LITCHAM METHODIST CHAPEL
We would like welcome you to a
THE BIG CHRISTMAS SING
Friday December 20th at 7pm
with special guests Pippa Cook (Piano) and
Tittleshall Ladies Male Voice Choir
Followed by seasonal refreshments.
Collection for Action for Children.

Ponies on Litcham Common

Once again we have to make a plea for people not to feed the ponies anything at all, not even carrots or apples.  Dartmoor ponies thrive on a low nutrient diet of rough grazing, such as is found on the common.  At the moment they are too fat and we need them to lose a bit of weight over the winter months.  Too rich a diet can cause laminitis in ponies, which is an extremely painful and potentially crippling disease that can prove fatal.  Three of our animals are at an age when they are more susceptible to laminitis and we know that people have been feeding them.

PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE PONIES ANYTHING!
Feeding the ponies could result in immense suffering. 

Litcham Common Conservation Group
We are very grateful to Litcham Parish Council for a grant of £300, which will go towards the cost of the renewals of tools, insurance and other expenses.
The next conservation task will take place on Saturday 14th December starting at 10am and meeting in Litcham Common car park.  Newcomers will be welcome and tools and protective gloves provided.  Contact Tim Angell on 01328 700045 for more information.

LITCHAM COMMUNITY FETE & DOG SHOW

Dog Show 2019
The Dog show took place on 12th May at Chalk Farm by kind permission of Colin, Judi, Paul and Glenda Archer.  Our judge was Nadine Fletcher who runs the Pawfect Manners and Pawfect Agility and she was assisted by Sharon Moore.
We had around 65 dogs take part in our show and we had a visit from BBC Radio Norfolk Treasure Quest again this year.
The weather was perfect and we are pleased to say that we raised a staggering £1,427.30 which was £200 more than last year.  We are so grateful to all our sponsors, everybody who came to support us on the day and who bought cakes and refreshments.  We could not have done it without your support.
By the time you read this we will have had a meeting to discuss arrangements for next year and if you would like to get involved please do not hesitate to contact us, you can email on litchamcommunityfete2019@gmail.com

Litcham Community Fete 2019
The Litcham Community Fete took place on 22 June on the Litcham Secondary Phase field on the Mileham Road.
We started the fete with music from the Fakenham Ukes and were also entertained by the Litcham Primary and Secondary Phase orchestra, Busybodies Dance Studio and Alice and friends.
There were plenty of stalls where the crowds could spend their money, including various tombolas, raffle, sweets, car boot stalls, strawberries, other sideshows and for the under 16s there was a bouncy castle.
The whole day was a great success and there was no rain!
There was a lot of work done behind the scenes to make this day a success but the day could not have gone ahead without the work of the committee, the stallholders, the entertainers, the Secondary Phase for the use of their field, Mike for the BBQ, Sue for the beer tent, Abacus for the hire of their marquee, David Wheel and Mark Kiddle-Morris for the use of their marquees but most of all everybody who came to support it.  We are pleased to announce that the fete raised £538.60 (this does not include the money from the dog show – please see separate note) which will be distributed to the  7 organisations involved.  With the money raised at the dog show and fete each group received £325.
Litcham Community Fete Committee
The Future of The Dog Show and Fete
As you will be aware the fete and dog show has been running for 10 years now and has raised thousands of pounds which have been distributed to various organisations within the Litcham area, but unfortunately, we do not have a secretary at the moment.  Do you have a few hours you can spare to help us?  Then please contact litchamcommunityfete2019@gmail.com for more information.
The role will involve preparing minutes, arranging sponsorship for the dog show, booking in stalls, checking emails, etc.  If this is something that you feel that you could help with please get in touch or come to our next meeting which is on Monday 13th January 2020 at Litcham Bull.

LITCHAM CHILDCARE

Following recent reports in the media about the re-organisation of Children’s Centres in Norfolk we would like to clarify the situation here in Litcham.
We are delighted to announce that, although the premises in the Weasenham Road has ceased to be a Children’s Centre as such, the building has now come under the auspices of Litcham School.
Litcham School, along with Norfolk County Council, has actively encouraged and supported this transition which has enabled Litcham Childcare to continue to provide excellent uninterrupted services to local families from the existing premises, both currently and into the future.
Litcham Childcare continues to be registered by Norfolk County Council as an “Early Years” provider for 2, 3 and 4 year olds; and remains registered with OFSTED.  Its aim remains to provide children with a safe, secure and stimulating environment delivered by quality, trained staff; in addition Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs are available for children from 2 yrs to 14 yrs.
For more information please contact: litchamchildcare@gmail.com or telephone 01328 701155

