The Mallard

Issue 401 July 2025

MASSINGHAM WANDERERS
CELEBRATING TWO INCREDIBLE YEARS

F ounded in 2023 in the beautiful setting of Massingham,

the young Wanderers have come a long way in just two
short years. What started as a small idea has grown into
something truly special, with children from across the
county now proudly applying their trade on the stunning
football pitch at Massingham Village Hall.
For the coaches, this journey has been nothing short of
incredible. We’ve watched children who had never played
for a team before step up and become key players, forming
new friendships, growing in confidence and creating memo-
ries that will last a lifetime.
None of this would be possible without the incredible families who support us week in,
week out, your commitment and encouragement mean the world to us. We also owe a
huge thank you to our sponsors—your generosity has helped turn a dream into a reality.
We are especially grateful to Massingham Village Hall for giving us a home at the heart
of the village. It’s a partnership we truly value and hope to continue for many years to
come. The Village Hall has also been the perfect venue for two fantastic presentation
evenings, where we’ve had the pleasure of celebrating the hard work and achievements
of our fine young gentlemen.
Football training takes place every Thursday from 6pm to 7pm at Massingham Village
Hall—new faces are always welcome.
Here’s to many more seasons of growth, teamwork and community spirit.
For enquiries regarding the Football Club please contact Tim Kavanagh on
07400 021360 or email [email protected].

1
Mallard News
This parish magazine is WANTED SMALL ITEMS FOR SHOEBOXES
published every month for the
residents of Great and Little Small items are requested to fill shoeboxes for children in need
Massingham with the support of through the charity Teams4U
the Great Massingham Parish
Council, the Parochial Church
(search “Teams4U” on Google for more information).
Council and Massingham Items such as stationery, toiletries, gloves, hats, toys (don’t
Village Hall Trustees. have to be new but in good condition) would be gratefully
Contact Details: received.
Editor: Sarah Harvey
Byanoak, Leicester Road,
If not at home, please leave any donations in the greenhouse.
South Creake, NR21 9PW Jenny Borley - 01485 520542
Tel: 01328 823391
e-mail: HARPLEY VILLAGE HALL
[email protected] Coffee Mornings SAVE THE
Website: 12th July & 9th August 10-12 midday DATE
www.greatmassingham.net Regular Events
Deadline for the Chair Fit: Mondays 10.30 -11.15am MACMILLAN
next issue Harpley Choir: Mondays 7.30pm COFFEE
17th July Pilates: Tuesdays 6.15 – 7.15pm AFTERNOON
2025 Table Tennis: Thursdays 5.00 – 7.00pm at the Village Hall
In This Issue Fitness Pilates: Fridays 9.00am 20th September
Contact: [email protected] or between 2-4pm,
• Massingham Wanderers visit www.harpleyvillagehall.uk
• Shoe Box Items
• Harpley VH Events
• MacMillan Coffee PM CRAFT & CHAT VILLAGE HALL
• From 2pm to 4pm
•
Craft & Chat
Bingo at the
BINGO
• Village Hall AGM Village Hall Bar Friday 4th July
• Community Cars Monday Doors open 7 pm,
• Community Lunch 7th & 21st July Eyes down for 7.30pm
• Historical Society At Great Massingham
• Film Night Everyone welcome.
• Rumble in the Jumble
• Bat Evening Great Massingham Village Hall Trustees’
• Quiz Night (VH) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
• Mobile Library will be held in the village hall at 7.30 pm on 15th July, 2025
• News from the Hall
• Quiz Night (DD PH) Nominations to become a Trustee are invited and need to
• GM Surgery be submitted by 30th June, 2025.
• Trefoil Guild To indicate your interest and find out more about the
• FOSALM Concert conditions relating to an application, please contact:
• Month of May in GM
Helen Morrell at [email protected]
• SWLA Heath Project
• NDP Meeting Date All are welcome to attend.
• Play Area Survey
• Village Fund Initiative URGENT need for Community Cars drivers.
• Village Yard Sales
• Parish Council We are running somewhat short of drivers which makes
• Church Services meeting trip requirements difficult to fill. If you are a driver
• From the Rector and would be willing to spare a little time to take a passenger
• Parish Walks to a required destination, please get in touch with our office.
• Biodiversity News Many thanks in anticipation. Neil Steed
• Norfolk Churches Trust
• Dates at a Glance Community Cars: 01485 520823
2
 COMMUNITY LUNCH MASSINGHAM
Tuesday 15th July, Village Hall Bar HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Arrive 12.30pm, eat at 1pm Friday July 18th
Quiche, Salad, and Crusty bread. DROVERS TALES
Followed by Cheesecake Talk & Presentation
Menu £8.00
Come & meet friends for a chat.
The Bar will be open.
To book lunch please contact
Deborah Lambert on
07493 406501 by Friday 11th July

