Saints Alive: Stanhoe and Barwick Newsletter

August 2021

Parish Council Matters/Reminders:–

• Speeding and Traffic in Stanhoe:– In May nearly 32,000 vehicles came through the village from Docking, on the way to Burnham Market, about 4,880 of them going over 36 mph and the top recorded speed was 65 mph (as it passed our 30 mph sign!). In June nearly 22,000 came from Bircham in the same direction but only managed a top speed of 55 mph.
  
  If the traffic levels were the same both months, then about 54,000 vehicles were heading for Burnham Market monthly and it seems reasonable to suppose about the same number were coming back sometime during the day! That makes Stanhoe a potentially dangerous place in which road safety and care must take a priority.

• Playground:– The contractors are due to commence repairs on the Climbing Frame and the Rope Traverse as of the date of writing so hopefully by the time you read this all the equipment will be back in use. We have quite a lot of further maintenance work to do which hopefully will require no further closures.

• Go to Town Bus Service:– We have been advised that the GTT service is being upgraded. Essentially there will be several daily services from the Pond to Hunstanton and one on each weekend day and similarly from Hunstanton to Kings Lynn with several at the weekends going via Stanhoe. Go to www.wnct.co.uk to get up to date scheduling which is due to commence on Aug 4th.

• Pond:– We were approached by another parish council enquiring who maintained the pond (bailiff or contractor?). We were able to reply it was neither, and it was ‘free’ because the work has been done for more than two years by two of our councillors.

• Egmere Biodigester Transport:– We, together with several other councils, have made representations to Egmere management regarding the size, speed, IDs and routes used by the supply tractors. The rye harvest is over and the larger maize harvest will start in mid Sept. We are hopeful that our efforts will result in less drama locally this year but please let us know.

• Egyptian Geese:– Unfortunately these geese have not learnt English yet and have multiplied and pose a safety issue; advice would be most welcome.

• NCCSP Survey:– The Norfolk County Community Safety Partnership survey, which appeared previously on the Stanhoe website listing 7 safety priorities to vote for has elicited a few responses, only specifying road speeding as the main community concern. Surprisingly this was not on the list! Go back to item 1, but stay safe.

Urgent Appeal for volunteer drivers for Heritage House Day Care, Wells:–

Heritage House, the day care centre for the elderly and isolated in Wells, is looking for volunteers to help collect and drop off visitors, deliver meals or simply to chat and support the wonderful characters who go to Heritage House. For 35 years the centre has welcomed visitors throughout the Wells area. Our visitors live in isolated villages across the area, and rely upon our transport to bring them into the centre for care and essential services. As a volunteer your time is incredibly valued and your kindness rewarded with smiles and appreciation from elderly who will no doubt become your friends and inspiration. Any time you give, no matter how little, will make a huge difference to the centre. Can you help drive people? All training is provided. Please call Steve Cheshire on 01328 711333.

WI news:–

On 8th July, Stanhoe & Barwick WI welcomed 20 ladies to the annual garden party. Blessed with sunny weather, tea and cake was enjoyed whilst we caught up with friends not seen for many months.

This was our first ‘proper’ meeting since March 2020 and Vice-President, Nicola Smith, took the opportunity to recall the many and varied ways in which we have kept in touch. The pandemic has taught us the value of friendship and the importance of social activities. Stanhoe and Barwick WI has ensured that our members have been contacted regularly, via Zoom meetings, emails and phone calls, with walks, teas and trips when we were able. The delivery of Valentine and Easter treats was particularly appreciated by all. Nicola thanked the members for their continued and valued support.

Our photo album was available, containing a record of members’ activities and projects during lockdown, as well as some ‘lockdown hair’ photos!

New members joined during lockdown and we are looking forward to welcoming more following our garden meeting. We are a diverse and friendly group, with members from ten local villages.

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 2:00pm in Stanhoe Village Hall. We enjoy a variety of speakers and also arrange trips, teas and lunches. Our next meeting will be on 5th August with Rebecca Tate, The Norfolk Milliner.

If you are looking for something new or to meet people and make friends, then please come along and see what we get up to.

It’s no longer all Jam and Jerusalem…but there is always plenty of cake !!

Contact Valerie on 01485 576261.

QEH:– Love West Norfolk

You are no doubt already aware of the condition of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the hospital management’s bid for a new hospital, which has been supported by the local press.

Love West Norfolk has launched a petition to trigger a debate in parliament to prioritise funding for a new hospital in King’s Lynn and also to support the fast-tracking of its design and build.

They need to get 100,000 signatures for a debate to happen so we need your help. Please take a few minutes to sign the petition and to encourage your friends, families and fellow councillors to do likewise.

The petition can be found at: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/590390.

Exercise bike for sale:–

Pamela Austin has an exercise bike for sale. If interested contact Saints Alive and I will pass on your information. – Sue Atkins, editor

Word of the month:– Mulct — with thanks to Merriam-Webster

Definition:–

1 : to punish by a fine

2 a : to defraud especially of money : swindle

2 b : to obtain by fraud, duress, or theft

Example:–

Francis was barred from the securities industry when it was discovered he had been mulcting investors for years.

Continue to stay safe