St John and St Mary, Stiffkey
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All Saints, Cockthorpe
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St John and St Mary, StiffkeywithAll Saints, Cockthorpe |
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STIFFKEY COMES TOGETHER
Many years ago NNDC had a plan of creating a path alongside the very dangerous stretch of road between the Red Lion and Greenway. The cost of this at the time was estimated at somewhere in the region of £250,000. For this and many other reasons around archaic systems within local government leading to immense frustration the project failed to come to light.
In May this year the newly formed Parish Council decided this project needed re-visiting and were more than ready for the challenge. A working party was formed and what seemed like an almost impossible task commenced. Trees and brambles were cleared manually by a tireless team of volunteers all wanting to be involved for the good of their village.
Work on this project was at times very difficult but slowly the obstacles in the way began to fall. Peter Wordingham assisted proceedings in a most generous way with the very kind offer of providing a digger to be operated by his best driver and slowly but surely the path quickly began to take shape.
The villagers turned out one Saturday morning armed with shovels and an enthusiasm to see the project through to completion regardless of the 50 tonnes of road planings that stood in their way and had to be moved. Support in the form of Steve White from Norfolk highways was also a welcome sight. The result of this hard work was that by 6pm that same evening the path was almost complete and all for a cost of just under £2,000. (This money was given by some very generous donors from within the village).
The hard work and determination by a few people all working for the same goal shows what can be achieved despite the often frustrating and pointless inefficiencies so often demonstrated within local government policy seemingly created to hinder such worthwhile community projects.
Jamie Lawrence (Chairman) Stiffkey Parish Counci
MUSIC CIRCLE
In November we had a second programme of recordings from this year's Proms. Keith and Vivien Horobin introduced excerpts from two works from concerts they attended on hot evenings in August: Elgar's Violin Concerto, and Mahler's Resurrection Symphony. The latter was performed by the inspirational Simon Bolivar Orchestra from Venezuela. Its musicians are no longer very young but play with a very special kind of commitment and intensity. Even watching a recording of the last movement was an uplifting experience andgave some indication of what the impact must have been in the Albert Hall.
In December members were less unanimous on the merits of some of Liszt's more extravagant piano music, which formed part of a Brahms-Liszt programme. Brahms was definitely more popular than Liszt, which would have pleased the slightly grumpy old boy!
We have changed days and dates to avoid clashes within the hectic whirl of life in Stiffkey. There will be no meeting in February and the next three dates will be the 4th Mondays in March, April and May at 7, (March 26th, April 23rd, and May 28th). We continue to support Sally Bass who will be concluding her studies in London this year. About 12 of us meet regularly and others attend when they are able. We are always pleased to see new faces. Meetings are at number 2 Warborough Place, behind Stiffkey Stores.
John Adnitt
The Stiffkey Red Lion generously hosted the annual dinner for 2011. A chance was taken to celebrate personal achievements as Mark Hunter won the player of the season award for some fine batting displays, and a few bonus wickets taken. The Clubman of the year once again Jamie Lawrence who continues to work wonders on the wicket, and even manages to gather a team of willing volunteers to refresh the playing square at the end of the season. Not to be outdone, Alison Lawrence was congratulated as she has also gathered a team - who provide the best cricket teas in the area.
In the business part of the meeting, John 'the Fish' Griffin, continues as club chairman, Siemon ScamellKatz as Captain, Kevin Waddison as Vice Captain, and myself as Treasurer. It was a very satisfactory evening for the treasurer, as donations, sponsorship from the Red Lion, together with the quiz and blind auctions, helped to raise over £400 for club funds.
Steven Bashforth
For the past three years, the Mardlers have met on the first Monday of each month at 2.30pm at The Red Lion Pub, for a get-together and chat along with some tea/coffee and excellent cake.Why not come and join us? Just £1.00 covers refreshments.
We have a raffle and a bring–and-buy stall and normally we have a quiz or beetle drive or similar and occasionally an outing, but always enjoy a `mardle' and a giggle with each other!
If you have trouble with transport – we can help. Just call Pat on 830863 and we will see what we can arrange. If you are coming by car, there is lots of parking space at the pub. Any others questions, just phone.
The next meeting will be at The Red Lion on the 3rd October 2011 at 2.30pm.
Pat Price
Happy New Year to all our members, possible members and well-wishers!
All are warmly invited to our monthly meetings now scheduled for the 3rd Thursday of each month - 7.30 p.m. at Stiffkey Old Hall.
We have some good and varied meetings in view –January - Reflexology with a demo
February - Amateur radio
March - Being a nun in the 21st century
For each meeting we have speakers/practitioners of whom we have confident hopes! Come as a visitor if you haven't sampled us already! Try us out and enjoy a friendly evening with excellent refreshments!
Further interesting talks are planned for subsequent months. Visitors welcome! Come one — come all!!
Helen Leach
STIFFKEY PILLBOX
From Bronze Age remains to the offshore wind farm, the life and times of Norfolk can be followed from Stiffkey. The village itself has Roman remains, a splendid medieval church, a grand Tudor house, Georgian and Victorian mansions, the remains of a Second World War army base and many fascinating farms and cottages from several centuries of our history right through to council built houses and adventurous modern buildings. Stiffkey is a wonderful archaeological, architectural and historical treasure. Over 30 listed buildings and a population of less than 200!
With all this in Stiffkey I was surpised to when I read the Stiffkey page of the 'Norfolk Heritage Explorer' web-site; one photograph, one photograph.... A pillbox! The pillbox which is passed by walkers on the Coastal path is mid-way between the car park and Bangay Green Way. Reminders of the Second World War are many in this part of Norfolk, but this is a special pillbox – dating from the First, Great War.
Britain had been the world power for over a century, the navy ruled the seas, the war would be over by Christmas, but it wasn't. Could the Kaiser's army invade? Norfolk looked vulnerable. As zeppelins began to be seen in the skies above Stiffkey hasty defences were planned along the Norfolk coast, including digging up Sheringham Golf Course, flooding the fields at Salthouse and building the Stiffkey Pillbox.
The pillbox is well sited, snugly fitted into the hillside, with a commanding 180 degree view over the Marshes. It has an entrance to the rear & two apertures through which to watch for and aim guns at any invaders. A splendid deterrent! This was one lonely defensive position covering miles of coastline. Meanwhile millions were being slaughtered in Flanders fighting over tiny pieces of territory. Now the Pillbox stands, one of less than 40 nationwide to remind us of the fears of invasion 100 years ago.
Stiffkey has over 30 listed buildings, perhaps this should be added, with suitable information for the many passing walkers?
Steven Bashforth