FILM NIGHT
7 for 7.30pm at the Village Hall
Thursday 17th July By Jeff Hoyle
7.30pm at The Village Hall
‘A complete Unknown’
tracing the early years of Bob Dylan’s PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY
rise to fame. INTER-VILLAGE SPORTS
£5 (plus a complementary drink Guests £3 Bar open

Village Hall Fundraising Summer Fete

RUMBLE IN THE JUMBLE
At Great Massingham Village Hall
Sunday 13th July 10am—12 Midday A BAT EVENING
FREE ENTRY will take place at St Andrew’s Church
Plants, Refreshments, Tombola, Little Massingham
Cake Stall, Games on Saturday 9th August.
Please drop all donations to Helen Morrell Start time 7.00 pm.
[email protected] All welcome, full details next month!
This is a St Andrew’s Church PCC event.
Clothes must be clean and in good condition

QUIZ NIGHT AT GREAT MASSINGHAM VILLAGE HALL

Thursday 24th July to be held in the bar of the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Entry is £2.00 per person or £4.00 for non-members.
Either come along as a team, maximum of six, or join a team on the night.
Please do not hesitate to email me, [email protected], or call me on
07908 244421 for further information.
Following an August break the next quiz night will be on 25th September.

MOBILE LIBRARY - 4th July, 1st & 29th August 2025

Outside 59 Station Rd 1.35 to 1.50 pm | Sunnyside 1.55 to 2.15 pm
Outside the Church 2.20 to 2.40 pm | Weasenham Rd 2.45 to 2.55 pm
3
Mallard News
NEWS FROM THE HALL
Hello again! Who knows what the weather forecast for
July will be, however, if you come along to the Village
Hall you will receive a warm welcome. Don’t forget,
we would really welcome YOUR ideas for events, what
would you like to see at the hall, perhaps something
that you enjoyed in the past that you would like us to put on again? A suggestion box is
being installed in the bar - so, please use it—politely, of course!
Our AGM will be held at 7.30 pm - at the hall - on Tuesday, 15th July, so this is an
opportunity to air your views. Everyone is welcome. The Quiz - with free curry - sold
out almost as soon as it was advertised. Obviously a popular idea, so sure to be repeated.
Rumble in the Jumble is on Sunday, 13th July and will run from 10 am until 12 noon.
Come along and get a bargain—or many - and enjoy some refreshments while you are
here. It promises to be even bigger and better with a cake stall, plants for sale, a huge
Tombola, bric a brac and toys. The usual hall events include auctions on 6th and 27th
July, a Community Lunch on 15th July and Film Night on 17th, this time featuring ‘A
Complete Unknown’ - everything you wanted to know about Bob Dylan. The 5th
July is the Charity Football match - from 12 noon onwards and the School Fayre is on
11th from 4 - 6 pm. Mick Fisher is back on 12th July, tickets only £7 for a great evening
of music 7-10 pm. Creative Arts East has confirmed ‘Gelli Printing’ on 16th July and
then in August, they are offering a session on the use of air-dry clay and plant materials.
The Historical Society is commemorating VJ Day on 15th August, followed by artists
from the SWLA celebrating our heath - both at the hall and the heath. Please remember
the Hall and Bar are available for hire by all. For availability and to discuss the very
reasonable - and flexible - booking rates please contact Debbie at the hall.
Enjoy the sun …

CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL QUIZ NIGHT!

