January 1986

The Ludham Wives Group enjoyed a social evening on January 9th and Janet and Graham Smith had prepared a varied programme of games and quizzes for their entertainment. Refreshments were provided and served by the committee. Mrs K Lailey thanked Janet and Graham for a very enjoyable evening,
The first of the fortnightly Whist Drive was held in the Church Room. Mr A Sheldrake was MC. There were 12 prize winners. The proceeds are towards church room funds.
Family service on 19th January was well attended. It was conducted by the Rev G Nicholson with Mr J Savage as organist.  Items were presented by the children with Tracy Nicholson playing guitar. The collection was taken by Mr R Fulcher and Mrs L Savage.
An era came to an end in Ludham on Saturday night when Mrs Mary Le Grice ran her last whist drive for the village hall funds. For 35 years she has been organising these drives and as a mark of appreciation her friends the players subscribed towards a flower bowl, presented to her by Mrs Kora Parsons. The gift was in appreciation of the many happy hours spent playing whist, whether fortnightly drives for the village hall will resume under another organiser remains in doubt at the moment but certainly drives will continue to be held in the church room for church room funds on alternate Saturdays starting tomorrow. Whist winners were Mr P Randall, Miss Philips. Rex, Mrs Stibbon, Mrs A Jermy, Mr Mace, Mrs Turner, Mrs D Brown, Mr A Sheldrake, Mr R Randall, Mrs Miller, Mrs Mace, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Southgate and Mrs Bloxells. Competition winners were Mrs E Westgate, Mr Galey, and Mrs Loynes. Mr A Sheldrake was MC.
The weather around the 28th January was cold and sometimes frosty but compared with the rest of the country was quite favourable. The latter part was high winds and gales swept the country which affected the electricity for four hours one Sunday evening. On the continent it was stormy and wet, floods and snow.
Mrs F Bond presided and welcomed over thirty members of the WI at the first meeting of the year of the Women’s Institute on January 15th at the Ludham Church Room. After the business members enjoyed a talk and demonstration on spinning and weaving given by Mrs J Stevens who had brought samples of the work in various stages with some completed articles on show. She was thanked by Mrs J Bacon. Birthday flowers were given by Mrs S Hall and presented by Mrs Bond.
There was a good attendance at the Mother’s Union meeting on Wednesday in the Church Room and conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. After the business members enjoyed a talk given by Deaconess Chapman of Lowestoft, entitled ‘Women’s’ work in the Church’. She was thanked by Mrs O Mason. The hostesses were Mrs B Sayer, Mrs S O’Gorman. And Mrs V Wright. Mrs S Hall was at the stall which made £5 for Branch funds.
Ludham Parish Council received an encouraging report on the prospect and plans for the village hall, which has been the cause of some concern of late. The village hall committee has a new chairman, Mrs M Hayes and the council expressed sincere thanks to the retiring chairman Mr L Carter for his devoted service over the past three years. The fund-raising committee is now fully active and among plans for the future is included a revival of the village fete on Saturday July 19th
It was reported that the hall is now effectively let for all nights of the week and that there are plans for regular film shows.
There was a further development in the long running story of a possible speed limit in the village with a letter from the North Norfolk District Council strongly supporting the case. The District Council have written to the County Surveyor accordingly. Recently there have been two serious traffic accidents in the village and the council will bring these to the notice of the district and county surveyors and police traffic division.
The requests for gifts to charities were received and the clerk was asked to produce a list of charities which are supported from time to time by the council so that more orderly arrangements can be made.
Overnight moorings for visitors to Womack Staithe will remain unchanged at 50p per night for the coming season. The cost of Parish moorings will be increased by 10%.
A member of the council pointed out an alleged breach of planning conditions in the Ludham Marina buildings at Womack. This will be referred to the district council for investigation.
Further vandalism in the Yarmouth Road bus shelter was reported, the timetable case again being damaged. Eastern Counties bus service were unwilling to continue to replace the case and it was suggested that bus timetables might be displayed in surrounding shops.
The clerk reported that after some difficulties and delays the new fencing around the playing corner was now almost complete.  There were murmurs of complaint about the inefficiency of the organisation of the Manpower’s Services Commission work. Inquiries will be made of the county forestry officer concerning the supply of plants for a beech hedge along the fence.
Following reports that the education authority might be planning further closures of primary schools with fewer than 60 pupils and first schools with fewer than 40, there was a brief discussion of the position of Ludham. The council was informed that at present the Ludham first school was on the border line with 40 children, but there should be a round 50 by September. The present situation is reasonably secure but the situation must be closely watched.
By a vote of five to four on a second ballot the parish council co-opted Mrs Brenda Brookes of High House Fritton as a replacement member for the late Mr Arthur Gower.

Mrs D Crowden presided at the Ludham Wives Group meeting held in the Methodist Schoolroom on Thursday January 23rd when she welcomed members and visitors, also the speaker Mrs Boothway who made a return visit to continue her talk on being a landlady of a boarding and guest house. Mrs Boothway was given a cash gift for her charity. Margaret Brown gave the vote of thanks. Next meeting is on Thursday February 6th and the speaker will be Mrs B Gowing.

A jumble sale held in the church room raised £85. 25p for the Ludham Guides Camp funds.

February 1986

The Forget-Me-Not Club resumed their meetings on Thursday after their short winter break with Mrs Alexander presiding. After games some tea was served by the helpers.

The Ludham Wives group was held on Thursday 6th February at the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs D Crowden presiding. Despite the wintry weather 32 members were present. Mrs B Gowing gave a talk entitled ‘A sit down walk around Ludham’ illustrated with colour slides which she had recently taken of various parts of the village. Mrs M Keeler helped with showing of the slides, Thanks were given to both by the president for an enjoyable evening. Members were reminded that the next meeting will be the AGM on Thursday 27th February. Twenty members of the club went to the Cringles Country Club at Potter Heigham on Friday evening for dinner.

Things are looking better in Ludham so the Parish Council has decided to enter for the Best Kept Village competition again this year. Last year the parish council decided that the village was in no fit state to enter the Norfolk best kept village competition, but two factors appear to have changed this situation. One is the anticipated completion of the building works at Latchmoor Park and the second is the greatly improved tidiness of the village resulting mainly from the work of Mr Kitchener Dyball. In view of this, the council at its February meeting has decided that Ludham should enter for the 1986 competition.
There was further encouraging news at the meeting from the village hall. Urgent plumbing and electrical work costing £234 have been completed and would be paid for by the parish council.
The fund-raising committee reported a good response by the village organisations to the fete appeal.  Two dates have been arranged, a Valentine Pyjama dance for the over 18s and a later effort to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the hall. The question of the inter-village sports tournament was raised and information will be passed to the village hall committee and the Football Club with a hope of an entry from Ludham in 1986
A gift of £10 will be sent to the North Walsham Citizens Advice Bureau. It was decided there would be no new charitable gifts, including How Hill until the council’s commitment to the village hall is clear.
A member of the public raised a question of public tip for garbage. It was pointed out that the Martham tip was now closed and that the nearest sites for Ludham were North Walsham and Caister.
It was reported that the Smallburgh Internal Drainage Board had inspected the main drainage dyke which runs from Manships in School Road through the village to Womack Water. There was a tentative suggestion that the drainage Board might take over responsibility for the dyke. This idea was welcomed by the parish council.
There was a brief but inconclusive discussion on the proposed Wroxham- Hoveton bypass road which may affect traffic through Ludham. The point was made that traffic from Norwich onto the A1062 through Ludham would be reluctant to use the Western route through Belaugh. As no conclusion was reached individual members were asked to pass on any ideas or opinions direct to the County Surveyor.
The clerk reported that 32 applications had been received for the 25 available Parishioners moorings at Womack Staithe thus reducing the waiting list to seven.

The weather for February was extremely cold with strong north winds, night frosts but little snow, very fine when it did fall and blew away.

Despite the wintry weather 55 people attended the coffee morning held on February 11th in the Church Room. Competition winners were Mrs J Clarke, Mrs C Day, Mrs D Clarke, Mrs E Carter. It was organised by Mrs S Hall and helpers. Some£91 was raised for the Ladies Handicraft Guild

The monthly meeting of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion was held on Wednesday week in the Methodist Schoolroom, with Mrs C Day presiding. Following the business, she welcomed the Rev G Nicholson, vicar of St Catherine’s Church who gave a talk on ‘Keep Sunday Special’ A vote of thanks was given by Mrs M Fulcher. Tea hostesses were Mrs S O’Gorman, and Mrs M Turner. The trading stall manned by Mrs D Barnard and Mrs J Gower raised £12. 36p for Women’s section funds.

This year is reported as being the coldest winter for 40 years. Possibly on account of all other regions having heavy snow. East coast had little snow, 3-4 inches but winds were bitter and hard frosts each night. The sun has warmth in it and melts ice daily. Although it was frozen there has been no skating on Womack Broad to my knowledge.

Mrs Bond presided at the WI meeting held in the church room on Wednesday February 19th when she welcomed 38 members and one visitor. After the business the speaker was Mr John Ash who explained the problems and solutions faced by the Anglian Water and was thanked by Mrs J Mitchell for an interesting and instructive talk. The President reminded members of the coffee morning to be held at Mrs K Sloper’s home on March 4th and also completed the roster of the Group homes Tuesday lunches. Birthday flowers were given by Mrs K Fitzhugh. The trading stall made £2.45p for funds.

The annual general meeting of the Ludham Wives Group was held on Thursday evening February 27th in the Methodist Schoolroom with 21 members attending. Caroline Mobbs read the report of the year’s proceedings. Margaret Brown gave the Treasurers report. Dora Crowden thanked the committee and members for their hard work and support she had received during her year as president. Fund raising had been exceptionally good and the Group now had 45 paid up members. After the election of the new committee suggestions for charities were put forward from members, and the future programme was discussed. A pot plant was presented to the retiring president. New officers elected – President Mrs K Lailey, Vice presidents Mrs J Smith, Mrs R Brown. Secretary Mrs C Mobbs, treasurer Mrs Y Hoggs, Press officer Mrs B Slaughter, Catering Mrs D Lloyd and Mrs R Lumley.

