News and Events

Our post last week about the new birds at the pond got quite a bit of interest, so we thought we’d see what you thought of another one!

After that previous post, a resident (who I now definitely owe a beer when all this is over) contacted us to say that we also get oystercatchers in the fields to the east of the village in spring, and that you can often hear them before you see them. They’ve got a high pitched sort of whistling sound that carries quite far.

No way, we thought. But he was not wrong! The next day we went to have a look, and amazingly we heard and saw a couple and managed to get a picture. Very lucky.

They are a coastal bird that typically would be combing a beach for muscles and other snacks like that, so we wouldn’t have expected to see one on our doorstep. Apparently they can come inland to feed on worms that they can get to in the soil with their long beak.

Ok, what on earth is an Oystercatcher??

Well, here’s what one looks like in Yelverton near the solar panels:

And here’s a couple of photos that are actually good:

And here’s some more info if you really want to geek up on it, and also to hear what they sound like:

Oystercatcher info from the RSPB SITE

So next time you’re walking round that footpath that goes from the back of avenue farm, north across the fields, coming out at the top of Dranes Lane, keep your ears open for that sound and you might spot one.

What else might I see?

Find out what other wildlife you can see around the village on our wildlife page

our wildlife page

Below is a message from Norfolk Constabulary through the Police Connect scheme, passed on through our Parish Council to us:

We are aware of concerns and rumours circulating on social media about dogs being stolen or men in a van, including a van allegedly marked with the RSPC logo, acting suspiciously around people out walking with their dogs.

Please know there haven’t been any crimes recorded this week that relate to dog thefts

nor have we received any reports of dogs being stolen from a property or while out walking with their owners over the last week.

One person in North Walsham reported an incident on Saturday in which a man in a transit van asked questions about their dog while out walking. We asked them to report any further sightings to us and we haven’t received any further reports of this happening.

In addition, the RSPCA has told us that a number of incidents circulating on social media claiming people are impersonating their inspectors do not appear to have been actual cases of people trying to pass as bogus officials.

It’s important to know there are very few incidents whereby an RSPCA officer will approach someone in public, unless they witness animal cruelty or see an animal in immediate danger. Officers will also wear RSPCA brand clothing and always carry RSPCA identification. RSPCA officers do not have power of entry or seizure unless accompanied by a police officer.

If you’re approached by someone who makes you feel concerned about you or your dog’s safety or believe someone is posing as an RSPCA officer, tell us on 101.

Try to give us as much detail about the person or the vehicle they were in as you can. And do not hesitate to call us on 999 if a crime is happening and you need our help.

Apr/May edition of Eleven Says, the Newspaper of the Bramerton Group of Churches covering 11 Parishes.

Mill Road, Alpington, (the road with Green Pastures on) will be closed for 3 days 14th-16th April.

From reading the notice below it says 200m south of the a146, so my guess is that you’ll only be able to access the farm shop and garden centre from the a146 during those 3 days.

Below is a copy and paste from a document sent out by Garry Whiting, Heathgate Medical Practice & Lead Manager for the Poringland Centre:

Update – Covid 19 Vaccinations Message from Heathgate Medical Practice and Old Mill and Millgates Surgery

I have been asked where we are with second doses.

We have our last first dose clinic this Friday afternoon and then next week (29th March) we are due to start second vaccines at 11 to 12 weeks, to those we have already seen for vaccination.

Yes it’s 11 weeks since we started and locally we have vaccinated 22,000 people out of the Centre.

Your surgery will contact you as the timing of your second dose comes around. This contact will be made when we have confirmed vaccine delivery dates from NHS England.

Those still requiring first doses in the agreed cohorts 1 to 9 (above 50 or those under 50 with a specific underlying health condition) are being asked nationally to contact the national booking line via 119 or book online with the booking references from letters they have received.

There are no national invitations as yet for those aged 18 to 49 (without an underlying health condition).

Garry Whiting

Managing Partner

Heathgate Medical Practice

Lead Manager for the Poringland Centre

Ever seen an Egyptian goose? How about a Grey Wagtail? Have a walk down to the pond! It seems that the Yelverton pond renovation has perhaps created a home for some new wildlife.

Grey Wagtail

These are actually relatively rare in general, but a few times over the last few weeks we’ve seen a Grey Wagtail hanging around the pond.

There’s only about 70000 in the UK, so we’re quite lucky to have one in the village. In contrast there are roughly 7 million blue tits in the UK.

It might have always been there and we didn’t notice, but if it’s the pond renovation that’s attracted it then it’s a really good sign.

It’s a bit tricky to see in real life, let alone in my photos, but it has a bath in the pond sometimes and seems to like the puddle in the field behind the pond, just at the top of the embankment and over the barrier.

And if you’re wondering how it got its name “wagtail”:

Egyptian Goose

There’s one or two on or around the pond pretty much every day at the moment, I don’t remember seeing one here before.

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Anyone know what a baby Egyptian goose looks like? Maybe we’ll find out soon!