Wow! Our quiz night on Tuesday, June 17th, 2025, at The Dabbling Duck was an
absolute blast, all thanks to you, our incredible quizzers!
We're ecstatic to announce that we raised a fantastic £365.50 for the 1st Snettisham
Guide and Scout Group! Your generosity will directly support exciting adventures and
valuable skill-building for our local young people.
A huge thank you to Robert Taylor for orchestrating such a brilliant event, and to The
Dabbling Duck for being such wonderful hosts (and for those delicious Chicken Thigh
Cacciatore meals!). Plus, a big shout-out to everyone who contributed to the raffle and
50-50 draw – every bit helped
us reach our amazing total.
Special thanks must go to Joint
Quizmasters, Malcolm Tibble
and Jane Taylor for getting us
through. Malcolm wrote the
questions and Jane kept score.
Well done, as well, to Ann
Bowen in her tireless striving to
sell more and more 50-50
tickets.”

4
Shop window

THE
CARTSHED
TEAROOM
Church Lane Great
Massingham
01485 520 272
Opening times 9am to 4pm, 7 days a week.
All food cooked and prepared with local
ingredients and all cakes home made.
Look out for information on special events over
the spring and summer

email: [email protected]
website: www.thecartshedtearoom.co.uk
To look at the menu or book a table.

Approved coal and

solid fuel merchant All building work undertaken
Quality assured. Renovation & newbuild
For Quality Fuels at the
Best Prices

Phone: 01485 520637 15, Cross Street, Harpley, King’s Lynn PE31 6TJ
Mobile: 07780 776576 [email protected]

H. I. S. TV, Video, DVD & Satellite Sales, Set-up & Repairs

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES • 30 Years Experience
• Free Estimates
TRADITIONAL Tim Margereson • All Makes & Models • Work Guaranteed
BUILDING 3 Weasenham Rd • Qualified Engineer • Discount for OAP’s
Gt. Massingham PE32 2EY
WORKS • Sales, Repairs, Installations & Tuning Services
& Call 07786 618787 or
RENOVATIONS 01485 520745 White Cottage, School Road, Necton (opp Rectory

Carol Walker MCFHP MAFHP

Ducklings Preschool Registered Member of the British
Great Massingham Association of Foot Health Professionals
Charity Number 91991
Foot Health Practitioner
For children age 2-4
Foot Healthcare in Your Home
Contact us now to arrange a visit Contact: [email protected]
[email protected]
or text 07807 185746
Tel: 07714 192 521

5
 GREAT MASSINGHAM SURGERY
The surgery has taken the decision to have the clothes bank removed from the car park
due to the increasing amounts of bags and sacks of clothes that are left when the bin is
full. Staff at the surgery are having to tidy up the mess. This week, not only bags of
clothes that have been ransacked, a sack of beer and cider cans left behind the bin. A
mattress had been forced into the bin, hence not being able to deposit anything else.
The paper bank is also going to be removed as the company M.W.White are not finding
it financially viable anymore.
PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ANY CLOTHES OR PAPERS AT THE SURGERY

MASSINGHAM AND DISTRICT TREFOIL GUILD

In June, we welcomed Kate from Hunstanton RNLI who, after an unforeseen late start,
gave an enthusiastic and informative presentation. A cheque for £75 was presented, £46
having been raised on the night. Thanks to all who came to support this worthy cause.
This month we are finding out about the Congham Embroidery at St.Andrew’s Church,
where we will be viewing the set of 40 canvas-work hassocks.
Looking forward to September, we will be back in Great Massingham Village Hall
where we will be welcoming Geoff and Bev Randall talking about birds and
bird-watching. Joan Woodard

ORGAN CONCERT – ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, LITTLE MASSINGHAM

The organ concert held at St Mary’s Church on Sunday 8th June was an absolutely
fantastic event. The church was filled to capacity with an enthusiastic audience who
thoroughly enjoyed a varied and uplifting programme of music.
We are delighted to share that the concert raised just under £1,000 – a tremendous
contribution towards the upkeep and work of the church. A heartfelt thank you to
everyone who attended, supported, and helped organise this special event.