The meeting of the Mother’s Union enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Mash, wife of the Rev Mash who spoke on their work in Canada with the gypsies and was thanked by Mrs J McGuire. The two hostesses were Mrs O’Gorman and Mrs C Day.  The stall was manned by Mrs S Hall which made £5. 58p for branch funds.
 
March 1986

The W I arranged a coffee morning on the 4th March   in aid of W I and H Q funds. The amount raised was £45.44p. Competition winners were won by Mrs S Roberts and Mrs J Watling. The president thanked all who braved the rain to make the occasion a success. It was held at the home of Mr and Mrs W Sloper.

A jumble sale was held in the church room on March 8th and raised £75.50p for the Ludham Brownies and Guides funds. Competition winners were Mrs B Beaumont, Mrs E Hankin, Mrs Gordon, Mrs Rix, Mrs C Cordiner, R Harrison and Kim Nicholson. The AGM will be held in the village hall on Monday at 8.15pm.

Mothering Sunday services were held at High Street Methodist Church. The morning service was led by Mr P Whitwood of Catfield with Mrs C Thrower at the organ. The Sunday School children sang an item and after the service gave cards to the women. Tea was served in the Sunday School room at the close.

A Mothering Sunday service was held at St Catherine’s Church on March 9th. Conducted by the Rev G Nicholson who welcomed a large congregation. The Sunday School banner was carried by Peter and David Nichols and Peter Tubby and the Mother’s Union banner by Mrs S Hall. The lessons were read by Matthew Holland and Racheal Savage. Readings were given by Mrs Cordiner and Mr J Savage. Children of the Sunday School distributed cards to the mothers and Rev Nicholson and Rev A Stanton to the ladies of the congregation. The address was given by Mr Stanton, area secretary for Christian Aid. The collection was taken by Mr R Fulcher and Mr D Norton.

Parents, families, church members and supporters made up a capacity crowd at the Church Room on March 15th on a Saturday afternoon.  They came to see ‘An Afternoon of Entertainment’ by St Catherine’s Church Sunday School and entertained they certainly were. Music, plays, dancing, instrumental items and bell ringing were all part of the real variety show put on by the 33 entertainers. The age range, from 4 to 14. Each item showed evidence of the very hard work done by the children and teachers in rehearsals. Fun and Fellowship was the main aim of the afternoon with the final financial profit for Sunday School funds being around £70 mark which will be useful in providing equipment for the Sunday School. Thanks, was voiced to all who supported the afternoon in any way. There will be another show next year.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held on Thursday in the Methodist School Room with Mrs K Lailey presiding. Police Sergeant Duncan Morris saw the members and talked about ‘The Victim Support Scheme’. This organisation was one of the charities Ludham Wives group supported during the year. Thanks, were given by Mrs D Crowden who presented him with a cheque for £175.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s section of the Royal British Legion was held in the Methodist School Room Mrs C day presiding. Mrs J Boothby was the speaker and members enjoyed humorous talk entitled ‘A Ticket to America’. She was thanked by Mrs B Holland. Tea hostesses were Mrs D Lloyd and Mrs J O’Neil. The trading stall realised £14,86p for branch funds.

Norfolk and Norwich branch of the RSPCA received gifts totalling £100 at the presentation outside the Kings Arms Ludham on Sunday 16th March. Mrs Daisy Bloomfield and her dog Skippy of Catfield Road Ludham raised £27,50p by the raffle of a crochet blanket. Mr Peter Billington of the Kings Arms handed over £40 and Mr Rodney Wright £16.50p on behalf of G.K. Charter, butcher of Sutton and Mrs Overment of the Crown Catfield £16. Mr E G Parnell received the gifts and said the money would be used at the RSPCA animal home at Drayton Road Norwich.

Some 42 W I members and two visitors on March 19th heard Mrs Brown read the poem Daffodils which gave a hint that spring was on its way. During the business section Mrs K Sloper delegate at the half yearly meeting in Norwich read a comprehensive and amusing report. The members agreed that the amount made at the coffee morning £45.44p should be sent to HQ for their appeal, and also that some gift should be made to Denham College also in need of funds. Cheques for £55 and £25 would be sent. Mr M Blackburn from Strumpshaw bird sanctuary gave an illustrated talk on his and his colleagues work to make part of the Broadland fit for the return of Flora and Fauna and listeners were delighted to hear that the plan is working. Mrs W Gould gave a vote of thanks. Mrs E Bond president presented birthday posies prepared by Mrs Bacon. The trading stall made £2.72p. Each member was given a potted version of Ludham WI during the last 50 years. This has been compiled by Mrs K Sloper, she was thanked for her hard work and Mr Sloper for aiding in the printing.

A Palm Sunday Communion Service was held at St Catherine’s Church conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. Mr J Savage was organist. The lessons were read by Mrs L Savage and prayers led by Mr A Sheldrake. The Communion cup, wine and bread were presented to the vicar at the high altar by Mr and Mrs Walker, Adam and Dustin Walker. The sidesman was Mr D Norton who also took the collection. The vicar distributed palm crosses to the congregation at the altar.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held on Thursday in the church room with Mrs C Day presiding. Various games were played which was followed by tea served by helpers.

How Hill’s future is settled, but the money needs to keep rolling in to the Broads Study Centre which is now well established and looks to have a settled future. That was the encouraging news from the director of How Hill Trust, Mr David Holmes as he spoke at the weekend on the first anniversary of the appeal. A target of £400,000 had been set for the appeal and £100,000 had been raised in the first 12 months, so they were on schedule and he said “Now it looks like we are here to stay but are not secure unless members can raise another £100,000. In the next couple of months, they hope to have a new nature trail and a Marshman’s cottage museum opened with further structural work on How Hill House itself planned. They were rather touched by the support received from the Sandringham Estate said Mr Holmes, but the most heart-warming part was that children in local schools had been involved in sponsorship events to help the appeal.

Road conditions in and around the village were a major subject for discussion at the March meeting of the Ludham Parish Council. The County surveyor informed the council that there will be a review of all speed limit requests including those from Ludham soon. In the meantime, the police will be carrying out silent speed checks on village roads. The council will ask the police to consider the Catfield road as well as the main Yarmouth to Norwich A1062 roads.
A letter was received from the head teacher of Stalham Middle School pointing out that many of the roads used by school buses were not salted of gritted in icy weather. The reply of the Highway Authority to this complaint is that these roads do not have a high enough priority for treatment. This caused considerable concern and the council decided to express that concern in letters to the member of parliament, the county highways and education committees.
Although the council were grateful for surfacing improvements on the main Yarmouth Road, there were many and serious complaints about the state of many minor and access roads in the village with large and increasing numbers of pot holes. The clerk was instructed to draw these matters urgently to the attention of the divisional surveyor.
More progress was reported on proposed improvements to the village hall. Estimates have been received for gas central heating, electric re wiring, curtains and other items and representatives of the council will meet with the village hall committee to decide what should be done. What grants should be applied for and how far the parish council should be asked to help.
The village hall committee reported a profit of £150 on the Valentine Dance and submitted a programme of monthly fund-raising events and efforts up to a Christmas party on Dec ember 20th. The council congratulated the committee on the impressive effort being made to put the hall into a sound financial state.
As Ludham has been entered for the 1986 Norfolk best kept village competition, all parishioners and village organisations are asked to help in keeping the village tidy and bring offers of help to the annual Parish Council meeting in April.
Beech hedging for the children’s playing centre will be provided by the North Norfolk District Council and it is hoped to plant some additional thorn hedging on the Yarmouth road footpath.
The council was asked to consider again the question of a gift to the How Hill Trust in view of the amenity and employment which How Hill provide to the village. It is hoped a decision can be made at the next spring meeting of the council when the financial position in relation to the village hall is somewhat clearer.
The How Hill Trust is appealing for items of artistic and historic interest which could be used as exhibits in the Marsh Museum which is to be established in Toad Hall Cottage on the How Hill estate.
Dr D W Gabriel summarised for the council the 1984/85 report of the Norwich Community Health Council. The report expresses great concern at the service reductions in provisions made in the area for the mentally ill. The Chiropody service was said to be inadequate. There was serious concern about the neglect of maintenance of National Health Service buildings in the area which now require £14 million to bring them up to an adequate state of repair. It was suggested that some village organisations might invite a speaker from the community Health Council.
The council gave permission for charity stalls to be set up on Bakers Arms Green as follows: Wednesday May 28th – Ludham Hall handicrafts exhibition expenses. Thursday June 5th – Ludham Playgroup. Wednesday June 18th – village hall fund raising committee and Thursday July 24th Ludham Women’s Institute.
The annual parish meeting for all parishioners will be held in the church room on Tuesday April 15th at 7.30pm.

Village Hall fund raising. Following the Valentine/Pyjama dance at which £154.84p was raised, a coffee morning was held in the church room on Tuesday March 25th. Nearly new and cake stalls together with two competitions raised £108.50p. A total of £263. 23p is now held by the fund-raising committee. The next event is a jumble sale on Saturday April 12th at the Church Room.

All services during Easter weekend were well attended and were conducted by the Rev G Nicholson with Mr J Savage at the organ. At Sunday mornings service the choir sang an Easter anthem. Mr A Sheldrake read the lessons and Mrs S Hall and Mr C England took the collection. The church had been beautifully decorated with spring flowers by the women of the church flower guild. Some 75 Arum Lilies were given by members and friends of the church.

