A Monthly Publication

Julie Goddard,

Consultant – Slimming World

Here we are a few weeks from Christmas. Hopefully the cards are made, or bought, presents for everyone sorted and now it is time to think about the Christmas food.

Just because you are wanting to lose weight or maintain your weight doesn’t mean you have to go without at Christmas, or any other time of the year for that matter. At Slimming World no food is banned! We have lots of ideas for all the favourite Christmas foods. We even have a recip...
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I'm curious to know the history of the Ashley-Emile theatre dance group. We share the same name and would be interesting to see if I could track down any family members. If you are able to point me in the right direction, it would be very much appreciated.

Michelle Ashley-Emile
Perth Western Australia

CLOAKING

Ken Arnott

I know next to nothing about Hunstanton Cricket Club pre-war. Was it really true that the club played on the football field whereas West Norfolk CC who, after all paid the rent, had their matches on the cricket square? I do know that the Cricket Club was re-formed after the war, in 1947; because that was the year I joined it. I remember some players and some great matches, so this article, covering a period of over a quarter of a century, is simply to dip into the past of a former

Thoughts expressed by a parent of a member of the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company;

My 23 year old daughter, Helen, joined the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company three years ago on the recommendation of a college friend.  Both girls have learning disabilities, Helen’s being Down’s Syndrome.  On her first evening, Helen would not allow me to leave her and would not speak to anyone.  Les knew exactly how to respond to this and allowed Helen to overcome her nervousness in her own time ...
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12 Life on the edge

I do not claim to be an intrepid traveller. I’ve never backpacked through the Himalayas, walked the Great Wall of China, hacked through the Amazon jungle or sailed single-handed around the world. However, I am fascinated by what drives those who have.

In one of Kipling’s great poems entitled “The Explorer” he describes an insistent and persistent voice in the mind that relentlessly urges - “Something lost behind the Ranges. Lost and waiting for you. Go!”

W...
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Debbie Crown

Café Care

Are you an unpaid carer for someone who lives at home, in a care home or hospital? Drop in to the café on Thursday 2nd December, Thursday 6th January, Thursday 3rd February between 3.30 and 5.30pm. What's on the menu?
• Free refreshments • Information and advice • Craft demonstrations • Assistance using the computers
• Relaxation treatments • Help and support
Messy play and crafts with Books for Babies on Mondays until December 13^th 10.00am - 12 .00 noo...
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Keith Barnes, Food and Beverage Manager Operations

A big thank you goes out to all of you who came to the ‘Ancient Mariner Inn’ during the ‘British Pub Week’

What a fantastic time was had by all. We started the week with a free children’s Halloween party on the Sunday, great fancy dress costumes by them all.

The singers from ‘Nelson’s Shantymen’ had a storming time and they got everybody singing along, during the week long festivities each day had a different food theme,

...
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Joanna

Well so far the month is living up to the poem!! Many of the leaves have been whirled of the trees but not before we have had some splendid colours in the woodlands and gardens. Today the 11^th November, yes we have to do articles that far ahead!! Has been a real old mix of wind, rain and sunshine; I am not so pleased with the cold though!!

What has been happening since I last wrote to you all? The Beet lifting seems to be going on apace and there are plenty of Pink Feet around if you...
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Dear friends,

Last Saturday evening I came home to find a message on the answering machine which I thought I would return straight away. I picked up the receiver, but there was no dialling tone. I had a couple of spare telephones so I tried them. Still nothing. Doesn’t that always happen? If something goes wrong it’s bound to happen at a weekend or a bank holiday. The next stage is reporting the fault. So I tried to contact BT using my mobile phone, but the reception isn’t very good...
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Gill Tanner (Co-leader, The Way Christian Fellowship)

I really enjoy Jane Austen classics, although the men in our family are less keen. Most of us are suckers for a good romance. John the disciple of Jesus writes,” Perfect love casts out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

How many of us are without fear? Fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of dying, fear of flying, fear of heights, fear of loneliness; the list goes on and...
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Minister of Union Church

As I sit down to write this month the memories of Remembrance Sunday are still fresh in my mind. What a great improvement has been made to the War Memorial and the area around it!