Shop window

6
Shop window
For advice you can trust LOGS READY TO BURN
KINDLING AND LOG
NETS ALSO AVAILABLE
SUPPLIED & DELIVERED
CALL MARK
07766223438 or email
[email protected]

Over 25 years experience,

17Th Edition qualified,
Part P registered
1 Old Post Office Street, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 9BL
Tel: 01328 863 131
Also at: 15 Market Place, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6BE
Tel: 01263 712 023
email: [email protected] - www.butcherandrews.co.uk

The Dabbling Duck

Landlords Electrical Testing
Electrical Upgrades
Breakfast 8.00am - 10am
All Work Fully Insured Lunch Midday - 2.30pm
and reduced menu 2.30pm to 5.30pm
For your free estimate please call Adam Prime on Evening 5.30pm - 9pm
01485 601141 Sunday Midday - 8.00pm
07765 786709
[email protected] Pizza and Street Food
In the Barn, Garden or as
Takeaway on
Fridays and Saturdays
PRIVATE WING WITH TWO BEDROOMS, From 3pm
SNOOKER ROOM, BREAKFAST ROOM - KITCHENETTE Order from the Pub or online
AND GARDEN For more information visit
Contact Su’en Miller
www.thedabblingduck.co.uk
Parsley Barn,
Tel: 01485 520 988 Weasenham Rd, THE DABBLING DUCK
Mob: 07968 246 083 Great Massingham,
Email:[email protected]
11 Abbey Rd, Great Massingham.
King’s Lynn,
Or book via www.airbnb.co.uk PE32 2EY 01485 520 827

32 Walcups Lane, Great Massingham, PE32 2HR

Email: [email protected]

7
 THE WONDERFUL MONTH OF MAY IN GREAT MASSINGHAM
A Month Full of Vibrant Events and Community Spirit
May in Great Massingham unfolded with a flurry of activity, showcasing the remarkable
vibrancy of this historic village. From charity runs to artistic residencies and heritage
celebrations, the community came together to create memorable experiences, enriching
its cultural and social fabric.
Fighter 5K Charity Run
The month kicked off with the inaugural
Fighter 5K Charity Run, hosted by the
West Norfolk Athletic Club at the historic
RAF Great Massingham airfield. This
ambitious race, designed to replace the
long-standing Houghton Hall XC, was a
resounding success. With nearly 300
runners from clubs across Norfolk, the
event created a buzzing atmosphere at the
airfield. Inspired by the growing
popularity of the Wroxham 5K, race
director Benjamin Collison aimed to
provide local runners with a fast and competitive official 5K race.
The event also served a charitable purpose, raising £500 for the East Anglian Air
Ambulance and collecting donations for the Purfleet Pantry. Thanks to the generous
support of Leicester House Farm and the dedication of the organisers, the Fighter 5K
became a shining example of community collaboration.
SWLA Massingham Heath Project: The Society of Wildlife Artists launched the
Massingham Heath Project in May, bringing together 35 European artists—18 in a
Norfolk residency—to create wildlife-inspired art, culminating in an exhibition at the
GM Social Club on August 16th and 17th.
Historical Society Booklet: May also marked the launch of a heritage guide by the
Massingham Historical Society. The 24-page booklet serves as a fantastic resource for
those eager to delve into the rich history of Great Massingham. Packed with brilliant
information and crafted with exceptional quality, the guide stands as a valuable souvenir
for both residents and visitors alike. This publication underscores the village’s
commitment to preserving and sharing its fascinating heritage.
Classics on the Green: The month wrapped up with the "Classics on the Green" event,
demonstrating how Great Massingham continues to attract
the best events, exhibits and tourists, generating income
naturally through its unique events.
Combined with the many other assets the village already
boasts, these gatherings illustrate a bright and promising
future for this remarkable community.
The Future for Great Massingham
With such a vibrant array of events and the unwavering
support of local volunteers and organisations, Great
Massingham is flourishing. The dedication of its residents
and the charm of its heritage, point to a bright and
prosperous future. The village is not just thriving—it is
evolving into an even more dynamic and welcoming place.
Indeed, the future looks "Amazing-ham!"
What will June Bring? Bob Bones