A long running wrangle to build public toilets at Ludham Bridge looks certain to suffer another setback. For more than 10 years North Norfolk District Council has tried to provide the toilets and has looked at several sites around Ludham Bridge. At Thursday’s health and works committee meeting members agreed to recommend the piece of land belonging to Mr Jack King next to Willow Fen should be bought by compulsory purchase to provide toilets and a layby. But Mr King who has always refused to sell the plot, told a reporter he would appeal against any compulsory purchase order and added “there is plenty of room on the other side of the bridge for a layby” Mr King who runs the Bridge Farm Caravan site said he felt the toilets should be closer to the river to serve river users. In recent years he said many of those people had used his private site toilets without permission. He hopes to use the half acre piece of land to create two tennis courts to add to facilities at the site. The district administrator Mrs Ruth Lanslaw told the councillors a planning application to build toilets and layby on the land had already been approved and that £30,000 had been included in the committee’s capital programme for 1986/7. Council Chairman Mrs Vi Bensley who lives in Ludham said the project had been on the cards as far back as local government re organisation in the 1970s and that because of difficulties over a suitable site it had been overtaken by many other schemes. “There really is a need for public conveniences there” She said.
The committee rejected a proposal from Mr Ray Hughes to shelve the scheme and to re allocate the 30,000. He warned that a strong case for compulsory purchase order would have to be presented by the council if the matter went to public enquiry.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not club was held on Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs Alexander presiding. After games tea was served by helpers.

A Wayside Stall was manned on Friday morning. Organised by Mrs Jane Seymour, Jessica and Hannah and Anthony Seymour. Some £30 was raised for the Douglas Bader Appeal.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist School room on March 27th with Mrs Kathy Lailey presiding. Members enjoyed a microwave demonstration given by Mrs Sally Church and thanked by the president.

The Royal British Legion Women’s section at Ludham was the hostess branch of the group 12/14. A meeting held in the Church Room. Mrs E Carter was delegate. Members enjoyed the reading of poems by Mowther (?) Maggie from Radio Norfolk.

Cuttings and Inclusions Jan - Mar 1986

April 1986

An Easter sale was held in the Church room on Wednesday evening April 2nd. Competition winners were Mrs G Roll and Mrs M Burroughs. Some £240 was raised for the expenses for the craft weekend at Ludham Hall on August 2-3rd. It was organised by Mrs S Hall, Mrs V Parsons, Mrs M Bacon and Mrs M Burroughs.

Careless parking by old people’s cars visiting Ludham for a ramble has upset the Parish Council. At its April meeting the council heard serious complaints about excessive parking at Ludham Bridge and other places in the village, including Hall Common and Cold Harbour on March 27th. The council learned that the visitors were taking part in a senior citizens ramble that was widely advertised on Radio Norfolk. Although the idea of such river bank walks were widely welcomed by the council it was generally felt that careless parking on verges and gateways, particularly in bad weather was an abuse of the village hospitality.
For some time there has been concern in Ludham about the drainage dyke between Norwich Road and Womack Water which carries surface water from a large part of the village including School Road, Willow Way and Norwich Road. At the meeting the council agreed to contribute up to £120 for clearing the dyke on the assumption that the other authorities involved, drainage board and district and county councils did the same. The divisional surveyor will be asked to speed up repair works on the bridge culverts on the drainage.
It was reported that the land earmarked for a layby and toilets at Ludham Bridge was not now available. There was a suggestion of a compulsory purchase order may be used which could involve a public enquiry. The council agreed that it would cooperate if such an inquiry was set up.
The council agreed again to employ Mr Kitchener Dyball for clearing up work in the streets and open spaces during the summer months. Sincere thanks were expressed for his voluntary work during the winter.
An estimate of £4457 was submitted for the installation of a gas heating system in the village hall. The council agreed to accept responsibility for the work subject to conditions provisionally made.
After a further discussion the council decided after a majority vote to make a contribution to the How Hill Trust appeal of £25.
It was announced that the fifth Ludham Mini Marathon/Fun Run for the Ludham Parish Council Trophy would take place on May 4th at 10.30am.
The 1st Ludham Girl Guides and Brownies were given permission to set up a wayside stall on bakers Arms Green on Saturday July 5th.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s section of the Royal British Legion was held in the Methodist School Room with Mrs C Day presiding. Following the business members enjoyed Miss Pettitt talk about her 30 years in Ludham as a midwife, district nurse and health visitor. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs R Fulcher. Tea was served and hostesses were Mrs B Holland and Mrs J O’Neil. The trading stall manned by Mrs D Barnard realised £14.87p for women’s section funds.

The annual meeting of the St Catherine’s Church was held on Monday evening April 14th in the church room and was conducted by the Rev G Nicholson who gave a satisfactory report of the church’s activities during 1985 year and he thanked all those who had worked hard to achieve this. The two church wardens, Mrs S Hall and Mr K Fitzhugh were unanimously re-elected, also the Treasurer Mrs L Savage and secretary Mrs O Mason. The report by Mr J Savage organist and choirmaster was read by his wife Mrs L Savage and the Sunday school report given by Mrs R Cordiner outlined the progress of the Sunday School, which now has 36 children regularly attending. Mrs Savage read the financial statement which was adopted and seconded. Mrs V Parsons read the financial statement of the Church room, a most encouraging report which was adopted and seconded. The members of the parochial church council were all re-elected with Mrs D Barnard as a new member of the church council.

Mrs E Bond welcomed 32 members and one visitor, Mrs J Snelling, who was a former member until she left Ludham to live in France to the Women’s Institute in the Church Room on Wednesday 16th April. Mrs J Liddle had members exercising rhythmically on the feet and on their chairs, loosening joints and muscles they had forgotten they possessed. She was thanked by Miss J Clarke. Mrs Bond gave out the final arrangements for the jumble sale to be held in the church room on April 26th and allocated the Rd Cross boxes, ready for the collection early in May. Birthday flowers given by Mrs C Day and Mrs K Sloper were presented by Mrs Bond to members. The trading stall made £5. 89p for branch WI funds.

A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on April 19th organised by Mrs C Day and Mrs V Alexander and helpers. Some £155 was raised for the Forget-Me-Not club funds.


The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist School Room with Mrs Kathy Lailey presiding. A talk on Spinning, Weaving and Dying Wool was given by Mrs Jane Stevens who was thanked by Mrs Lailey.

Annual Parish Meeting.
The Ludham Fun Run is on May 4th and proceeds from this event will be for ‘Cherish That Child’.
Ludham Parish rate had risen by halfpenny in the pound this year but this was to ensure that the whole village contributed to the very necessary improvements in the village hall. This was explained by the Parish Council Chairman Mr D L Richie in his report to the Annual Parish meeting in the Church Room last week April 15th. He said the council had accepted responsibility for a new central heating system costing £4.500.
With the help of the Manpower Commission Community Scheme the boundary of the playing field on Catfield Road had been cleared and a new fence and beech hedge had been erected.
The chairman offered the thanks of the council and parishioners to Mr J Sayer who at little or no cost maintained the village sign and public seats and to Mr K Dyball who takes care to keep streets and open spaces tidy and also to Mrs V Bensley, the District council chairman and Mr W h Sloper, the Parish clerk for their many contributions to the welfare of the village.
In the cheering report of the village hall for which there was a growing enthusiasm during the year, it was said that in addition to the regular activities of snooker, bowls and football, the hall was now used every night of the week and on four mornings. The fund-raising committee had been very active. Some £424 has been raised since February and there was some funding raising activity every month until the end of the year. Big improvements in the building amenities was planned and there was now hope for a very adequate village hall as a real community centre.
For the governors of the First School at Ludham, Mr Barry Rix reported that there are now 47 children on the school roll and that this should rise to 58 in September, taking the school out of immediate danger zone. He paid tribute to Mrs June Harmon who is retiring from the school staff this year.
Dr D A Edmonds reported for the governors of the Stalham Middle School. There was still some concern that further efforts might be made to dispose of part of the school playing field he said. Extra-curricular activities had been seriously disrupted by the teacher’s dispute. There was some anxiety about the amount of ‘junk’ food consumed by the children, which seemed to suggest the need for some education in eating habits. It was reported that the supervision on school buses would be on the next governor’s meeting agenda.
Mrs V Bensley gave a report on district council activities. It was pointed out that the new district rate has risen from 13.5p to 14p only 3.7% as against some 15% increase in County Council rate. Unfortunately, it weas the responsibility of the district council to collect the whole rate and so the wrath of residents fell on them. Council houses were being brought up to a much higher standard and there was some new building, though Ludham was fortunate in having no serious housing problems. Mrs Bensley stressed the importance of the tourist industry to the area and explained the thinking behind the water-based leisure facility to be built at Sheringham which the district council felt would be of great benefit to residents and visitors.
Mr Bird, manager of the Eastern Counties at Yarmouth, attended as a guest and outlined to the meeting the Transport De-Regulation Act, which removes restrictions on entry to the public transport business with the aim of increasing competition. It was clear that not all the consequences of this Act will be beneficial to the traveling public.  Urban services may do reasonably well but there are doubts about the rural services. The Eastern Counties service 717 route must be regarded as vulnerable in the future, particularly the section between Martham and Hoveton.
In addition, reports were received from the Royal British Legion (men and women), Ludham Judo Kwai, Women’s Institute, Forget-Me-Not club, Ludham Wives Group, Ludham Society, High Street Methodist Church, Ladies Handicraft Guild, St Benet’s Players and Ludham Playgroup. Although no formal reports had been received from Womack Herons (Boat Owners Club), Mother and Toddler Group, and the 1st Ludham Girl Guides, the meeting was assured that they are very active.
In connection with the best kept village competition a poster contest among the village children will be held providing a prize. Offers of help for keeping the village tidy had been received.
When the meeting opened, the chairman paid tribute to Mr Arthur Gower, a councillor for 17 years, who had died during the year. The council had co-opted Mrs Brenda Brooks to replace Mr Gower until the next elections.
In closing the chairman complimented the village on the large number of active organisations and particularly oin the sums raised by many of these organisations for outside charities.
The meeting ended with a special thanks to the chairman.