As I walked over from Union Church to get to the War Memorial I noticed that this year’s Christmas tree is in place on the green, in anticipation for another remembrance day. We remember the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Through the years of collected t...
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There is a story about a good and upright man who had a problem with Christmas. He couldn't believe that God's Son became one of us, and was too honest to pretend. So on Christmas Eve, when his wife and children went to church, he stayed at home. Shortly after his family left, it began to snow. He went to the window to watch it fall. 'If we must have Christmas; he thought, 'then let it be a white Christmas.' A short while later he heard a thudding sound. It was quickly followed by another, the...
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By the time you read this we shall have reached our target of £120,000 to launch the Mermaid Centre. We have already arranged for the initial work on the kidney dialysis unit to begin in what many will remember as the old 4 bedded men’s ward. The conference facility has been moved to the ‘day room’ and is still available for booking. Please do not stop giving to the Mermaid Appeal, it will continue to need funding once we are up and running in early Spring.

We have appointed Debbie McD...
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So what’s going on in the High Street? A little bit of France comes to town on 9th December when Chives is holding a French themed evening. There will be a special menu to delight your palate plus a good selection of fine French wines to choose from. Please call for details or to reserve a table.

We continue with our ‘two for the price of one’ pizza and pasta offer each Tuesday and our special winter warmers menus (just like grandma used to make) each Wednesday.

Every Thursday we hav...
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Nicholas Godfrey-Cole, Florist

Is it just me, but why do we always leave things to the last minute? As if our days are not filled with enough things to do, this time of year there just does not seem to be enough hours in the day and before we know it, it will be far too late to worry.

Christmas seemed ages away, and now, rather too quickly, it is soon upon us. I try to be organised as there is so much to arrange personally and also with the business, but this year, I don't seem to be gett...
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Peter Mills

Yes, it’s now very close to Christmas. The lights have been switched on and everyone’s thoughts are on the “Festive Season”. We’re no exception and as always are very busy during December.

For all you senior citizens in our area It’s not too late to book for our “Turkey & Tinsel” lunch being held in The Green Lodge Restaurant, 19 The Green, Hunstanton during the week commencing December 6^th. For only £3.00 you will get a traditional three course meal with Wi...
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Art for art's sake

Most people aren't interested in art.  Why should they be? It lost its only practical function – the accurate representation of people and places - when photography became universal.

So only a minority of people will care about the proposed cuts in the arts provision and gallery closures.

I won't be one of them.  Even though I paint or draw every week – indeed most days. I've had the odd picture accepted for local exhibitions and even hired one of the galleries i...
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BROWNIES

1st Hunstanton Rainbows would like to invite you to an open evening on Wednesday 1st December at the Union Church Hall between 4.30pm-5.30pm.  Do you have a daughter between the age of 4 and 7 years who may want to join Rainbows but is unsure about what we do, then come down to our open evening to find out what we get up to, 4 year olds can go on our waiting to join list while 5 year olds could start almost immediately, we will be having a Christmas themed meeting where we will be ...
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– A trip to Nottingham

Norman Whye

I was beginning to enjoy the hobby of amateur dramatics, and especially the light operas of “Gilbert and Sullivan”—although I was unable to read music- with all those little dots and funny squiggles! It is amazing how well and how fast some of the wonderful people who are able to understand these symbols can translate them into some of the most splendid sounds that have ever graced the human ears. However I found that I could easily pick up the

- The Legend of Angéline and the Cats of La Romieu

John Smith

The Gers Department in South West France is an area relatively unknown to British tourists. However, it is a region steeped in history and tradition and there are many extraordinarily well preserved medieval buildings, especially those on the three pilgrim routes which cross the area on the paths to the shrine at St. Jacques de Compostella.

In many ways the Gers is similar to Norfolk. It is the least populated department in F...
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'Winter Warmers' - a Hallowe'en fundraiser held in Hunstanton Town Hall - was featured live on Radio Norfolk when presenter, Becky Betts turned up looking for a clue as part of the Sunday morning 'Treasure Quest' programme.

After retrieving the clue from behind a poster advertising the Hunstanton pantomime - Robin Hood Norfolk Style - Becky had a few words with members of the cast, including Robin Hood himself (Caroline Odd) and the wicked Sheriff (John Maiden).

Town Clerk, ...
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Joanna Navarre

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent and Flavia will be familiar with Argentine Tango as a flamboyant skilful, show dance, but not many people realise that Argentine Tango is danced socially throughout the world, with Tango Clubs being found from Dubai to Dublin, Oslo to Osaka.

Its historical reputation as a dangerous, ‘exotic’ dance was enhanced by the reaction of Kaiser Wilhelm who, during the First World War, threatened to court-martial any officer who was found to...
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John Maiden

When the Borough Council decided to switch the pantomime from the Princess Theatre in Hunstanton to the Corn Exchange in Lynn, members of the local community decided the town should stage its own panto in the Town Hall.