8
 SWLA MASSINGHAM HEATH PROJECT
Members of the Society of Wildlife Artists have been
revisiting the heath to record the changes since their
residency in May. Planning is underway for future
public events and the next will be over the weekend
of 16th and 17th of August, both on the heath and in
the village. There will be several events including an
exhibition based at the Village Hall with opportuni-
ties to take part in a workshop, art-based walks within
the village and an art trail on the heath. The Art Trail
will again be a chance to meet and chat to artists at
work but this time with a new cast of artists and
subjects. More details will be in next month’s Mal-
lard and on www.swla.co.uk where there is also a
full report on the May residency. Tim Baldwin
(Amie Haslen SWLA sketching clustered bellflowers)
FORTHCOMING DATE FOR THE NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The NDP Committee need to consult on the Village’s opinion to change or maintain
Great Massingham’s development boundary.
The development boundary is a line drawn on the planning map to define the edge of the
built-up area of the village. It distinguishes between areas where development is
generally acceptable (within the boundary) and the surrounding countryside where
development is more restricted. The boundary is intended to help to manage growth,
protect the character of the village, and direct any development to the existing ‘built-up’
area.
On 21st July between 5.00pm and 7.00pm the NDP Committee invite you to a
‘Development Boundary Walkabout’. Starting at the Well, we will walk the boundary to
assess its suitability and garner your views for the planning the NDP will propose.
We hope you can join us for this evening event.

NEW VILLAGE PLAYGROUND – HAVE YOUR SAY!

Exciting plans are in motion to redevelop the children’s playground behind the Village
Hall! We’re aiming to create a safe, inclusive, and fun space for children of all ages –
and we want to hear your ideas.
We Need Your Input! Help shape the design by telling us:
- What equipment would your family love to see?
- What features matter most to you? (e.g. seating, shade, toddler area)
Take Our 2-Minute Survey: Scan the QR code below
Why It Matters: Your feedback will guide our choices and ensure the playground
reflects the needs of our whole community.

9
 MASSINGHAM VILLAGE FUND INITIATIVE: Community Spirit in Action
We are delighted to share an update on this year’s Massingham Village Fund
Initiative (VFI), now in its fourth successful year. A heartfelt thank you goes out to
everyone who submitted applications and to all those who continue to support the Pub's
fundraising efforts. This community-led initiative has proven year after year just how
powerful local generosity can be.
As always, 100% of every pound donated goes directly to the chosen causes, with
absolutely no deductions for admin or office costs. All work is volunteered, and we’re
proud to continue operating this initiative in the true spirit of community support.
This Year’s VFI Beneficiaries: We received five applications, each proposing
valuable contributions to the fabric of village life:
Massingham Allotment Association – seeking support for continued maintenance of
their access road and some much-needed tree trimming.
Great Massingham Coronation Club – aiming to provide entertainment throughout the
year so all members, especially those with limited means, can enjoy the activities.
Massingham Wanderers Junior Football Club – hoping to put funds toward new
equipment, particularly new goalposts essential to their matches and training.
Great Massingham Biodiversity Project – continuing the development of their nature
project along Weasenham Road and investing in additional equipment.
Anonymous Applicant – details will be shared in due course once their national funding
bid has progressed further.
At this stage, beneficiaries 1 through 4 will each receive 25% of half of the funds raised,
with the remaining half being donated to Wells Lifeboat Station, a cause close to many
of our hearts. If the anonymous applicant secures their national grant, they will join the
distribution, with all five groups receiving 20% of the VFI half, backdated to the quarter
in which their funding is confirmed.
We’re also continuing our support of a small discretionary pot for one-off grants to help
local groups with specific events or smaller needs. If your group has a smaller
project in mind, do consider applying!
How You Can Help
Please encourage friends and family to visit the Pub—every table booked helps. The
more we raise, the more we can give back. Every single pound makes a difference.

