Saints Alive: Stanhoe and Barwick Newsletter

February 2015

WI notices:–

Thursday 5th February:– monthly meeting, 2:30pm in the Reading Room.

Lindsey Bestwicke:– “Sweet treats”. This will be a demonstration of some of Lindsey’s delicious handmade confections.

Friday 13th February:– afternoon tea, 3:00pm at a venue to be decided in the locality.

All our monthly meetings are open to ladies who may wish to visit, without obligation. Just come along – there’s no need to arrange it in advance. Bring a friend if you wish – and there’s no requirement to live in Stanhoe, we have members from several other villages.

You could enjoy a social afternoon, meet our friendly members, and find out that the WI is not always as it is portrayed by stereotypes! You would be equally welcome at one of our afternoon teas – but please do let us know in advance if you wish to come to one of these, as we usually need to book.

If you would like more information on any aspect of the organisation, or our meetings and outings, please feel free to telephone Pamela (518033) or Geraldine (518025). We would be happy to help, and would love to meet you.

2014 Poppy Appeal:–

I should like to thank everyone who donated money to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal last year, and in particular to thank those people who collected on behalf of the Appeal.

Stanhoe’s total amounted to £930. 38 – an amazing 86% increase over last year – and the branch total to date is £6, 602. 76

Many thanks

Pamela, Hon Poppy Appeal Organiser, Sedgeford & District branch

Stanhoe Village Screen:–

We continue our spring season with:

Pride (15) (comedy drama) Thursday 26th February 7:30pm. Realizing that they share common foes in Margaret Thatcher, the police and the conservative press, London-based gays and lesbians lend their support to striking coal miners in 1984 Wales. Bill Nighy, Immelda Staunton and Ben Schnetzer star in this joyous and often riotously funny British comedy.

Dates for your diary:–

March 23rd (Monday) My Old Lady, starring Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith and Kevin Kline

April 24th (Friday) The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch

Tickets £5 on the door to include a complimentary drink.

For further information visit the website: stanhoe.org/cinema (or ring 01485 518191)

Parish Council Meeting:– 8th January 2015

Attendance:– It is good to report that for the first time in years councillors were outnumbered by visitors, who raised a number of issues during the adjournment of the meeting to allow public participation.

Village Inspection:– Councillors agreed to make a walking inspection of the village on the 23rd April.

Scrap Site (Fakenham/Bircham crossroads):– Concern was expressed by councillors and residents about the state of the field at the crossroads. The field is not within the Parish of Stanhoe. Docking Parish council will be asked to take up the matter.

Planning Matters:–

a) The proposal for an extension at 10 Station Road did not fall within permitted development legislation.

b) An appeal has been lodged against the decision to refuse a planning application for solar panels at Stanhoe Hall.

c) Subject to receiving a full application in due course, councillors (excluding those with a personal interest in the proposal) expressed their conditional support for a proposal to build an additional house on the site of The Old Rectory, Church Lane.

Stanhoe Representative for Jack’s Lane Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund:– Councillors formally approved the appointment of Terry Austin as the village representative on the panel to be set up to consider applications for grants from the wind farm community fund.

Budget for 2015/2016:– Councillors formally approved the proposed budget for the next financial year. Although the proposed precept was unchanged at £6, 500 (plus an additional grant of £100) there would be a slight increase to householders because the number of properties eligible for council tax had reduced.

Other matters:–

• The absence of a footpath on Bircham Road still concerns councillors, the cost of which would be prohibitive if the parish council had to fund it. They are exploring ways in which it may be possible to fund its construction in stages.

• Proposals are at an early stage for the siting of plant troughs at the parish boundaries, not funded from council tax.

• Slight damage to the fence around the War Memorial has occurred and will be repaired in due course.

Next Meeting:–

The need for residents to offer themselves for election as parish councillors this year continues. All are welcome to the next meeting on Thursday, 12th March, commencing at 7:00 pm.

Further information can be obtained from Elizabeth Thuburn, the Parish Clerk on 01485 518409 or e-mail parkthuburn@btinternet. com.

Brancaster Camera Club:–

The following evenings have been arranged for February:

Tuesday, 10th February – Monochrome Print Competition 1+2 ‘Reflections in Water’ plus ‘Open’ choice – Judge R. Makemson

Tuesday, 24th February – Slide presentation by David & Judy Hodgson DPAGB BPE1

‘Winter Wonderland – Yellowstone Park’ – David & Judy are terrific Nature photographers & this should not be missed.

We meet in Brancaster Staithe Village Hall at 7:30 pm. Entrance is £3 to include refreshments.

Visitors always welcome. Contact Numbers: Jim Till (Chairman) 014585 210013 Wendy Calow 01553 674725

And finally:– a challenge for the WI?

1st February – National Baked Alaska Day

3rd February – National Carrot Cake Day

Check out the nationaldaycalendar.com website, our American cousins seem to have a different National Food Day for almost every day in February – should adopt this idea here?