Jack and the Beanstalk was the chosen panto, but when it became known that Lynn would be putting on the same title, I suggested 'Robin Hood', but declined an offer to play the 'Maiden Marion'. However, I did volunteer to play the wicked sheriff - type cast...
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Light Up A Life services are held throughout the country, traditionally just prior to Christmas. The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House annual Light Up A Life services provide an opportunity to remember those loved ones, who are no longer with us and to celebrate their life by the lighting of a candle, if you wish to do so. The services will comprise the singing of Carols, Readings and Reflections.

It is also a time for personal reflection and quiet thought. You are very welcome to attend as man...
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Michael Prince

Hello!! Well first of all I must apologise for the lack of articles in the newsletter. To say I’ve been a bit busy is a bit of an understatement. Which is a good thing in some ways I suppose, but it does mean that the newsletter has been neglected, which isn’t such a good thing.

Since I last wrote in the newsletter, we've had a really busy time at Chives, a busy summer and quite a good autumn. Now that winter is well and truly on its way, the nights are dark at 4 o clock ...
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Daniel Parton

Broadband internet technology has already brought huge benefits to residents and local businesses alike, but the more of us that enjoy this service the slower it gets. I am sure we have all experienced the effect the mass usage has on download speeds in the evenings. Current broadband internet services run at up to 8Mb but British Telecom (BT) have developed a system that enables 40Mb download speeds.

Unfortunately this amazing new service requires the building of a fibre opt...
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Dick Melton

This is the first time I have written for the Newsletter laying on my back. Let me explain; I fell down the stairs. I was not drunk and after spending four days in hospital and having had an operation, I am out of action for eight weeks, unless someone can show me how to ride a bike with my leg in a cast!

A lady who lives at the top of Avenue Road told me how she often looks out of her window at the old telephone exchange and thinks what a lot of wasted space there is all aroun...
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Jim Welham

Jamesina was the second child of Henry LeStrange and in 1910 she recorded memories of her childhood.

We had the whole beach to ourselves. There was a quaintly built house on the marshes near the beach to the north of Heacham called the Fishing Lodge placed there by Grandfather which was a favourite spot for picnics in the summer days. It long ago disappeared. There was no other building between Hunstanton lighthouse and Heacham village and foreseeing the favourable aspect of wha...
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Max Dolby

On a chilly November Saturday evening, who wants to turn out to listen to a choir?

Fortunately, the correct answer to that question is: A whole churchful of people.

The Saturday in question was 13th November and I’m glad I got to St. Edmund’s in time to get a seat. What a turnout! We all wanted to hear the Hunstanton Community Choir. Musical Director, Claire Bloor, said in her programme note that she was proud of what the Choir had achieved during the first year of its life: ...
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Veronica Welham

As I write, we are about half way through the checking the Christmas shoe boxes that come to Union Church. So far we have 436, and I know there are 300-400 more to come. This means that despite the prevailing economic situation, West Norfolk is maintaining its support for this campaign. This year boxes from the whole PE postcode area will be going to Belarus, Swaziland and Serbia.

I have been asked to explain how the idea of sending shoe boxes originated. Think back to 1990...
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The Committee of the Hunstanton Branch of Save the Children would like to thank all the loyal Friends and supporters who made the Autumn Fair a success.

A profit of £538 was achieved which has been sent to headquarters to help continue the work of the charity across the world where it offers its years of experience, not only of “rapid response” assistance after natural disasters but of creating and supporting long-term local strategies for improving children’s lives particularly in the...
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Dave Hawkins, Visitor and Publicity Officer.

The fabulous new Parrinder hides on the reserve will be opening in December. Due to unforeseen circumstances the official opening by Chris Packham, planned for early December has been cancelled. There will however be an official ceremony to celebrate the end of all the Coastal Project work in late summer 2011. For more details please contact the reserve on 01485 211974 or email CLOAKING

Here are a few Christmas morsels about our fav...
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Roy Evans

The re-designed gardens around the Cenotaph were finished just in time for the remembrancetide period and Remembrance Sunday.

This was made possible by a most generous donation to the Hunstanton Branch of the Royal British Legion by Mac Hugget and family in memory of his late wife. We would like to thank those who have been involved in getting the work done in a short time. Especially Ivan Carr of Coastal Ground Work, who carried out the construction work, Chris Durham and the esp...
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Cllr Peter Mallam

Hello Folks, here I am again, I cannot believe another month as sped by. I must firstly congratulate the Newsletter on its 5^th Birthday, a magnificent publication that goes from strength to strength.