GREAT MASSINGHAM VILLAGE YARD SALES 2025

We are pleased to announce that the village yard sales will take place again on
Sunday 18th August 2025. Starting from 9am and finishing at 1pm.
This very popular event is always well supported and draws interest from local residents
and visitors to the village. As before residents are able to host their own yard sale at
home or occupy a pitch on the village green.
This year we are looking to welcome entries from residents of both Harpley and Little
Massingham to join the event by taking a pitch on the village green.
To take part we ask sellers for a modest pitch fee of just £5. The proceeds collected
from the event will be donated to a local cause as yet to be identified. Entrants are asked
to register with the event coordinator by 10th August. A map of the village identifying
the location of yard sales including those on the green will be produced an sold via the
village shop at £1 each.
Please note: This is a community event for residents only – no commercial traders
or professional sellers, thank you.
Entries & enquiries please to event coordinator Graham Woodcock -
[email protected] or call/text 07387007148.
10
Shop window
PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS
CHAPELS OF REST l MEMORIALS

Behind every independent business

is a family that cares
www.tfs.co.uk

King’s Lynn 01553 771 399 Swaffham 01760 721 305

Dersingham 01485 598 598

JJs Flowers
Funeral Tributes,
Weddings, Bouquets
Miss Julie Morters JJs flowers
01485 609 125 or @ JJs FlowersJulieMorters
07884 238 438
[email protected]
The Birches, St Andrews Lane, Congham, PE32 1DY

Plumbing & Heating

Justin Anderson Company

LOCAL, RELIABLE & FRIENDLY BUSINESS

General Gardening and Pest Control For all your plumbing needs from dripping taps &
leaking toilets to full bathroom & heating installations.
For any enquiries please contact Justin on: A.T. Norfolk Plumbing & Heating
Mobile: 07879 087497 Call 01485 518 648 or 0773 333 5845 or
Email: [email protected] Find us on GOOGLE & FACEBOOK

11
 GREAT MASSINGHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Finance & Audit: The annual accounts for the year ending 31st March 2025, the
internal audit report, and the Annual Governance and Accountability Return are
available on the Parish Council website for anyone wishing to review them.
Supporting Older Drivers – ‘Drive Safe’ Campaign: Norfolk County Council has
launched the Drive Safe initiative to help older residents stay confident behind the
wheel. Free resources include the GOLD course – a one-hour refresher with tailored
advice. Visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/drivesafe to learn more.
Free Home Fire Safety Checks: Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire
safety visits for over-65s and those with disabilities. These include safety advice and, if
needed, smoke alarms or heat detectors. Call 0300 123 1669 or complete a check online.
New Noticeboards & Millennium Bench: Two larger noticeboards will be installed
soon – one for Parish Council news and one for community notices. The Millennium
bench will also be replaced and fitted with a commemorative plaque.
Dog Waste Bins: To support responsible dog ownership, two new bins will be installed
at the junction of Weasenham Road and Station Road, and on Abbey Road.
Playground Redevelopment – Plans are underway to redevelop the playground behind
the Village Hall. Residents are encouraged to complete a short survey. See page 9.
More Information: For this month’s full article, visit the Parish Council website and
go to the News page. Next Meeting: Monday 21st July 2025 at 7.30pm.
To contact the Clerk, Sarah Harvey you can telephone 01328 823391, email
[email protected] or write to Byanoak, Leicester Road, South Creake,
NR21 9PW. Visit the Parish Council website: www.greatmassingham-pc.info