A 40-hour darts marathon raised over £1000 for the Jenny Lind Ward at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. Eight members of the Ludham Kings Arms Darts Club took part in the marathon. Starting at 8.30pm on Friday and finishing on Sunday at 12.30pm.  A cake stall outside the Kings Arms on Saturday run by wives of players plus several competitions helped with the sponsorship money to bring the total near to £1200

A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on Saturday 26th April. It was organised by members of the Women’s Institute Committee. The sum of £80 was raised for the holiday home at Hunstanton for handicapped children.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ludham Wives Group was held on Thursday in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs K Lailey presiding. Members enjoyed a demonstration of patchwork and quilting given by Mrs Gum who was thanked by Mrs Lailey.

The monthly meeting of the Mother’s Union was held on Wednesday week in the Church Room conducted by the Rev G Nicholson. After the business members enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Hart on ‘Clothes of the Bible’, illustrated with dressed dolls. She was thanked by Mrs D Barnard. Three members Mrs R Fulcher, Mrs O Mason and Mrs O Gorman had attended the deanery council meeting preceded by a Communion service in Catfield Church in the morning. Tea was served by Mrs C Day and Mrs S O Gorman. Mrs S Hall manned the trading stall which made £3.85p for branch funds.

May 1986

The month of May proved cool and unsettled after the long winter and it seemed unusual to have daffodils in bloom which should have been in flower in March. Trees and foliage are also slow in showing green shades and shoots but at last the corn is growing and fields are green with a field of rape down Womack a brilliant yellow. The garden is wet with constant rain and bedding plants are ready when the wallflowers and bulbs are over.

The Forget-Me-Not club celebrates its 19th birthday on May 1st at the Church Room with Mrs Alexander presiding A birthday tea was provided and served by helpers and a birthday cake made by Mrs M Jolly. Members enjoyed slides and a talk give n by Mrs B Gowing and Miss M Keeler. Each helper was given a pot plant.

A concert was held at High Street Methodist Church on May 1st arranged by Mr Ernie Gotterson, with aim of providing Bibles for church use. A full church enjoyed a varied programme of songs, music and verse and £71 was raised.

St Catherine’s Church was full on May 6th for the funeral of Leonard John Fuller of Fritton House Farm which he had farmed for over 20 years. It was attended by many farmers and organisations with which Mr Fuller involved. Immediate mourners were the widow, Mr and Mrs A Beardshaw, Mrs J Fuller, Mr and Mrs M Fuller, Mrs J Watson, Mrs K Dowe, Mr and Mrs Brody, Mr and Mrs A Harris, Mr and Mrs T Nichols, Mr and Mrs M Nichols, Mr and Mrs Hocon, Mrs Johnson, Mrs Schader,  Mr and Mrs K Watson, Mr and Mrs E George, Mr and Mrs E Fuller, Mr and Mrs F Dingle, Mr B Dingle, Mr and Mrs G Pegg and Mrs W Pegg.

The High Street Methodist Church held an Ascension Day service on Thursday with the circuit minister the Rev S Yelland attending and conducting it. Mrs C Thrower was organist.

The Ludham Wives Group spent a very enjoyable evening at the Candle Cavern at the post office Stokesby. They were given a demonstration and were invited to participate in the art of fancy candle making with amazing results. A vote of thanks was given by the group.

A fashion Show given by Fashion Direct was held on Friday in the village hall. The event was organised by the Ludham Playgroup and all the proceeds of £130 have been given to the Village hall fund raising committee.

There was a large attendance at the High Street Methodist church on Sunday morning May 11th for a United Christian Aid service which started Christian aid week. The service was conducted by the Rev I Bond and the address given by Mrs Sheila Hoskins, a lay reader and Mr C Thrower was organist. A reading was given by Karen O Gorman and Nicola Harbin who also took the collection. Readings and musical items were given by children of St Catherine’s Church Sunday school. Sunflower seeds were distributed by Mrs K Sloper and Mrs S Hall.

A coffee morning was held on May 13th at the home of Dr and Mrs Roberts and raised £106.50p and the collection on the Sunday morning united service held at the Methodist Church was £50.54p. Both for Christian Aid funds.

On May 17th a jumble sale was held in the church room and was organised by Mrs J Bacon. The sum of £183.50p was raised for Papworth Hospital on behalf of the Zipper Club.

The High Street Methodist Church celebrated its 119th Chapel Anniversary with a family service in the morning conducted by the Rev F Bond. Mrs C Thrower was organist. Coffee was served afterwards in the Schoolroom. In the evening the service was taken by Mr E Beckett and Mrs N Kirby and Dr Roberts was organist.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s section of the Royal British Legion was held in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Day presiding. Following the business, the members enjoyed a talk given by Mrs Thaxton from a Norwich Citizens Advice Bureau. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs D Barnard. Tea hostesses were Mrs S O Gorman, Mrs P Knox and Mrs J McQuin (?) The trading stall realised £11.20p for branch funds. Members of the Royal British Legion and Women’s section attended the Canon Wake Fellowship service held in St Benedict’s Church Horning. Mr C England carried the Standard.

At the Annual meeting of the Ludham Parish Council Mr D L Richie chairman, and Mrs V Bensley were unanimously re-elected.
Mrs Bensley was congratulated on the start of her fourth year as Chairman of North Norfolk District Council. Members expressed thanks to Mr and Mrs Robin Troise for the splendid murals they had executed in the bus shelter and for other work they had carried out there.
It was understood that Smallburgh internal drainage board machines would soon be at work clearing the dyke running between Norwich Road and Staithe Road bridges.
The best Kept Village Competition is now under way and the judge might be expected to pay several visits between the present date and the end of July.
Mrs Brenda Brooks gave an account of various very successful events held and planned by the village hall fund raising committee.
The Clerk had received revised eastern County time tables. A very few buses on route through Ludham had been withdrawn. Mr Peter day of Willow Way had offered to act as public transport contact.
Norfolk Constabulary had made speed checks and found that few vehicles exceeded 30 miles an hour through the village. The police had noticed that many people used the roadway instead of the footpaths behind the hedge in Yarmouth Road. The Council will ask the divisional surveyor to provide a sign for this path.
There had been complaints that horses had churned up the surface of public rights of way making it difficult for walkers. It was agreed to publicise the law that horses might be ridden on bridleways only not on public footpaths.

Mrs E Bond resided at the May meeting of the Women’s Institute on Wednesday 21st and welcomed 35 members. After the singing of Jerusalem Mrs p Bond VCO explained and debated the resolutions to be voted upon at the AGM in London at the Royal Albert Hall. Mrs Janet Clarke will take the votes and views to London. The result of the Red Cross Collection was £123.88p this year. Thanks, were given to all the collectors. The trading stall raised £2.47p

A service of choral Communion was held at St Catherine’s Church on Sunday morning 25th may for Trinity Sunday and Mother’s Union Sunday with members taking part. The service was conducted by The Rev G Nicholson and Mr J Savage was organist. The Mother’s Union Banner was carried by Mrs D Barnard. Mrs D Nicholson read the epistle and gospel and Mrs O Mason gave the intercessions and thanks giving prayers. The Cup, Wine, water and bread were presented to the vicar at the High Altar by Mrs S O’Gorman, Mrs V Wright and Mrs S Hall. The collection was taken by Mr R Fulcher. Mrs Fulcher, the Mother’s Union enrolling member was ill and unable to attend.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held on Thursday evening in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs Lailey presiding. A talk was given by Duncan Morris on perils of drug taking and thanked by Mrs Lailey.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held in the Church Room with Mrs Alexander presiding After games tea was served by helpers.

A Wayside stall was held on Bakers Arms Green on Wednesday morning May 28th and raised £93.20p towards the expenses of the Craft weekend at Ludham Hall on August 2-3rd. It was organised by Mrs S Hall and helpers.

The sum of £133 was raised for the RNIB on Thursday evening when Mrs M Richie held a coffee evening at her home at Ludham Hall. Despite inclement weather many people attended to enjoy sideshows, competitions and patronised a well-stocked trading stall. Mrs M Richie would like to thank all who attended to make the occasion a success.

A Wayside stall was held on Thursday morning and raised £54.50p for the Ludham Playgroup and was organised by some of the mothers.

At High Street Methodist Church instead of the usual service the Catfield Choir came. The Rev F C Bond announced the first hymn followed by a prayer. On behalf of the choir Mr F Soller (?) then took over. Mr A White was the organist with Mr C Hawkes as conductor. There were solos and duets with many items by the choir.
On Saturday the circuit youth invited the circuit Senior Citizens to a tea at the High Street Methodist Church. Following the tea, the young people entertained them.

June 1986

Internal drainage routes were discussed at the June meeting of the Ludham Parish Council. Following the receipt of a letter from the Sea Palling Parish Council it was agreed that Ludham would support a move to spread the drainage rate over the whole district rather than on low-lying properties only. However, a rider was added that should the district council accept responsibility for collecting and disbursing this rate there should be district and parish council representation on the Internal Drainage Board.
It was reported that dredging work on the surface water drain from North of Norwich Road to Staithe Road was almost complete. The divisional surveyor will be asked to expediate the promised clearance of the culverts under the Norwich and Staithe roads.
There has been further vandalism in the Yarmouth Road bus shelter and the Police were informed. Two people have been interviewed by the police but there is no further action at the moment. The council gave sincere thanks to Mr and Mrs Robin Troise for their efforts in decorating and quickly restoring the shelter.
The council discussed at length two tenders for insurance cover and eventually accepted the terms of the Municipal Mutual Insurance Company for a four-year period.
Reports from the village hall were encouraging. The amount raised by the fund-raising committee is now £879 and it is hoped that the £1000 target will be reached in the very near future. The council members agreed to organise a stall at the village hall fete on July 19th.
A letter from the County Surveyor indicates that the How Hill Trust was unable to cover cost of changes in the directional road signs to How Hill and the matter was now in abeyance.
The recently appointed public transport contact informed the council the Eastern Counties had introduced for an experimental period a reduced fair to Norwich for £1.70p return (£1.25p with senior citizen card)
There is a report that dead hares have been found in the marshes, particularly around St Benet’s area. The veterinary service suspect that this could possibly be due to chemical sprays but this could only be decided if a reasonably fresh corpse became available for post mortem examination.
Mrs G Cater, head teacher of Ludham First School will be leaving the school in September to take up an appointment with the County Education Department. The council thanked Mrs Carter on behalf of the village.
The Ludham Society were given permission to set up a stall on Bakers Arms Green on Wednesday August 6th

WI members and friends left by coach on June 19th for the annual summer outing, stopping at Attleborough for coffee before going to Bury St Edmunds for either picnic lunch or visit to the town. Later in the afternoon they visited (?) village before continuing on to Long Milford for tea provided by the WI Long Milford. The outing was organised by Mrs Gwen Crocker.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs K Lailey presiding. The speaker was Mrs Mary Smith from Elizabeth Fitzroy House, Meadow Cottage Overstrand, who spoke of the people in her care and gave details of each person and the wives were deeply touched by the dedication given by her and her staff of the home. The later was the Ludham Wives charity for the year. Mrs Lailey proposed a vote of thanks for a most interesting talk.