My concentration this month, along with my fellow Councillors, has been that of setting the budget for the next financial year. We are all very aware of the current constraints of the economic climate and I am pleased to say that the Town Council has managed to slightly reduce...
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Dick Melton

I have written in the newsletter many times before about the Kit-Kat that was owned by Brooke & Brooke, but I wanted to tell you about the outside catering side of the business.

In the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s Brooke & Brooke were the biggest outside catering company in East Anglia and they went all over Suffolk, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and even up as far a Nottingham and Worksop. No job was too big or too small. They would cater for anything like Sandrin...
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John Maiden

If you are a Norwich fan and have strong nerves, here is your chance to win a pair of tickets at Carrow Road when the Canaries take on Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday February 22nd (Kick-off 7.45 pm) To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is tell me why you want to go to that particular game. Email your reply to: CLOAKING  or write to the Newsletter. Remember to give your name, address, and landline tel. no. Closing date is January 11th 2011. The b

Hayley Johnstone

Hello readers of the Hunstanton Newsletter. Now, you may have noticed but I appear quite often in the newsletter. I aim to write in the youth perspective each issue. I hope you enjoy them.

November the 5th is always a great day for celebration, and I for one had a fantastic time in Hunstanton.

Taking place near the light house and golf green, the night was a huge success. Walking to it, I could already hear the singers performing songs on stage. On arrival I saw a mass...
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Andrew Murray (Hon. Sec.)

On 4^th November, Hunstanton had the great pleasure and privilege of showing Tony Burton, the National Director of Civic Voice around the town. He came to see what had been done in the past 8 years and was particularly impressed with the green plaques on 25 notable buildings, the 7 interpretation boards and the humorous posters in the Oasis Café.

His packed schedule included visits to the promenade, the war and flood memorials, the Kit Kat site and Coal Shed Galler...
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Charlotte Wyllie

The work on the Hunstanton Scout and Guide hall has been completed on the ground floor and part of the first floor and we had our opening party on the 24th October.

This was well attended by local groups, residents, and leaders and children. It was a great success and we would like to take the opportunity to thank everybody who donated time, money and equipment to our cause. I would especially like to thank our fundraising team who have given up countless evenings and weeke...
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Joanna Bostrom

The last Car Boot for this year was on 31st October and thankfully the weather was on our side.

Luckily Car Booters are made of strong stuff and despite at times being blown off the field and having a remarkable resemblance to drowned rats they have stood their ground and not been deterred by our wonderful British weather.

The Car Boots would not be as successful without The Hunstanton District Lions. Without their support we would not have raised as much for the School, P...
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Debra Buckby

Another Christmas descends and we have so much new stock we are bursting at the seams!
You will find a beautiful display of natural bath creamers filled with rose petals, lavender, geranium and other gorgeous smelling natural essential oils, a perfect gift for someone special or an indulgent treat for yourself  after all that Christmas shopping.  

A colourful range of non-drip taper candles will brighten your dinner table and our range of pure essential oil candles made o...
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Joanna Bostrom

If you are still struggling with ideas for Christmas don't forget the Christmas Fair at Glebe House School on Friday 3rd December 10-4.

We have 30 stalls this year offering some super gifts ranging from clothing, accessories, jewellery, pottery, crafts, handmade chocolates, country wines and even something for the dog.

If you have got Christmas all wrapped up you may want to spend an extra £1.00 on the raffle which is for Help for Heroes. The first prize is a flight over...
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Alan Warren

The Brancaster Music Festival now in its 11^th successful year has welcomed such internationally famous musicians as Imogen Cooper, the pianist, and the composer Malcolm Arnold to its concerts in such local venues as Old Hunstanton Church and Holkham Hall. Each year an important in its schedule has been a special concert for students from our local schools to enjoy listening to and also taking part in top-quality ‘classical’ music.

This year 200 young students arrived in the...
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Not everyone is who they say they are!

Elaine Bird

An enthralled audience held their breath in anticipation at the Princess Theatre on Friday 22^nd and Saturday 23^rd October as they waited to see “Who dunnit” in the murder mystery “Persona”.

This edge of your seat drama centered around the Purple Dreams Nightclub, a safe haven for runaways, where people are given a new identity and a chance to change their lives forever. John Wrigley, more usually known for his comedic roles, portr...
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thank you to everyone who has sent articles for this edition of the Newsletter, making it an issue full of variety and interest. I wasn’t able to squeeze everything in this month, but I have saved items for the January edition.

I’m sure you’ll want to join me in wishing Dick Melton a speedy recovery; his article is a little shorter this month as he wrote it shortly after his fall which left him in plaster.

Thanks also to the wonderful team of d...
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