursday 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Thorpe Community Learning Centre, Longfields Road Contact: Ann Bullen Tel: 434107 Exercise with Sally, Active 50 plus all welcome. Roxley Village Hall, Yarmouth Road, Tuesday 9 -10am. Sally Harrison Tel: 432487 Norwich Petanque Club – Meets Cottage P.H. Wednesday nights. Secretary – Norman Guest Tel: 419897 St Andrews F.C. & St. Andrews Youth Under 11's Mr. K. Beer, 88 17 Longfields Road, Tel 700049 St. Andrews Cricket Club, Gary Knights, Tel 01508 528961 The Clubhouse, Recreation Ground, Laundry Lane, T.S.A Stanmore Tennis Club, Secretary: Mr Greg Tyler,7 Cintra

Road, Thorpe Hamlet, NR1 4AE Tel462264 Starlight Express Majorettes, Maggie Brown 487161 Thorpe Bridge Club – Mrs. J. Fisher Tel: Norwich 436856 Thorpe Dolphins - Children 4-10 years – Kim Burrows Tel: 439690 Thorpe Kite Flyers, Mr. J. Arnott, 210 St. Faiths Road, Old Catton, Norwich, NR6 7AG Tel/Fax 429512 Thorpe Leisure Bowls Club, Mrs. J. Baker, 11a Hillside Avenue, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0QN Thorpe Recreation Bowls Club, Mr. P. W. Allen, 2 Rowton Heath, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 ONT Tel 435235 Thorpe Rovers F.C. Mr. D Wiseman, 4 Acacia Road, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0PP Tel 437601 Thorpe Tennis Club, Mrs. S Murrell, Kingston, 8 Lawn Crescent, Thorpe End, NR13 5BP Tel 432070 Thorpe Village F.C. Secretary - Mr. A. Meek, 8 Birchwood, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 ORL Yare Boat Club, Mr. A. Roper, 1 Nutfield Close, Norwich Tel: 502390

WOMENS' ORGANISATIONS East Thorpe WI - Mrs. J Palotai, 83 Beechwood Drive, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 OLN Tel: 461310 Mothers Union Mrs. Ann Cook, 3a Hillside Avenue, Thorpe St Andrew Tel: 433783 Thorpe Afternoon Townswomen's Guild, Mrs. D Batson, Chairman, Tel 434930 Thorpe Afternoon WI, Mrs. S Nunn, 16 Hillside Avenue, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0QW Tel 433052 Thorpe End WI, Secretary: Mrs. S. Aspinall Tel: 435412 (meet 7.15 p.m. third Thursday - Thorpe End Village Hall)

HEALTH ORGANISATIONS Broadland Homewatch and Commercialwatch, Mrs C. Robson, Administrator: Tel 01603 411013 Arthritis & Rheumatism Council, Thorpe Branch Mrs. P. J. Parker, 27 South Hill Road, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0PQ Tel 435863 Cheeky Monkeys – Family Support Group for children with A.D.H.D. and special needs –.Sheena 472899, Amanda 700664, Yvonne 486863 Coeliac Society, Mr. Hickling 720564 Local Volunteer Co-coordinator, Mrs. S. Ingram, Thorpe Health Centre, Williams Loke, Thorpe St. Andrew , NR7 OAJ Tel 439411 Lupus Society, Mrs. Winstanley 01263 822396 St. John Ambulance Adults, Trevor and Helen Daniels Tel: 471044 St. John Ambulance Cadets, Tracy Coxon Tel 01362 858182 St. John Ambulance Badgers, Muriel Davie Tel: 433528

SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS Citizens Advice Bureau, No appointment necessary, Wednesday mornings 9.30 – 12.30, Dussindale Surgery, Sainsbury’s Complex, Tel 660857 Da Engliscan Gesioas, (The English Companions) North Folk Branch. For all those interested in the history and culture of the period AD400 - 1100. John Chatwin Tel: 700028 Drama - St. Andrews Players, Mrs. S. Allen, 89 St. Williams Way, Thorpe St. Andrew Tel 436568 Drama - Thorpe Players, Mrs. I Munday, 2 Gunner Close, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 OYR Tel: 702777 Flower Club (Thorpe), Tel: 431732 (2nd Thursday at 7.30 p.m. except May – Heartsease Lane Methodist Hall) Horticultural Society, Mrs. W. Cogman, Tel: 431712 Library, St Williams Way Branch, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0AJ Tel 434123 Personal Development Group Mrs. C. Mannering Tel 439138 Rotary Club of Norwich Thorpe St. Andrew Contact: T. Sexty, 24 Stanley Avenue, Norwich, NR7 OBE Tel: 434246 Royal British Legion, Thorpe Branch, Mr. Ray Page, 64d Orchard Close, Norwich, NR7 9NZ Tel: (01603) 460964 Royal British Legion, Thorpe Branch, Women’s Section, Mrs. D Batson, 7 Finch Close, Norwich, NR7 9DX Tel: 434930 Sequence Dance, Dussindale Centre, Pound Lane, Mondays 8.15 – 10.30pm and 1st Saturday in month 8 – 11pm. Details from Tom / Hazel 01263 514497 Thorpe & District Gardening Club, Secretary: Mrs. M. Street, 37 Eastern Avenue, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 0UQ Tel 438370 (Meet Windmill P.H., Plumstead Rd., Norwich last Tuesday of month 7.30pm) Vintage Club, (Senior Citizens) Mr. E. Orford, 227 Thunder Lane, Thorpe St. Andrew, NR7 OJA Tel 435734 Yare Probus Club, Secretary Mr Stanley Deeks 21 The Street Rockland St Mary NR14 7ER Tel 01508 538329 To include your club or organisation in this list please contact the Town Council Clerk, Mr. S. Ford, Thorpe St Andrew Town Council, Dussindale Centre, Pound Lane, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, NR7 OSR or telephone 701048 (out of hours answer phone) Office Hours Monday to Thursday - 9.30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm, Friday - 9 am to 1 pm.

For more information on Thorpe St Andrew consult the Town Council website: www.thorpestandrew-tc.gov.uk

Page 12 The Beacon To advertise telephone (01603) 433972

Harts Cruisers of Thorpe Another modern yacht was the Kismet, built from mahogany and oak in 1910, having 5 berths and being sloop-rigged. The yacht, Thalia, 28 ft. and 5 berth was also available at £3 -10 shillings in the peak holiday period. Early in the 1920s George and Emma moved from the bungalow on the island to a house in Chapel Lane. By this time, Geoffrey and Winifred had set up home in Silver Street, opposite George White School. They had five children and Geoffrey worked full time at the yard with his father and his brothers, Fred and Norman. The bungalow on the island was then used for the winter storage of bed linen and mattresses. The boatyard in Wroxham was closed in 1924 and all business was then sited at Thorpe. Boats built in the 1920s included the 30ft. 5 berth motor cruiser, Phoenix (1926), the 32ft. 6 berth, motor cruiser Snipe and the 35ft. 8 berth cruiser Seagull. The Seagull was the pride of the fleet before George died. The Thorpe yard continued to prosper - which was just as well as it had to support so many families! In 1927, George died, aged 64, and the yard was left jointly to Geoffrey, Fred and Norman. Geoffrey bought out the other brothers and continued running the yard as G. Hart and Son. Many boats were built in the next few years including Yvonne and Yvette, Ace of Hearts, Five, Six, Seven and Eight of Hearts, Premier l & II, Peewit I &II. Yvonne was named after Geoffrey's daughter and was designed and built in 1929, Yvette in 1930. Both boats are rated as first class motor cruisers in Blake's catalogues. By this time all of Harts cruisers had selfstarting engines, Valor Perfection double burner gas stoves, lavatories, sinks and "self-generating lighting!!" This was real luxury for many no doubt. The main supplier of wood for the boats was Taylors of Wroxham. Taylors were advertised as The Most Up to Date English Timber Sawmills in Broadland'. They occupied a 7.5 acre site on Stalham Road, with a head office at Tunstead Road. They supplied wood for coachbuilders, wheelwrights, fencers, collieries, builders and undertakers to name but a few! They stocked steamed beech, veneer butts, oak crooks, wainscot and