The Moorhens and Ducks

Nice to see that neither of our usual moorhens have deserted the pond while the works were carried out. But since the Egyptian Geese arrived we haven’t seen the usual pair of ducks around, have they been bullied off their patch? We’ll have to see if they come back… If not then we’ll leave it to you to decide if having the geese is a good trade!

What else can I see?

Find out what other wildlife you can see around the village on our wildlife page

our wildlife page

Healthwatch Norfolk we are launching a project to find out how people affected by cancer have accessed their appointments during the pandemic, with the overall aim of informing the wider rollout of digital services within the NHS.

Given that there are families in our community affected by cancer, and sadly there will undoubtedly be more in future, we thought it would be helpful to publicise this to residents, who may also wish to share this with friends and relatives to ensure that the survey reaches the widest possible audience.

From Healthwatch Norfolk themselves:

At Healthwatch Norfolk we are launching a project alongside Healthwatch Suffolk to find out how people affected by cancer have accessed their appointments during the pandemic.

We are working with the people in charge of cancer services in Norfolk and Suffolk to help shape the way appointments are accessed in the future, so it is vital that we get as much feedback as possible to get an authentic sense of patient opinion.

If you live in Norfolk or Waveney and have had a cancer diagnosis, referral or treatment since March 2020, Healthwatch Norfolk and Suffolk would love to hear from you.

Whether you have had virtual appointments (by phone or video call, for example), in-person appointments, or a combination of both your experiences could help shape future provisions.

click here for the survey

The full information and background is here in this press release from Healthwatch Norfolk:

If you would like to participate, please contact Healthwatch Norfolk by calling 0808 1689669, or emailing enquiries@healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk. Alternatively, the survey can be completed online by visiting www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/cancerappointments/

We are also asking our audience to forward the information to as many people as possible, to help us with this important piece of work. We would be extremely grateful for any support you can offer.

Healthwatch Norfolk and Healthwatch Suffolk are the independent voices for patients and service users in our counties. We gather your views of health and social care services to ensure they are heard by the people in charge. For more information about what we do, visit our websites www.healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk and www.healthwatchsuffolk.co.uk.”

The Adult Learning Team at County Hall have put together a free series of sessions and 4‑week short courses under the banner of ‘Spring into Wellbeing’ including meditation, yoga, languages and mindfulness.

There is a taster session for every course, and then if you like it you can book onto the longer course.

They are open to all, so have a read of the flyer and book your place!

From Marc Williams, Area Coordinator for UK charity Arthritis Action:

Arthritis Action Groups are an opportunity for people with arthritis to talk with others and share their tips on how to manage their arthritis and stay active whilst at home, and we actively welcome new attendees.

We discuss a variety of self-management techniques. Participants will need to contact us directly for the log in instructions for the meeting, and we have produced ‘How To’ guides for those not familiar with using Zoom.

I’m also available for one-off presentations on self-management of arthritis via Zoom if there is a local group that would be interested. These will of course be free of charge.

Upcoming Group Dates:

• 30/03/2021 – Norfolk & Suffolk Online Group (Launch) – 2pm
• 09/04/2021 – Coffee morning (open to all areas) – 10:30am
• 30/04/2021 – Coffee morning (open to all areas) – 10:30am
• 11/05/2021 – Norfolk & Suffolk Online group – 2pm
• 28/05/2021 – Coffee morning (open to all areas) – 10:30am

For joining details: http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk/media-centre/events
Or contact Marc directly
Marc@arthritisaction.org.uk

Rural Barn helps Focus on Spiritual Art

Just 7 miles south east of Norwich is a centre for Arts and creative Christian spirituality, based in The Barn, a former old carriage house at Rockland St Mary Rectory, home of the former Burning Bush project.  The Barn is a ministry run by Canon Nick Garrard and his wife Rev Helen Garrard.

At present the Barn fulfils several roles. It is a recording studio for services, an assembly line for children’s craft packs, and home to Art Café, which Nick explains, “This is a Wednesday morning online gathering where we contemplate a work of art or an artist and talk about all that intrigues and inspires us. We have conversations with artists, including the award-winning young Dutch artist Egbert Moddermann who joined us from Groeningen to share some of his paintings on Biblical themes.”

Nick’s role combines being Rector of six rural parishes (Rockland Benefice, part of the Bramerton Group) with Bishop’s Officer for Christian Spirituality through the Creative Arts. The arts ministry is based in The Barn, was developed and resourced by his predecessor, Revd Wendy Shaw and a committed core group, many of whom are still involved today from neighbouring villages and further afield.

“We trust The Barn will offer a creative space to explore their big questions. We look forward to times when people can return to the Barn for art events, quiet days, worship, coffee and cake,” said Nick, “We are launching groups with different interests soon, seeking to encourage creativity in many ways.”

Nick extends an invitation, “If you’d like to join us or receive our monthly Barn Owl round up of arts and spirituality events, my contact details are 01508 538014, email  nickgarr39@aol.com or click https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7440/get-in-touch/

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