Church Services July 2025

Date Time Service Location

Wednesday 2nd July 9.00 am Holy Communion Harpley
Sunday 6th July 8.30 am Holy Communion Roydon
3rd Sunday after Trinity 9.30 am Family Holy Communion Harpley
10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Family Service Gt Massingham
Sunday 13th July 8.30 am Holy Communion Congham
4th Sunday after Trinity 10.30 am Holy Communion Gayton
10.30 am Holy Communion Gt Massingham
Wednesday 16th July 9.00 am Holy Communion Grimston
Sunday 20th July 9.30 am Family Service Harpley
5th Sunday after Trinity 10.30 am Holy Communion Grimston
10.30 am Songs of Praise Gt Massingham
Sunday 27th July 8.30 am Holy Communion Ashwicken
6th Sunday after Trinity 10.30 am Holy Communion Gayton
10.30 am Holy Communion Lt Massingham
3.00 pm Celtic Service Gayton Thorpe
For more news and alterations to services please visit our benefice website at
www.ggmbenefice.uk
12
Message for Parishioners from Rev’d Sue Martin
Dear Friends,
July and August are usually the hottest months in the year. Our weather
patterns are definitely changing so let’s hope that the next two months give
us chance to be outside, to enjoy the warmth and long days and to share in
time together with family and friends.
Having spent most of my professional life in primary schools, this time of year is filled
with mixed emotions; time for the long summer break but also time for change and
transition. In July we say a fond farewell to Yr 6 children in our schools as they journey
on into secondary education. A time for huge changes for themselves as they find real
interest in exploring more about the world and deeper insight into learning.
Primary education gives them a firm bedrock and foundation for all their future learning.
How exciting is that? It’s so difficult to know and think about how they will be equipped
for their own lives, What will the world be like in the next ten or twenty years as they
enter the workplace? If you have started to even think about AI, artificial intelligence this
will undoubtedly be something that will be a strong part of their lives in the future.
All of our Yr 6 pupils will receive a Bible as a mark of their time in our primary schools.
Bibles are packed with information and can sit on the shelves for the future and be there
to find something out. I hope that they are looked at during the young person’s life and
passages are read giving insight into knowledge about God and Jesus. But the message I
hope comes across is that God loves them all and is there to help.
Last month I mentioned that I enjoy watching the sunsets from the upstairs lounge in our
house. The very long days mean that it is nearly 10.00pm before it starts to get dark. The
sun is now the furthest towards the north that it gets and after June 21 st will then start its
trajectory southwards., I wonder if you enjoy the longer days, I certainly do.
August is a month for holidays and days out. We know that many people enjoy coming
to Norfolk to be in the countryside or to be at the wonderful Norfolk coast, with long
sandy beaches, Whether you are travelling further afield or spending time in our
beautiful villages and countryside, I hope that you have some time to share with each
other and have fun!
God Bless. Rev’d Sue Martin, Assistant Priest

Walks Around the Parishes for 2025

These popular outings are excellent social events, giving you a
chance to meet neighbours from across the Benefice.
Please wear sturdy footwear—many paths are uneven or muddy.
Why not join us sometime? Mark the dates in your diaries!
Wednesday 2nd July at 2pm from St Mary’s, Great Massingham PE32 2JA
Approx 1 hour; 2.5 miles but several options along the way to shorten the route.
Refreshments at St Mary's available from 2:30pm
Wednesday 6th August at 6:30pm from St Andrew’s, Congham PE31 1DT. An
hour’s walk returning to church for refreshments 7:30pm
Saturday 6th September at 3pm start at Abbey Farm, East Walton PE32 1PP
A walk of 3 or 4 miles ‘on the wild side’ ~ come along to see the progress of the
re-wilding project at East Walton. Refreshments from 4:30pm
More details on the website or contact Rosemary Mehers [email protected]
or Rev’d Sue Martin [email protected]

13
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PRIMROSE COTTAGE
Weasenham Road, Great Massingham
Self-catering accommodation
Sleeps 2. Weekly or short breaks available,
minimum 3 nights. Parking & dog friendly.
Contact Christine Riches
Tel:01485/520216, Mob: 0779 206 8143
Email: [email protected]
website: www.christines-norfolk-cottages.co.uk

Great Massingham Heath Farm Shop

Village Hall and Bar Family run business
Opening Hours
selling quality &
Monday to Thursday - 7pm to 10.30pm
bespoke meat and
Friday - 7pm to 11.30pm
Saturday 4pm to 11.30pm produce, from our own
Sunday 12 noon to 6.00 pm farm & local Suppliers
With some flexibility for special events and Heath farm Shop, Lynn Lane,
Great Massingham, Norfolk, PE32 2HJ
occasions. All Welcome.
01485 520 828
Please come along and support.
Open 9 - 5, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
Memberships Excellent facilities. 9 - 6 Thursday and 9 - 1 Saturday
due from the Good beer, wines and
1st April. spirits at competitive
The fee is £12.50 prices. Outdoor
per person for drinking area.
all adults over WiFi, Pool Table &
eighteen. Sky on large screen.

