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Heacham Flower Club celebrates 40 years

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Courtesy of Heacham Newsletter
Photos by Rob Topliss

Marjorie

Marjorie Pull

Ruby red was the theme and the weather was glorious.  Most befitting for the Heacham Flower Club who were celebrating  its  40th anniversary.

The club was set up in 1970 by founder member Marjorie Pull, herself a Heacham lady.  She is now 99 years old but due to ill health could not attend the celebration.

The party was set in the lovely garden of David Beeton with the addition of red floral displays to mark the occasion.  Chairman of the club for 3 years Sandra Panton said they have 25 members and meet every 4th Thursday of the month in the church hall where they have a rota system for making up the various floral displays.  Some Thursdays a special demonstration will be held by a guest visitor.

The evening was attended by 20 members where a buffet and drinks were enjoyed by all.  The celebratory cake had the words written on it ’40 years of friendship and flowers’.  Here’s to the next 40.

Cake to celebrate

Cake to celebrate 40 years of Heacham Flower Club

Floral tribute to mark 40 years

Floral tribute to mark 40 years of Heacham Flower Club

Heacham Flower Club

Heacham Flower Club

Posted in Clubs, Flower Club, News | Comments Off

Happy 90th Birthday Les and Mildred!

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Courtesy of Heacham Newsletter
Photos by Rob Topliss

Mildred

Mildred

A very fun loving couple (pictured as they were during WW2) have just celebrated together their 90th birthdays at the community hall at Sunnyside Close, Heacham.

Les and Mildred met 5 years ago at a Christmas party organised by the Social Club for the Visually Impaired, they sat at the same table and hit it off straight away, it literally was a blind date.

Les

Les

They are a very fun loving couple who care for each other immensely. Les was full of praise for Mildred who had brought fun back to both of their lives, “We don’t stop talking” she said, “and laughing”.

 Mildred, born in Sheffield, joined the WRAF at 18, she ran 2 children’s clothing shops in Wisbech then Bamber’s Garden Centre.

 Les, born in Gibralter, left the army as a Captain after serving in WW2 and had a long career working on The National Grid.

Both are Great Grandparents and enjoy outings, short walks and Les enjoys his sport. They celebrated with friends and family and were given flowers, £50 to treat themselves to a nice meal and 2 litre bottles of Harveys Bristol Cream and 2 litre bottles of Baileys. After a lovely buffet lunch with wine, bubbly and birthday cake, that’s what you call celebrating in style.

 Many happy returns Les and Mildred.

Mildred & Les

Mildred & Les

Mildred & Les

Mildred & Les blow out their candles

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Heacham Carnival 2010

Friday, August 6th, 2010
By Stella Gooch
Photos on this page by Stella Gooch
Click here to see more Heacham Carnival photos
Heacham Judo Club 1st place

Heacham Judo Club 1st place

The sun did not shine on Heacham Carnival this year but it was warm, dry and not too hot.   Despite the lower than usual number of float entries, Heacham Carnival Parade was still full of colour and imagination to the hilt.  There was even a stray horse and cart which had managed to unwittingly seem part of proceedings at times.  We all waited to cheer the parade – which was led by this year’s Carnival King and Queen (Daniel Noakes and Paige Taylor) on through the village and on to the playing field.

Rollason Stage School

Rollason Stage School - Best Organisation

The fete was hosted by our regular DJ and the field was full of a variety of attractions and stalls including representatives from the RAF, Army and Coastguard who were looking for fresh recruits.  The RAF stand had a flight simulator which created a great deal of interest from all ages.   There was an arts and crafts marquee full of lots of interesting gift ideas, bouncy castles, fairground attractions and rides and games such as “Play Your Cards Right” and the traditional Coconut Shy.  Rollason’s well known Punch and Judy took centre stage later in the afternoon and entertained the children.  Live music and dancing entertainment was provided by the King’s Lynn Community Samba Band.

The floats were judged as follows:

Best Walking Float – Heacham & Hunstanton Rainbows and Brownies
Best Group/Organisation – Rollason Stage School (winning the New Jennings Cup)
Best Family – The Richardson Family
Best in Carnival  – Heacham Judo Club

Well done to the organisers for all their hard work.

Richardson Family

Richardson Family - Best Family Entry

Hunstanton and Heacham Brownies and Rainbows

Hunstanton and Heacham Brownies and Rainbows

Rollason Stage School

Rollason Stage School show their delight!