The monthly family service was held at St Catherine’s Church on Sunday morning when the vicar welcomed members of Winterton Sunday School with a total of over 40 children attending, including St Catherine’s church Sunday School. Mr J Savage was organist. Readings were given by Tracey Nicholson. Singing was performed by each Sunday School. The collection was taken by Claire Lincoln and Lisa Savage. After the service a picnic lunch and sports afternoon were held at the village hall field with families. Two teams competed, the Wombles and Smurfs, and a Sunday School Trophy was awarded to the Wombles. It is hoped to make this an annual event.

Vice president Mrs J Mitchell, in the absence of the president Mrs E Bond, who is at present in hospital, welcomed 24 members and 10 visitors to the W I open evening on June 18th. The talk by Mrs T Green on Fashion through the Ages interested, amused and astonished, ranging from the 14th century to the war years and later. Examples of the fine linen undergarments and the Flapper dresses of our mothers made members both envious of the softness of the material yet thankful for the modern made material and fibres which made washing so much easier. Mrs I Farrington thanked Mrs Green for an enjoyable journey through the fashions which had resulted in modern day dress. The stall made £2.12p for funds.

A coffee morning was held at the home of Jayne Crawshore, Grange Close Ludham and it raised £35.21p for Ludham Playgroup funds. Prize winners were Mrs E Hankin, Mrs C Mobbs and Mrs B Clinging (?)

Eight members of the Royal British Legion Women’s section attended a group quiz held at Wroxham Church Hall. Mrs J Bacon represented Ludham. The delegate was Mrs D Barnard. The branch held its 24th birthday with Mrs S O’Gorman presiding. Mrs E Pygin (?) was the speaker and a vote of thanks was given by Mrs C Day. The Birthday cake was made by Mrs O’Gorman. The trading stall made £8.50p for branch funds.

The jumble sale organised by the members of the Ludham Wives Group raised £87.77p for their charity of the year. The Ludham Wives also held a coffee evening at 8 Broad Reaches by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Lloyd when £26 was raised.

The total amount of £450 has been donated by friends and relatives of Mr L Fuller who recently died and is for the St Catherine’s Church organ fund, with grateful thanks to all who donated to this cause and to Mrs D Fuller.

Members of the Royal British Legion and Women’s branch attended a County Rally held at Swaffham on Sunday. Mrs C England was standard bearer. The service was conducted by Canon D P Maurice, County Chaplain and was assisted by the Rev H Edsell, Deputy County Chaplain and the Rev K Reeves vicar of Swaffham. The service was followed by tea at Sheringham.

The High Street Methodist Church held its anniversary on Sunday combining family service. Morning service was conducted by Mr and Mrs Moy of Potter Heigham, Mrs C Thrower was organist. Coffee was served after the service. The afternoon service was taken by Nr Shaun Cushing of Catfield with Dr Roberts as organist. At both services young people took part. After the service tea was served in the Schoolroom.
(have inadvertently repeated village News in error)

A Wayside stall was held on Saturday June 28th on Bakers Arms Green and raised £54 for the Craft weekend (August 2-3) expenses. Competition winners were Mrs W Pyne and Mrs Hall

The fortnightly meeting was held of the Forget-Me-Not Club on Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs V Alexander presiding. After games tea was served by helpers.

The Ludham Wives Group held their fortnightly meeting on Thursday in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs K Lailey presiding. A talk was given by Mr Jeff freeman on house plants and propagation. He was thanked by Mrs K Lailey.

Cuttings and Inclusions Apr - June 1986

July 1986

The Ludham Wives Group held their fortnightly meeting on Thursday July 3rd in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs K Lailey presiding. A talk was given by Mr Peter Hawkins of Gr Yarmouth on antiques with members taking along some of their antiques for his comment.
An evening trip on the Spirit of Broadland will be held on Friday 18th July. The Autumn session of Wives Group starts again on Thursday September 11th with a visit to Caister Lifeboat Station.

Owing to wet weather the annual Church Fete had to be held in the church room on Saturday 5th July but was very well supported and £251.30p was raised for St Catherine’s Church expenses.

On Wednesday week members and helpers and friends of the Forget-Me-Not Club left by coach to visit a garden centre at Swannington where they also had tea.

A Wayside stall was held on Saturday July 5th on Bakers Arms Green and raised £53 for Ludham Guides and Brownies funds. It was organised by the members of the fund-raising team.

For the village hall fund raising gifts have been received from Ludham Football Club (£25) and the dog show (£262.45p). Next event is the village fete on July 19th. It is being opened by Paddington Bear. There is a fancy-dress procession at 2pm from Stocks Hill to the village hall.

The monthly branch meeting of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section was held in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs C Day presiding. Members enjoyed an illustrated talk given by Mr Dean from Hashells (?) of Norwich called ‘Diamonds are forever’. A vote of thanks was given by Mrs C Day. Tea hostesses were Mrs R Morton and Mrs J Williams. The trading stall raised £7.87p for branch funds.
A Strawberry Tea was held by invitation of Mrs M Turner of Southward, Norwich Road, helped by Mrs O Gorman. The total raised was £100 to be allocated to Women’s Section funds.

Headlines – ‘Councillor sorry for removing footpath signs’ 18.07.86 Yarmouth Mercury.
Confusion over a public footpath and a bridleway was the outstanding feature of the July meeting of the Ludham Parish Council. The right of way in question runs from Yarmouth Road (near Horsefen Road) via High Mill to Fritton. A complaint had been received by Norfolk County Council from a horse rider who could not use the High Mill Fritton section because of styles and gates. A letter from the county surveyor and two from Mr N Brooks, the landowner concerned with part of the route were read. The parish clerk then explained the background of the problems. In the definitive map at present in use which was prepared as long ago as 1953 the whose length is marked as a bridleway but over the High Hill – Fritton section there are additional letters indicating public footpaths. The evidence seemed to show that somewhere along the line in 1953 only Yarmouth Road to High Hill was designated as a bridleway and the rest to Fritton was a footpath.
Over the years since then the parish council had several times tried to persuade the district and county councils to correct the error but nothing has been done.
In 1972 the parish council erected a notice at the Yarmouth Road end indicating ‘Bridleway leading to public footpath’ and at High Mill and Fritton ‘public footpath’ signs. Although the incorrect map was still officially in use, this was thought to be in the best interests of the public. However recently there had been these letters received from parishioners complaining about the use of the Fritton end of the footpath for horse riding, the footpath signs having been changed. The clerk then reported that indeed the public footpath signs had been removed, left in the hedge and replaced with bridleway signs. Investigation indicated that this had been done by a member of the parish council acting as he claimed on information given by the divisional surveyor’s office. The chairman made it clear that acting this way, without even consulting the parish council represented at the least a serious discourtesy. The councillor in question apologised.   There was some discussion of legal position and one member suggested that with hindsight perhaps the council was wrong erecting signs that were not exactly in accordance with the county map, even though this action was in the best interest of the public. By a majority decision it weas agreed to leave the new bridleway signs in position for the time being. The whole situation was unsatisfactory and confusing the council felt and it was agreed to write to the district council asking for help and guidance in settling the dispute.
Among the other business considered it was reported that all work on the drainage dyke from School Road to Womack Water had now been completed by the internal drainage board and that the highways department had cleared the culverts under Norwich and Staithe Road roads. Following a recent suggestion that drainage rates should be incorporated into the general rates it was reported that the North Norfolk District Council will take no action in this matter while awaiting government legislation on rates and on water authorities.
In the Best Kept Village Competition, the clerk reported that 14 posters had been received from children at the village school and that these would be displayed at the village hall fete tomorrow. The Council will give a prize of £5 for the winning poster and a gift of £1 to each other entrant.

Several weeks of fine weather has recently been enjoyed so summer activities have been able to benefit, only the day of the Church fete did it decide to rain all day so it was held in the Church Room instead of the vicarage garden, but as the vicar is not at all well following an operation he may have been glad of a peaceful day. He took his last service on June 22nd in the evening. At last his name was placed on the Board of Vicars on July 17th by Mr Taylor, signwriter of Horning.

A war walk sponsored and undertaken by the children of Ludham Playgroup held on a very wet day in June raised the magnificent sum of £133.50p

Members and helpers spent a very enjoyable afternoon in the garden of the Dutch House in lovely sunshine by kind invitation of Mrs Jane Seymour who provided tea. This was the Forget-Me-not Club over sixty club.

The funeral (28th July) of Mr Edward Slaughter (Duke) a local member of our community was well attended by the parishioners. Funerals seem to draw more members of the public together these days, than say twenty years ago.

August 1986

August weather was sun, cloud, blustery winds in fact the 2nd was extreme S/W winds and the 3rd was heavy rain from late morning to evening, this meant the local events suffered from its attention and those who attended stood around and watched the heavy and prolonged downpour. The service at St Benet’s struggled on with a very damp Bishop attending.