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Useful Contacts
Organisation Contact Phone No/Email Address
Allotment Association Daisy Robinson 07979 723 288
Biodiversity Project Tim Baldwin 520 813
Borough Councillor Alistair Beales [email protected]
Bell Ringing Dale Gagen 520 024
Bowls Club Malcolm Hipkin 520 393
Cartshed Tearoom Jemma Whitmore 520 272 (Option 3)
Church Contacts Stephen Hudson 07949 989 977
Community Car Scheme Office 520 823
Coronation Club Jill Whitmore 520 609
County Councillor Stuart Graham Dark 07450 679 355
Craft & Chat Sue Nash 520 476 & 07802670711
Dabbling Duck Pub Mark Dobby 520 827
Doctors Massingham Surgery 520 521
The Film Night Arthur Allen 07810 042816
Fishing Warden Connor Macleod PC Clerk 01328 823391
Trefoil Guild Rita Gostling 520 730
Massingham Historical Society Jeanne Robinson 520 455
Massingham Stores & Post Office Mark Eldridge 520 272 (Options 1 & 2)
Neighbourhood Plan Jess Cunningham [email protected]
Parish Council Sarah Harvey (Clerk) 01328 823391
Pre-School Pip Grange 07807 185 746
Police Non-emergency 101
School Hilary Myhill 520 362
Tennis and Multi-Sports Club Steven Gould 07557 357415
Village Hall (Hall & Bar) Debs Lambert 07717 416487

FIRING
SQUAD
WOODBURNERS
Comprehensive stock to view at our
showroom on
The West Raynham Business Park.
01328 838 665
e-mail: [email protected]
www.firingsquadwoodburners.com
APPROVED CLEARVIEW STOCKIST

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 BIODIVERSITY PROJECT NEWS
The meadow area to which the fruit trees were added in
the spring has some attractive patches of cornfield annuals
in flower now and a variety of other perennial species will
follow them. Some areas will be mown and others left to
grow, providing for pollinating insects, until the flowers
have faded and had time to set seed. A battery powered
mower has recently been purchased to help maintain this
area and to keep the paths in trim. We are grateful for the
support of the Village Fund Initiative as well as the Parish
Council, which has enabled us to purchase such a high
quality piece of equipment, seen here being given a test
run by Colin Barber. Tim Baldwin

NORFOLK CHURCHES TRUST

ANNUAL BIKE, WALK & DRIVE
Norfolk Churches Trust Annual Bike, Walk & Drive event
will take place on Saturday 13 September 2025.
Across our benefice our churches are open to people, they
can record their visit to the church, and we can sometimes
offer refreshments.
We are looking for a volunteer to help organise the event in
our benefice. It’s a beautiful place for cycling, walking,
and driving too. You may be willing to take part or simply
making sure that our churches have the forms ready for the
visitors.
Please contact me if you can help.
Rev’d Sue Martin ([email protected])

Some July 2025 ‘Dates at a Glance’

Date Event Time Place
4 July Bingo 7 for 7.30pm Village Hall
6/27 July Auctions 12 Midday to 4.00pm Village Hall
7/21 July Craft & Chat 2pm to 4pm Village Hall Bar
12 July Mick Fisher (Country & Western) 7.00pm to 10.00pm Village Hall
13 July Rumble in the Jumble 10.00am to 12 Midday Village Hall
15 July Community Lunch 12.30 for 1.00pm Village Hall Bar
15 July Village Hall AGM 7.30pm Village Hall
17 July Film Night 7 for 7.30pm Village Hall
18 July Historical Society 7.30pm Village Hall
21 July NDP Development Boundary Walk 5.00pm to 7.00pm Village Well
21 July Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm Village Hall
24 July Quiz Night 7.30pm Village Hall Bar

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