Posted in Carnival, Events, News | 1 Comment »

Barber Trevor back at the helm as normal

Thursday, August 5th, 2010
Trevor the barber

Trevor at the helm

M & B Barber Shop owner, Trevor Biscombe, has had to rearrange the way he operated his business for most of the year owing to his mother’s ill health.  Regrettably, Trevor lost his Mum in June 2010.  He is now picking up the pieces and trying to get things back to normal. 

M & B Barber Shop is now opening regular hours and Trevor looks forward to welcoming back his old regulars and new customers too.  Click here to check out the current opening hours.

Posted in Business News, News | Comments Off

Heacham’s big party night and 10 years of Beer Festivals

Monday, August 2nd, 2010
By Stella Gooch
Heacham Beer Festival Photos (and the Psychadelic Stage) by Stella Gooch
70s Party Photos by Rob Topliss
Singer from Soft Tone Needles

A Singer from Soft Tone Needles

On Saturday night I, along with my Dad and a friend from Oz visited Heacham’s Fox and Hounds 10th Annual Beer Festival (unbelievable – where did those ten years go!) where celebrations were seriously underway – getting served at the bar required considerable patience as it was frantically busy.  The Beer Festival kicked off on Thursday, 29 July and ran through the weekend as usual with an amazing line up of bands:

Thursday 29th   – THE GLAM BAND – 8.00 pm
   
Fri, 30th        – DAVE MOORE        – 8.00 pm  
  
Sat, 31st    – HILGAY SILVER BAND – 2.00 pm
                     – LOVE MUFFINS   – 5.00 pm
                     – SOFT TONE NEEDLES  – 9.00 pm

Sun, 1st Aug  – SONGS FROM THE BLUE HOUSE  -  3.00 pm

 

We saw the Soft Tone Needles (I think), billed as the UK’s no 1 Northern Soul Revue Band.  I have no idea what that means but they sounded good to me but not so good to my Dad! 

Soft Tone Needles

Soft Tone Needles

I briefly caught landlord Mark having a quick bite to eat and he managed to let me know in between bites that the Fox Brewery had once again been nominated for more awards but there was no time to get any details from him as he was only “taking five” in the midst of a hardworking weekend.  Hopefully we will hear more positive news about these awards in the future so keep watching …

The marquee was packed out as is usual for Heacham’s Beer Festival and overspilled to the forecourt and into the main bar areas.  It was difficult to get a decent photo of the band owing to so many people but I did my best. 

As I strolled around the atmosphere was throbbing and lively as you would expect at such an event and everyone was in a happy party mood.  I saw a few familiar faces and lots of faces I did not recognise.

Marcus and Rob manning the BBQ

Marcus and Rob manning the BBQ

I said hi to Marcus and Rob who were diligently manning the barbecue to feed the hungry hordes and they did me the honour of posing for a picture – thanks guys!

Just when I thought that was going to be the sum of my evening, I came across a group of Festival goers dressed in psychadelic 1970s gear and asked what that was all about. 

It turned out the 1970s crowd were stopping by the Beer Festival en route to a “One Stop Boogie Show 1970s Abba Nite” in full 1970s regalia at Heacham Public Hall.  Many of the double party goers posed for a picture to show off their costumes and then asked me to come along to the party at the Public Hall to see what else was going on so I did just that.

I was warmly welcomed to “gatecrash” the party both by Martin Doy (otherwise known as “Split” I am told) who turned out to be the event organiser and Jeff from the Social Club.  My photographs did not turn out half as well as my friend Rob’s so he is kindly sharing them with us here.

Martin Doy ("Split") enjoys a dance with a party goer

Martin Doy ("Split") enjoys a dance with a party goer

The  party was truly in full swing by the time I got there and the band was right up my street and had me bopping along.   (I am not showing my age – I was really young in the 1970s)! 

The stage was brightly lit to match the psychadelic costumes and the dance floor was exactly as I like it – full!  The  flamboyant costumes was a stark contrast with the dark of the hall - everyone had really got into the spirit of the 1970s.

Unfortunately, this was not a planned visit so I could not stay to experience the full party.  However, I saw my friend Rob the next day and I can confirm by the look of him IT WAS A GREAT PARTY! 

It seems “Split” did a terrific job in putting this party together and I am sure the party goers are looking forward to the next one he arranges. (Personally I hope he invites me along another time so I can stay the whole night!)