On the 4th August, a Monday a stall for the charity ‘Cherish that Child’ was held outside the Kings Arms, proceeds amounted to £40 and was organised and manned by Catherine and Laura Cordiner and Sarah and Sam Billlington, Naomi Turner and Tanya Lavender.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held on Thursday in the Church Room with Mrs Alexander presiding. Final arrangements were made for the outing to Cromer on Wednesday. Tea was served by the helpers.

There was a good attendance at the United Service and songs of praise held in St Catherine’s Church on Sunday July 27th. It was conducted by the Rev F Bond, a retired Methodist minister. The Rev G Nicholson was unwell and unable to attend. The organist was Mr J savage who also conducted the choir singing the anthem. Mr A Sheldrake read the prayers. There were two solos by Mrs V Hill and Miss B Searle accompanied on the organ by Mrs C Thrower. Various people had requested the hymns which were sung. The collection taken by Mrs K Sloper and Mrs S Hill is being divided between St Catherine’s Church and the High Street Methodist Church funds.

Every morning lately, we start with sunshine and stillness but by 10am a high wind blows up from the SE and makes it too windy to enjoy the beach, picnics, the garden etc.

The Forget-Me-Not Club members accompanied by Mrs Alexander, Mrs C Day helpers and friends went on Wednesday 6th August by coach to Cromer where they went to the show on Cromer pier and afterwards had tea before they returned to Ludham

At the invitation of Mr and Mrs Bluck (?) of White House Staithe Road Ludham the Methodist church held a fete on Saturday afternoon. Various stalls and games were held and it was a warm sunny day too. After expenses were taken out over £200 was raised for the church funds. On Sunday morning a family service was held conducted by Mrs Dorothy W……? of Fleggburgh. Bible readings were by Mrs L Croxford and Mr C Thrower. A poem was said by Mrs S Roberts and Dr Roberts was organist. Coffee was served in the Schoolroom afterwards.

The Wayside stall on Bakers Arms Green on Wednesday raised £39.65p for the Ludham Society funds.

Parishioners packed the Church Room for the August meeting of the Parish Council when an application to develop two hectares of land between Norwich Road and willow way for housing was discussed. A petition of over 90 signatures and a pile of letters from residents opposed to the scheme was to be sent to the planning authority, North Norfolk District Council. Following further observations from the public and from parish council members, the council agreed by a narrow majority to recommend the district council to reject the scheme for the following reasons: Ludham is a pleasant village as it stands. There have been four estate developments in roughly the last 20 years. An estate on this site would be over whelming, intrusive and a strain on welfare services. It would create traffic problems on Norwich Road, Willow Way and Catfield Road and would overburden the sewage system. Agricultural land believed to be Grade A would be used. The development would be contrary to structure plan policy. These were in the main the points raised by the parishioners. Those parish councillors supporting the development considered that the village could not remain static and that further housing was needed, especially starter homes for young couples.
There was further correspondence and some discussion on the public bridleway to Fritton. The chairman explained that this matter was now in the hands of the County Council and that landowners concerned were applying for a modification order: in these circumstances he felt the matter should be deferred to the next meeting.
One first and 13 second prizes had been awarded to children entering the poster competition in connection with the Best Kept Village Competition.
Also discussed was the new Broads Bill, the safety barriers at the end s of the Yarmouth Road footpath which had been vandalised on the day they were erected, an extra sign to the toilets at Womack and the continuing problem of the smell from the sewage works in Catfield Road.

The Royal British Legion Women’s section held a jumble sale on Wednesday evening in the Church Room. Organised by Mrs C Day and members. The sum of £103.10p was raised to be allocated to the Women’s Section Welfare Fund

A Wayside stall was held on Bakers Arms Green on Saturday and £88 was raised for the Guides and brownies funds.

By August 25th which was a Bank holiday the fine weather fast deteriorated with gales and torrential rain which did much damage to other parts of the country. Storms lashed the coast and small empty craft were washed away. However, the harvest is almost completed not many fields of grain remain uncut. It’s dark by 7.30 and very soon dark.

A coffee evening was held at the Limes ion August 20th by invitation of Mrs Griffiths and raised £45 for the Women’s Institute fund.

The churches were invited to take part in a Sunday morning broadcast of thanks giving for the Norfolk Broadland on Sunday August 31st at 10am. The preacher was the Rev Gavin Reid and the service conducted by a small group of Broadland clergy. The service was broadcast live and Nationwide by Anglia Television and held at Ranworth Staithe and Malthouse Broad. Coach leaving at 8.45 from St Catherine’s Church for choir and Sunday School also for parishioners. Rev G Nicholson of Ludham attended

The Church organ is now in need of considerable repair and renovation costing approximately £5000. An organ fund was started in March and has presently raised £735 all of which has been raised from very generous donations by individuals.

Following a very enjoyable day out to Fritton Lake with a coach party of 69 adults and children the Sunday School has closed for the summer to re-open on Sunday September 7th in the Church Room at 11am for weekly service and on the 3rd Sunday in each month we join the church family service. Lots of activities are enjoyed throughout the year and we welcome any new members 4years and over. There are five helpers, Ros, Diane, Penny and Linda and 40 children also Rachael, pupil teacher.

A Wayside stall was held on Bakers Arms Green and raised £75.52p. After printing expenses, the remainder was will be for the Blind Dog Association. Ludham has now bought a guide dog. £1000 was raised by the Craft exhibition at Ludham by kind permission of Mr and Mrs David Richie. At the Wayside Stall Mrs Babs Hall gave the £1000 cheque to Mr Kenneth Gooch who was there with his guide dog, Dela.

September 1986

More settled weather brought second week of September in sunshine after a wet and cool August. The children returned to school in warm bright weather. Though a cold air stream from Iceland kept it cool in the shade.

Highways and rights of way were again the main items for discussion at the September meeting of the Ludham Parish Council. In view of recent discussions there was an important development concerning the bridleway/footpath from Yarmouth Road via Hill Mill to Fritton. The Norfolk County Council informed the Parish Council that one of the affected landowners had applied under the 1981 Public Rights of Way Act that the Fritton end of this right of way should be downgraded from bridleway to footpath on the grounds that the designation on bridleway in 1953 definitive map was the result of an error and was out of line with other historical records. After considerable discussion the council agreed by a majority vote (two members declaring interest) that there had probably been an error and that the Parish Council would support the application for downgrading to footpath. The question is whether to remove the signposts on this right of way, which are at present technically illegal was referred to the County Council.
The chairman reported on a tour of the streets and roads in the village with the representative of the divisional surveyor’s department. It is hoped that the intermittent flooding in Malthouse Lane, Horsefen and Fritton Roads can be alleviated by the provision of new soakaways and other means.
There is good reason to hope that passing places will be provided on the narrow road between Whitegates and Westend soon. Defects in other roads in the village were inspected but it was pointed out that money for maintenance was very strictly limited.
Bollards were now in place on the Yarmouth Road footpath and the council agreed that the suitable footpath signs should now be attached.
There was further information concerning the footpath connecting paths 11 to 40 along the river bank at How Hill. The legal position of this land is not clear but the Broad’s Authority will do everything possible to service access to this section and will initiate legal steps to incorporate the path into the How Hill Estate. In the meantime, the unofficial link between these paths is shown in the booklet ‘Seven Walks in Ludham’ will remain.
A councillor pointed out the need for a street sign for Horsefen Road and the council agreed one should be erected.
There was some discussion on the question of the membership of the proposed statutory Broads Authority under the Bill now going through Parliament. Correspondence with the member of Parliament was read and strong dissatisfaction was expressed about the very indirect representation of the residents of the Broads area and the way direct representation of some commercial interests. It was considered that little or nothing could be done about this at present but the situation should be carefully watched.
An application has been made by the parish conical to the Eastern Region Sports Council for a substantial grant towards the cost of new changing rooms and other facilities for the Ludham Football Club at the village hall.

Members and friends of the Forget-Me-Not Club went to lunch on Friday to Wymondham Abbey to see the Flower Festival. Tea was enjoyed before returning home.

Members of the Mother’s Union held a wayside stall on Bakers Arms Green and raised £30.10p for branch funds.

The Annual produce and flower show for the Forget-Me-Not Club members was held in the Church Room on Saturday September 6th. Awards were: George Densham Trophy for highest points overall – Mrs Gladys Roll. Joyce Trivett Cup for cookery – Mrs Cissy Thompson. Charlie Berry Cup for handicrafts and Silver Bell for handicrafts – Mrs D Holland. Jack Fuller Cup for vegetables – Mrs Gladys Roll. Clifford Alexander Cup for flowers-Mrs Gladys Roll. The sale of items and competitions raised £90 for club funds.

A jumble sale was held in the Church Room and raised £94 for the Ludham Playgroup.

A Flower and Harvest Festival was held at St Catherine’s Church during the weekend. Services began on Friday October 3rd with a United service in the evening conducted by the Rev F Bond, retired Methodist minister. The intercessions were taken by the Rev Stephen Yelland, circuit minister and the address by the Rev Richard G Jones Chairman of the East Anglian District of the Methodist Church. The silver processional cross loaned from All Saints Church Horstead was carried by Mr A Sheldrake and the Mother’s Union banner by Mrs J McGuire. A harvest anthem was sung by the choir and Mr J Savage was organist. The lessons were read by Mr D Richie and Mr A sheldrake, the collection was taken by Mrs K Sloper and Mrs S Hall. The collection was divided between both churches.

A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on September 27th and raised £77 for the Ludham Guides and Brownies. Competition winners were Mrs Morton, Mrs Duffield, Mrs Helsdon, Mrs Cordiner, Mrs Fox, Mrs Root and Mrs L Savage.

Members and friends of the Forget-Me-Not Club went by coach to North Walsham to attend a harvest festival service at the parish church which was followed by tea in the community centre.