quartered oak, masts and spars, furniture squares, turnery blanks and cleft oak paling, as well as 'every kind of English and foreign hard and soft woods'. They specialised particularly in boat building timber, so no doubt Harts used only the best for their boats. The frames were built from seasoned oak with hemlock or pine planks. The topsides and internal fittings were mahogany. Geoffrey would travel to Wroxham to choose the wood and Taylors would deliver it on their lorries to Thorpe. The wood was then ferried across the river to the big shed where the cruisers were constructed. Geoffrey's son, Richard, joined his father when he left school. Richard soon left the yard and went to train as a boat designer at the Institute of Naval Architects. Once he had learnt his trade, he returned to Thorpe to start designing new boats for Harts. In 1931 Geoffrey and the family moved to a larger house in Rosary Road, not far from the boatyard. Peter was the youngest of Geoffrey's children and when he left Bracondale School he went to work at Lawrence and Scott, an Electrical Engineering works in Norwich. When the Second World War broke out Peter applied to join the Merchant Navy and was accepted but later found that as he was working in a reserved occupation he had to stay in Norwich. Throughout the War he continued making searchlights, electric motors, ammunition hoists and components for military vehicles. Harts continued building boats until the War, but all building stopped during the War years. Some yards on the Broads were involved in the war effort and built a range of vessels for the Navy but it was impossible for Harts to produce Naval boats as the two bridges crossing the river put enormous constrictions on the size of boats built. The Second War put an end to all holidays on the Broads. The cruisers from Harts were taken to Rockland Broad where they were all tied together like a giant raft and left moored there for the duration of the hostilities. Two boats, a two and four berth were returned later to Thorpe where they were used by the Home Guard to patrol the rivers and keep the waterways 'safe'. Geoffrey Hart's skills as a boatbuilder were in

continued from page 9

demand and he left Norfolk to travel to Wooton on the Isle of Wight. There he helped build Fairmile rescue boats which kept him away from his Winifred for the whole war. While son, Peter, was busy at Lawrence and Scott, brother Richard was drafted into the Royal Air Force, as was Frank Gooch, the yard foreman from Harts. Happily, both men survived the war and returned to Thorpe. Geoffrey, too, came home to gather together his boats and pick up the pieces of the family business. But things were not easy. Petrol continued to be rationed, which made cruising difficult. The wooden boats had been left in the water with no maintenance during the war and suffered somewhat, three boats never returned to Thorpe as they were in such poor condition thay had to be scrapped! He returned safely to Thorpe after the hostilities. The boats, built during the early part of the 20th Century, were all round bilged, carvel construction on oak frames. The size of the boats was determined by the height of the railway bridges that spanned the gap between the island and the village. The height of the boats had to be such that they passed under the bridges, to allow them to cruise onto the Yare and join the Broads system. For the first year of letting, in 1946, the boats were towed to Whitlingham Reach and let as houseboats, moored up by the banks. The following year petrol was available for cruising, but things were very hard for the industry generally and cash flow was always a problem. Shortly after the war, an opportunity arose for the yard to change radically, but not as Harts! In 1948 a new name became involved with Harts. Commander Ashby had asked Harts to convert a Naval Gun boat into a houseboat so that he and his wife could live on it. The Ashbys were looking to invest in a business and approached Geoffrey with a proposition which resulted in a new company being formed, that of Hearts Cruisers. The main shareholder was Commander Ashby (51%) with Geoffrey, Richard, Peter and Frank Gooch holding the remaining shares. The firm of Harts Cruisers had ceased; it had effectively been sold to the Commander. In 1949, Blakes catalogue advertised two 32 ft.

cruisers, Five and Six of Hearts (4 berths), two 34 ft. cruisers Knave and Ten of Hearts (6 berths), two-34ft. cruisers, Two and Four of Hearts (6 berths), and the Ace of Hearts (39.5 ft.). This was an 8-berth boat. All these boats were hard chine, carvel boats, which was the new method of construction. This proved to be a fair season for Hearts with a profit of approximately £850, hardly a fortune, but at least a profit! River tolls for the year were £57 and wages £2000. At a time of mass emigration to New Zealand, Richard decided he needed to set up his own business. There were many opportunities available to a hardworking Englishmen in this country. He sold his shares to the Commander which gave him some capital and Dick took the plunge and left England with his wife (also named Winifred), and his four children, Raymond (12), Dennis (10), Carol (8) and Richard (5). The family settled near Auckland and Dick started his own business, doing what he knew best, designing and building boats. Later, after Raymond and Dennis left school, they each served boatbuilding apprenticeships and started the firm Hart Brothers Marine that still exists today. The brothers were for designing and building responsible Beachcombers, 6.5 metre yachts, which proved very popular in New Zealand. Raymond was unfortunately killed in a freak accident in the 1970s whilst he was working on one of his yachts in Little Shoal Bay, Northcote, near Auckland. He was hit and knocked overboard by the boom and being unconscious, drowned before his brother, who was also in the boat could reach him. Back in England, Peter, too, made the decision to leave Hearts. He sold his shares and went to work for Post Office telephones shortly after Dick emigrated. Soon afterwards, Geoffrey retired and so there were no Harts left at Hearts Cruisers. The Commander and his wife continued to run the business from his M.G.B. moored on the island, but the five generations of Harts were no longer involved. Although the boatyard remains to this day, the only Hart in boatbuilding now lives on in New Zealand a long way from the sleepy village pub where John began.