All in all it was a great party atmosphere in Heacham last weekend as the Fox continued to celebrate 10 years of its Beer Festivals and of course the Heacham Carnival went ahead on the Sunday too (look out for a separate report).  What a happening place!

1970s One Stop Boogie Show 70s Abba band

1970s One Stop Boogie Show 70s Abba band

One Stop Boogie Show party goers celebrate 1970s

1970s One Stop Boogie Show party goers at Fox Beer Festival 2010

  Below are a few more of Rob’s photos of a memorable night out in Heacham. 

Yes the 1970s were colourful

Yes the 1970s fashion was full of colour

1970s party goers get ready to rock

1970s party goers get ready to rock the night away in Heacham

How did those 1970s moves go again?

1970s moves?

Love those culottes

Love those culottes

Bopping the night away

Bopping the night away

Dig that hair

Dig that groovy 1970s hairstyle

1970s look

1970s looks

Is that Gary Glitter?

Is that Gary Glitter?

Martin Doy ("Split") enjoys a dance with a party goer

Martin Doy ("Split") enjoys a dance

Show me the way to go home ..

Show me the way to go home ..

 

 

Posted in Beer Festival, Events, News | 1 Comment »

Heacham History: information request on 67 Station Road

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

67 Station Road, Heacham

67 Station Road, Heacham

Posted by Sally Bonfield
Photo by Sally Bonfield

The Cot, 67 Station Road, Heacham, PE31 7EY is my home (pictured) and I am about to start researching its origins. I would like to ask our local population if they can supply some of its historical information. From the land registry details it is hard to ascertain when the house was built. There is a covenant on the house between Holcombe Ingleby, whom I believe was the master at Sedgeford Hall and Mabel Studdert-Kennedy, whom I believe was living in the house during 1910 when she purchased the land to side of my property, which we refer to as The Orchard. It seems she bought the land to put a dwelling in place, but this never happened.

I cannot trace her on the 1901 census, and accordingly 67 Station Road does not exist in its current form. I have always thought that since the house has 3 chimney’s it may have been 3 cottages in its original format, and there are  1,2, & 3 Caley Cottages, where I would have expected 67 Station Road to be in the census. However, since they are called Caley the obvious choice is that they would be tied cottages to Caley Hall!!

Does any one know when the house was built, and by whom? What I can say is that whoever did design it was a culinary intellect! The house gets the sun from the back courtyard in the mornings, to the front garden in the afternoons and in the Orchard of the evenings, leaving the pantry on the Northern most side of the house, as the coldest point throughout the day. Pure genius prior to refrigeration!

I would welcome any information that anyone may have to share. Please contact me on SallyannBonfield@aol.com

Thanking you all in anticipation of your assistance in this matter.

Posted in News, Researching Local History | 1 Comment »

Visit from Criteuil-La-Magdeleine to Heacham 2010

Monday, July 26th, 2010
 Posted by Roz Gauthier, Heacham Twinning Society
Photo supplied by Roz Gauthier
Twinning visit to Heacham July 2010

Twinning visit to Heacham July 2010

More than fifty visitors (including twenty children) from France were welcomed to Heacham on Thursday, 15 July. 

A French newspaper reported:  ” The Twinning between the communities of Heacham & Criteil-la-Magdeleine is flourishing. A group of 52 of our French twins made the trip over last weekend (15th July), accompanied by the Mayor Michel Fougere and 2 of his “Parish Councillors” and the ever hard-working Secretary Monique Enard, who is also the local Junior School Headmistress/Teacher.”

 The five day visit to Heacham was filled with a variety of activities and more than 100 people were catered for by the Heacham Twinning Committee on several occasions.  The whole weekend was financed through the proceeds from the year’s Fundraising Events plus a small £10 “blanket cost” charged to all members attending any/all the events.

As a result of  the hardwork by the Committtee and many Association members, everyone enjoyed seeing their friends again and making new friends as well (amongst our fellow UK Association Members as well as the French).  The French visitors seemed to really enjoy themselves and the visit to Norfolk Lavender was especially popular .  The French teenagers seemed to particularly enjoy the Bowls and Carpet Bowls on the Monday whilst the younger children attended the Junior School for the morning, and then many particiapted in “funny” cricket in the afternoon down by Heacham beach.

The Saturday evening event with a sit-down dinner was enjoyed by all, especially the in-house entertainment provided by both French guests and Heachamites.  The final hour turned into a veritable rock and roll disco (music courtesy of Michael (vocals and lead guitar), Sam (guitar) and Pam (on drums) .