The Ludham Wives meeting was held in the Methodist Schoolroom on September 25th with Mrs Kathy Lailey presiding. Members enjoyed a talk by Mrs J Boothway about a holiday in America. She was thanked by Mrs Lailey.

The fortnightly meeting of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held in the Church Room with Mrs C Day presiding. After games tea was served by helpers. The club has received a gift of £50 from the Womack Herons.

A Whist Drive held in the Church Room amounted to £23 for the Ludham Bowls Club. There were 13 winners.
A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on October 11th organised by Mr and Mrs J Savage and helpers. The sum of £157.51p was raised for St Catherine’s Church choir robe fund.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist Schoolroom on Oct 9th with Mrs Kathy Lailey presiding. Mr John Downing gave a talk and was presented with a cheque for £793.48p from Mrs Janet Smith for the Cherish that Child Charity for this year. The Mooney was raised by the Ludham Fun Run. Thanks went to everyone who helped and took part.

The Flower harvest festival service continued on Sunday week Oct 5th with Mrs J Savage as organist. The silver cross loaned from All Saints Church Horstead was carried by Mr A Sheldrake, the Mother’s Union banner by Mrs P Nicholson, the Sunday School banner by Lynn Brown and the warden’s wands by Mrs S Hall and Mr K Fitzhugh. At morning service which was conducted by Mr Brandon the children of the Sunday School presented their gift an also sang ‘See the Farmer’ and ‘Thank you God for Harvest time’ Racheal Savage sang an aria from ‘The Messiah’ – ‘He shall feed his flock’ The lessons were read by Mr R Fulcher and Mr A Sheldrake. At the evening service Canon Mr MacLeon officiated and also gave the address. The Silver cross was carried by Mr A Sheldrake, The Mother’s Union Banner by Mrs R Fulcher, the Sunday school banner by Nicola Hubbard and the warden’s wands by Mrs S Hall and Mr K Fitzhugh. The choir sang a harvest anthem, the collection was taken by Mr K Fitzhugh and Mr P Horton. The church had been beautiffully decorated by members and friends of the church. The total amount raised was £336.83p which was from the church collections and sale of refreshments. This was for the church organ restoration fund. The harvest gifts were distributed to Sydney House at Stalham and the children’s home in Winterton.

Cuttings and Inclusions July - Sept 1986

October 1986

Ludham Parish Council at its October meeting received the report on the Best Kept Village Competition. Ludham had been placed fourth in its category (villages of 500 plus population) out of 19 entries and fourth overall for its greens. The judges commented that the hard work of the community was evident everywhere, the village centre, the churchyard being very well kept. The parish council recorded special thanks to Mr Kitchener Dyball for his work in keeping the village tidy. Thanks, were also expressed to Mr Gant for repainting the top bar of the barrier at the entrance to the Yarmouth Road footway and adding the words ‘footpath – please use’
A letter has been received from Anglian Water stating it did its best to minimise the smell from its treatment works at Catfield Road and that in its opinion some of its smell could be attributed to pig manure spread on adjacent fields.
Following a complaint – which had been passed on to the County Council- from a rider that the footpath sign on the public bridleway to Fritton was illegal, the county had advised that the signs should be removed pending its decision on the application for downgrading. It was agreed that this should be done.
Mr Walton drew the council’s attention to a report published by Norfolk County Council on the question of highway verges. Under their new policy, the county would no longer allow farmers to [lough grass verges and those already ploughed were to be restored to their full legal and historical depth. It was agreed to form a sub-committee to look into this matter as it affected Ludham.
Mrs B Brooks reported that the men’s and women’s bowls clubs were to amalgamate. The Parish Council approved the scheme for reseeding the green at the village hall playing field. Unfortunately for the time being the parish council were unable to offer financial aid but hoped to be in a position to consider this again in the spring.
Yarmouth Port and Harbour Commissioners had written to say they would shortly start dredging Womack Dyke and it would be necessary to deposit the spoil on the banks.
Following a reply received from Mr Ralph Howell MP it was agreed to write to him again to the effect that concern was still being expressed about the composition of the proposed new Broads Authority and requesting him to press, when the Broads Bill was before the commons for the local representatives to be elected from villages in the Broads area.

On October 15th 37 members attended the Women’s Institute meeting with Mrs Pyne presiding. Members enjoyed a demonstration of cake icing given by Mrs D Roberts. Judging by the enthusiasm Christmas Cakes around Ludham should be works of art……. Ten members agreed to form the 1987 committee and were thanked by the president Mrs E Bond. Mrs W Pyne vice president who had chaired the meeting presented Mrs G Biggs with a floral tribute for her Golden Wedding. The trading stall made £3.27p for funds.

A jumble sale was held in the Church Room on October 18th and was organised by members of the Royal British Legion Women’s section. The sum raised was £133 for the Poppy Day Appeal.

A Bingo session was held in the Church Room on Tuesday evening and raised £73 for the Ludham Girl Guides fund.

The annual meeting of the Women’s section of the Royal British Legion was held in the Methodist Schoolroom with Mrs C Day presiding. Mrs J McGuire, secretary presented the annual report. Election of officers – President Mrs H Borton, Chairman Mrs S O’Gorman, Vice Chairman Mrs C Day, Treasurer Mrs E Carter, Secretary Mrs J McGuire, assistant secretary Mrs J O’Neil. Tea hostesses were Mrs D Lloyd and Mrs E Carter. The trading stall realised £12 for branch funds.

The result of the National Children’s Home house to house collection raised £147.32p. Mrs K Sloper is local organiser.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist Schoolroom on October 23rd with Mrs Lathy Lailey presiding. It was an evening in the company of Mrs Toples? Green who gave a talk on Palmistry. She invited the wives to participate and explained what the meaning of different lines and bumps on the hands were. Mrs Lailey gave a vote of thanks.

A jumble sale was held on October 25th in the Church Room and it raised £161 for the Forget-Me-Not Club funds. It was organised by Mrs Alexander, Mrs Day and helpers.

The monthly meeting of the Mother’s Union was held in the Church Room with Mrs R Fulcher enrolling member presiding. After the business members and friends enjoyed a talk on the making of church kneelers and canvas work given by Mrs Glaister who was thanked by Mrs S Hall. The trading stall made £4 for branch funds.

After a prediction that Ludham village centre could become a no-go area for pedestrians at night because of more disturbance by teenagers the Parish Council is writing to the police to complain about the ‘uncontrolled activities of marauding youths’

November 1986

At its Nov ember meeting the Parish Council held a lengthy discussion about the recurring problem of vandalism in the village centre, following complaints of further disturbances around the bus shelter, including the discharge of fire extinguishers at passers-by. Although accepting the no go forecast was an extreme one, it decided to write to the chief constable and the local chief superintendent to complain about the behaviour of marauding youths.
Mention was also made at the meeting of the serious concern of the villagers at the apparent lack of police presence in the village and also of the alleged inadequacy of police response to complaints. Parishioners were again agreed to report all complaints immediately to the police and whenever possible to name alleged culprits. The council will look into the question of more powerful lighting around the Yarmouth Road bus shelter. Sgt Duncan Morris, the crime prevention officer for the North Walsham police said ‘We are aware of the comments made at the meeting and the matter is being investigated. Any queries raised in letter will be answered.
In the public amenities committee, the clerk reported on the 1986 season s mooring fees from Womack Staithe. During the season some 3088 visiting boats paid £1544 in mooring fees and a further £203 was deposited in the collecting box on the staithe. This represents a small decrease on the 1985 figures largely due to the lower level of visiting craft in July and August.
It was also reported that 265 copies of the booklet 7 walks in Ludlam, published by the council has been sold during the season, a very satisfactory result.
The chairman and secretary of the Ludham Village Youth Club (Mr Notley and Mr J Sheldrake) which has been in abeyance for some years, tendered their resignations. About £150 of Youth Club funds was passed to the council to be retained in trust until such time as the club should be restarted. The sincere thanks of the council and the village was offered to the retiring officers for their devoted services to the young people of the village.
The parish council received from the MP for North Norfolk, Mr Ralph Howell in which he expressed some sympathy for the council’s point of view concerning inadequate representation of residents on the governing body of the proposed new Broads Authority. Mr Howell was to be at a meeting at Sutton Village Hall to discuss problems and members of Ludham Council planned to attend.
The North Norfolk District Council is proposing to use its arrangement with the Manpower Service Commission to clear litter and debris from the lower sand hole and to re landscape the area for wildlife conservation or public amenity. The Parish Council welcomed this proposal to clear the area which has been a dumping ground and an eyesore for some years. It was suggested the landscaping might include the digging out of a pond for ducks and other water fowls with surrounding shrubs and tree planting.
A sub-committee reported on the state of the roadside verges. It was pointed out that there appeared to have been some enchantment on verges along a number of roads and these will be referred to the divisional surveyor for consideration. Some concern had been expressed about the high bank along the How Hill road where it joins the Whitegate Road which could represent a hazard to school parties and others moving between the village and How Hill. Subject to council approval the farmer of the adjoining land (the chairman of the council) offered to lower the bank without charge. The offer was accepted with gratitude.
It was reported that the Chairman and the Clerk had met a representative of the Footpath Trust to discuss the possibility of a grant from the trust towards new accommodation for Ludham F C at the village hall. Although no commitment was made there was some optimism that some grant would be forth coming.
Notices to give up three allotment plots (two in Catfield Road and one at Hall Common) next March have been received from tenants. These plots will be advertised for re-letting from April.
The council agreed to send a gift of £20 to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund.

A united Remembrance Service held at High Street Methodist Church on November 9th was conducted by the Rev F C Bond. Mrs C Thrower was the organist. The lessons were read by Mr A Sheldrake and Mrs E Carter. The Royal British Legion standard was carried by Mr C England men’s section. The Women’s section standard was in the church. The guides carried their own flag and Union Jack. Mrs K Sloper and Mrs N Taylor took the collection which amounted to £87.46p for Earl Haig Fund. The service at the War Memorial was conducted by Mr Bond.  Poppy wreaths were laid by Mr and Mrs F Carter, the exhortation was given by Mr J Gravenell.  Last Post and Reveille was sounded by Mr F Neville of Horstead and Mr R Fulcher read the names on the War Memorial.