On the Sunday, some of “twinners” attended St Marys Church and a fanatstic service was held in both French and English.  The choir sang  one hymn in French too!   The rest of the day was spent with the Heacham Host families who had arranged the activities for the day.  Some went to see the seals at Blakeney, some to Wells – others had a trip into Hunstanton and a family barbeque.

The Heacham & Criteuil-La-Magdeleine Twinning Association hopes that many of new members will now be already looking forward to the next trip over to France to experience their hospitality again especially since this weekend seems to have whetted  appetites and increased interest in the Twinning concept – maybe with the  hint of the cognac and Pineau available as added incentive !

The Committee of Heacham & Criteuil-La-Magdeleine Twinning Associationwould like to thank everybody for their enthusiasm and hard work helped make the weekend such a success.

Posted in Clubs, Events, Heacham Twinning Association, News | 2 Comments »

Heacham Beach Party 2010

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Posted by Philippa Sewell
Photos by Rob Topliss

Sun sets over Heacham Beach Party

Sun sets over Heacham Beach Party

This year’s Beach Party on 3 July had glorious weather, when the only place to be was Heacham South Beach.  Over 150 people enjoyed Heacham Parish Council’s Hawaiian themed Luau.

Traditional bangers and burgers from the BBQ and sandcastle competitions  mixed with hula hooping and limbo dancing.  Beach Party goers made Hawaiian Tiki Masks and were fascinated by the not so traditional art of creating Graffiti T-shirts.   The greatest entertainment though was the approaching tide and the usual spectacular Heacham sunset to round off another successful Heacham Beach Party.

Hawaiian dressing up for Heacham Beach Party

Hawaiian dressing up for Heacham Beach Party

Graffiti T Shirt Painting at Heacham Beach Party

Graffiti T Shirt Painting at Heacham Beach Party

The Annual  Heacham Beach Party is organised and run by Heacham Parish Council with generous sponsorship from Jennings Shop and Hunstanton & District Ladies Circle and supported by DJ Andy Groom and Rollason Entertainments.  This is a great annual favourite in the Heacham social calendar and everyone is welcome so why not come along next year.

Hula Hoops at Heacham Beach Party

Hula Hoops at Heacham Beach Party

Face Painting at Heacham Beach Party

Face Painting at Heacham Beach Party

Posted in Beach Party, Council News, Events, News | Comments Off

Heacham’s Positive Computing celebrates 10 years

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Richard Dix set up a small one man band IT services company at his home in School Road in Heacham 10 years ago this year.  This small entrepeneur expanded rapidly and then operated from an “office” in Mr Dix’s back garden.  It was around 2006 when the business really branched out and became established in purpose built office space at Marea Farm, Heacham.  Since 2002, Mr Dix has been involved with community broadband projects such as West Norfolk Community Broadband which served thousands of houses and businesses in a five-square mile area.

This solid hands on experience enabled Mr Dix to develop “Rural Broadband” as an offshoot of Positive Computing.  Rural Broadband focusses on the provision of internet connectivity and other associated services to customers based in rural areas in Norfolk and across the UK.  Having lived, worked and trained in Heacham, Norfolk all his life, Mr Dix has expanded his wealth of valuable IT experience and now offers the benefit of this experience to providing internet connection to communities who need to overcome the technical challenges faced in less well connected parts of the country.  Rural Broadband is growing its network of experienced satellite dish installers across the country to be able to provide a complete service to any region in the UK.

The company now offers a personal and family-run IT service business with a range of services including:

  • Web hosting
    • ADSL connectivity
    • Remote computer support (through Positive Computing)
    • Online Backup
    • Satellite internet connectivity (through BeyonDSL) and installation

We can look forward to Positive Computing and Rural Broadband growing from strength to strength as broadband technology takes over.

Posted in Business News, News | Comments Off

Summer Activities Programme 2010

Friday, July 16th, 2010

This year’s Heacham Parish Council sponsored Summer Activity Programme has been announced.  Although a smaller programme is planned for this summer the variety is still there and all great value, fun activities for the kids – make your own carnival mask, shoot clay pigeons, mad science, beat the bowler, flower art, archery, olympic challenge and pottery are all part of the line up.

Click here to down load the programme and application form.

Posted in Council News, Events, News, Summer Activities | Comments Off

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