The monthly meeting of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion was held in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs S O’Gorman presiding, following the exhortation, silence was observed for the late Rev G Nicholson branch chaplain who died last week. The trading stall manned by Mrs D Barnard and Mrs M Turner realised £15.35p for branch funds. The total amount raised in the village for the Earl Haig Fund was £443.14p.

The small shop next to the Kings Arms which was once the harness makers and saddlers and the Timgems and is now a craftsman’s furniture shop belonging to Roger and Margaret Bacon has become a cream tea shop with three round tables and 12 chairs and in operation since November 18th. No doubt it will do more trade with summer visitors than with passing locals during winter.

An EDP cutting announces the death of our vicar, The Rev George Edward Nicholson, who died after a long illness of cancer of the throat which rapidly spread, he also suffered from asthma and epilepsy, so had enough ill health to bear despite this he was full of activity and enthusiasm and will be much missed by his parishioners and church. The funeral service on 19th November was very well attended, the church was full of people and clergy from surrounding parishes.

November weather has been mild and often blue skies, more than we experienced in August.

The Ludham Wives Group meeting was held in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs K Lailey presiding. A talk with slides was given by Mr Fred Roy on how a small family business with few staff became the well-known ‘Village Store’ – Roy’s of Wroxham (although it actually is in Hoveton). Mrs Lailey thanked the speaker.

A Christmas Coffee morning was held in the Church Room on Tuesday morning 18th November organised by members of the Parochial Church Council and £230.50p was raised for St Catherine’s Church funds.

Exercise classes are held weekly in the Methodist Schoolroom and enjoyed by Members of the W I who cavort to music and movement for an hour on Tuesday afternoons. The ladies visit with taped music and an energetic time id had by all.

An Advent evening service was held at St Catherine’s Church on November 30th and was well attended. It was conducted by the Rev J Smith of Catfield. Mr J Savage was organist and the lessons were read by Mr A Cordiner. Mrs C England was sidesman.

December 1986

A Coffee evening in the Church Room was organised by the Ludham Guides on Monday Evening Dec 1st. The sum of £77 was raised for the Elizabeth Fitzroy Children’s Home for the Handicapped at Overstrand.

The monthly meeting of the Mother’s Union was held in the Church Room on Wednesday and conducted by Mrs S Hall. Members observed a minute’s silence in memory of the late Rev G Nicholson who died recently, as he took a keen interest in the Mother’s Union. The meeting opened with prayers and a hymn. Mrs Makepiece was the speaker and spoke of the visit she and Mrs Payne made to the retreat held at Ditchingham. She was thanked by Mrs J McGuire. Mrs Payne brought some items for the Mother’s Union stall. The trading stall made £3.55p for branch funds. Tea hostesses were Mrs J Sayer and Mrs C Day.

The weather has turned frosty but still very pleasant for December.

Ludham Wives Group met in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs Kathy Lailey presiding. Members enjoyed a cake demonstration using marzipan for the decorations. Mrs C Mobbs proposed a vote of thanks. The Ludham Wives held a jumble sale in the Church Room on 22 Nov ember and raised £122. This will be divided between the Children in Need Appeal and the Ludham Wives Funds.

A Christmas Fair was held in the Church Room on Saturday November 29th and raised £284 for the Forget-Me-Not Club funds. It was organised by Mrs Alexander, Mrs C Day and helpers.

A meeting of the Women’s section of the Royal British Legion was held on Wednesday in the Methodist Church Schoolroom with Mrs Sue O’Gorman presiding. Mrs D Barnard, delegate gave a report of the meeting held at Repps village hall, she was also County delegate at St Andrew’s Hall. Mrs C Day thanked Mrs O’Gorman and Mrs J McGuire for all their work. Members of the men’s section were invited and enjoyed joining in with singing of songs and carols with Mrs E carter providing the music. Mrs R Borton made the Christmas Cake. The trading stall made £4.75p for Branch funds. Mr R Fulcher proposed a vote of thanks to the women on behalf of the men.

The annual Christmas party for members of the Forget-Me-Not Club was held in the Church Room. A Christmas buffet tea was provided and served by the helpers. Mrs Turner was at the piano when members joined in singing songs and carols. The Christmas Cake was made by Mrs Jolly.

A Christmas Service was held at St Catherine’s Church organised by the Sunday School teachers and conducted by Mr Brandon.  Mt J Savage was organist. Rebecca Savage read the lesson. Children of the Sunday School formed a circle round the church, parading with the oranges and candles.

A Christmas whist drive was held in the Church Room. Mr A Sheldrake was M C. Prize winners were Mrs Stibbon, Mrs A Trivett, Mrs E Westgate, Mr A Sheldrake, Mrs Miller, Miss N Pratt, Mrs Browning, Mrs Blascell (?), Mrs Allen, Mrs N Smith, Mrs Meale, Miss V Parsons, Mrs M Le Grice, Mrs Thirlls (?), Harry, Mrs Randell, Mr Gayly, Mrs Babbirt (?), Mr P Jermy, Mrs A Jermy, Mrs Lloyd, Mr Wright, Mr H Newstead, Mrs Litton, Mrs J Turner, Mrs S O’Gorman and Mrs M  Bridges. Competition winners were Mrs Allen, Mrs A Trivett and Mrs M Bridges. The Church Room Committee thanked all players for their support during the past season, all who gave prizes and all who helped in anyway. The sum of £60 was realised for the Church Room funds. The next whist drive will be on Saturday January 10th.

The problems of young people in the village are again to the fore on the agenda of the December meeting of the Ludham Parish Council. Following complaints at the last meeting the clerk had been in touch with the police and action had been taken. It was generally agreed that as a result of the action and recent publicity there had been a distinct improvement in the situation, with fewer reports of disturbances and vandalism for which everyone was most grateful. A number of council members then suggested that the next steps should be positive and constructive. With the loss of the Youth Club, Lads Club, Boys Club, the Judo Kwui and other activities there was little or nothing to occupy young people, especially young teenagers and more particularly young boys. It was felt that apart from a small g group of incorrigibles most of the youngsters in the village would respond to a positive approach. It was also felt that there must be sufficient concerned parents in the village who together could organise suitable activities. There were suggestions that the Football Club, the Snooker Club and other village organisations might consider setting up Youth Sections, particularly for young teenagers. After a long discussion it was agreed that the initiative must rest with the council which would make known through noticeboards, newsletters and the press that they were looking for a group of concerned people, especially parents who would be prepared to attempt the reestablishment of Youth activities in the village. The council will help in every way, financial and otherwise, and if necessary, at a later date a meeting with the council with those interested will be called. As an aftermath of the recent trouble, the council will be seeking estimates for the repair of damaged paly equipment in the children’s playing corner. At the request of the police leaflets on vandalism will be distributed to all homes in the village.
There was a report from a meeting at Sutton to discuss the Broads authority Bill, general impressions of the provisions of the Bill were favourable. Probably the main concern was the question of the makeup of the governing body of the New Broads Authority. The majority opinion was that there should be definite provision for local elected people on the body. Mr Ralph Howell MP for North Norfolk favoured this approach and assured the meeting that he would do everything possible to that end.
The Council agreed that the rate precept of £1860 for the year 1987-88, some £600 of which will be earmarked for village hall maintenance. There will therefore be no significant increase in the village portion of the domestic rate next year.
The Council was informed that the question of the sale of some 3-4 acres of the playing field at Stalham Middle School had again been raised by the North Norfolk County Council. A letter from the governors of the school asked for the support of the council in opposing this sale. It was pointed out that Stalham-Sutton is a population growth area and that such a sale would be very short sighted in view of a possible future need. There were suggestions that this was a political move which could result in the loss of a priceless asset which could never be replaced. It was agreed that a letter be sent to the educational department supporting the protest of the governors against the sale.
The draft of the new electoral roll was presented and it was announced that from February postal voting by absentee voters will be permitted in Parish Council Elections.
The council voted a gift of £20 to Mr K Dyball in recognition of the immense amount of work he does in keeping the village tidy.
Permission was given for the Ludham Royal British Legion Women’s Section to set up a stall on Bakers Arms Green on May 28th.

There was good attendance at a service of nine carols and lessons held at St Catherine’s Church conducted by Mr R Jackson a lay reader of Stalham. The singing of carols was conducted by Mr J Savage the organist with solos by members of the choir. The collection was taken by Mrs B Gowing, Mrs S Hall and Mr K Fitzhugh and was for choir funds. A Christmas Eve Communion Service held at St Catherine’s Church was well attended. It was conducted by the Rev D Spinks(?) of Wroxham. Mr J Savage was organist. The Communion wine and bread were presented to Mr Spinks at the altar by Mrs S O’Gorman and Mrs Hall. The collection was taken by Mr R Fulcher and Mr C England. At both services the bell ringing was led by Mr F Carter. St Catherine’s Church was crowded to participate in a special service conducted entirely by the children of the Sunday School. The service was led by Linda Savage, the lesson read by Kin Nicholson and the organ played by Claire Lincoln. The older members acted a modern nativity Play written for the service and narrated by Nicola Hubbard and Rebecca Savage. The younger members acted a traditional Nativity Paly narrated by Catherine Gardiner, Sarah Billington and Tanya Lavender. Jill Tennant helped and also played the guitar.  The players were led by Joy Lincoln and April Goodgaine (?) The church choir supported the singing of the children’s chosen carols. Mr Richard Jackson attended the service and praised the children at the end of the service for the way it had been arranged and conducted. The collection was sent to the John Grant School at Caister.

Christmas Day was cloudy and wet as was most of the remainder of the month bringing a spate of seasonal illnesses among the parishioner. So end the events, of the year 1986.

Cuttings and Inclusions Oct - Dec 1986