September Parish Council meeting

At the September Parish Council meeting which was attended by six councillors, County and District Councillor M Kiddle Morris the following was considered:
Planning: Applications.  The Parish Council had raised an objection to the permitted development application for the change of use of agricultural building to dwelling on land at Dereham Road.
Decisions: Breckland Council had refused the application for the demolition of existing garage and outbuildings and erection of 2 new dwellings and associated car parking at 1 Albion Terrace Front Street as there were major concerns raised by the Highways Authority regarding vehicles exiting the development.  Breckland Council had also refused the application for 2 detached single-storey dwellings and garages on land to the rear of Fourways, Mileham Road for the same reasons as the previous application; as it would urbanise this part of the conservation area. There were concerns regarding the impact on the local heritage assets and the amenity to these properties would be affected by the trees surrounding them leading to limited access to light.  The permitted development application for the change of use from agricultural building to dwelling on land at Dereham Road had been refused by  Breckland Council as the building is within the River Nar SSSI.
Highways: Norfolk County Council had confirmed that it would be resolving the lay-by issue on Tittleshall Road but could not find the problem of the hedge on Butt Lane and therefore the clerk has confirmed the position.  The finger post near to the Jubilee Hall is to have the pointer replaced with a wooden one.  The clerk had contacted the police regarding the parking outside Russell House but had not had a reply.  There were no new problems reported but the clerk will contact Norfolk County Council again regarding the hedge on Mileham Road, the footway on Lexham Road, the siding out of Back Lane.  The sign for Litcham Close had been damaged by a lorry and Breckland Council will be requested to replace this.  The County Councillor will contact the Highways Engineer regarding the post on the Common that was knocked over by the contractor for the work on the cattle grids, the posts on the footway between Front and Back Street and the BT Box on Dereham Road.
Access onto Church Street from the new properties to the rear of the post office. There had been complaints that vehicles are not stopping prior to crossing the footway and the County Councillor will contact the Highways Engineer to ascertain if any means can be erected or signed on the road to ensure vehicles stop in order to avoid danger to pedestrians.  A lengthy discussion ensued but no practical solution could be found at present so the clerk will write to all residents requesting politely that care is taken at this point.
Dog Fouling: Concerns had been raised by parishioners about dogs fouling residents’ gardens.

If you see any person not clearing up after their dog
please  report them to the Dog Warden on 01362 858500.

County and District Councillor Reports.  The County Councillor informed the meeting that the County Review is now available on the website which covers all that the County Council have undertaken in the previous financial year.  There are government grants available for those who have download speeds of greater the 10mbs but less than 30mbs.  £500 to £3500 is available for businesses and £500 to £1500 for residents.  It appears that these grants will fund fibre to property.  A further £8million has been awarded to Norfolk County Council from the government to connect 370 properties with gigabit speed.  These include schools and other important locations and the advantage is that nearby properties can piggy back onto this technology.
The Next Meeting of Litcham Parish Council is due to be held on 4th November 2019 at 7:30 p.m.at the Jubilee Hall.  All parishioners are cordially invited to attend and the first part of the meeting is set aside for parishioners to raise issues with the Parish Council.  The full minutes are available for viewing by any parishioner by contacting the clerk on 01362 861112 or on the Litcham website, http://www.litcham.org.

Bryan Leigh

 

Silver Social Newsletter

Last week we had the first workshop of our Autumn/Winter Programme 2019 with Print to the People.

September Silver Social Workshop – Beginners Letterpress Printing
September brought a new activity for Silver Social participants to try out, Beginners Letterpress Printing with Print to the People. The workshop toured our market town Library circuit to bring local residents together to learn a new skill, with a nice cuppa and cake to finish it all off.
We had Jo and Paul from Print to the People facilitating the workshop, they were fantastic and so full of knowledge. They began by giving us a brief history of Letterpress Printing and a short demonstration before we all got stuck in, creating our own unique prints to take home. There was lots of variety in what our participants created, from presents for the Grandchildren, to signs for the postman “Leave in Shirls Shed” and a lovely 70 year wedding commemoration. The options were endless and it really opened up conversation amongst everyone, sharing stories about their lives and loved ones (fur babies included).
Print to the People are back again in November for Christmas card making. All venues apart from Thetford are already fully booked so we look forward to seeing those of you who booked for another fun workshop.
Thank you Jo and Paul for all of your help and expertise, we had such a great time and look forward to your return in November.

Reserve Your Place
We have now had two out of five events from our *Silver Social Autumn/Winter 2019 Programme *and they have been a great hit. Future events are filling up quickly so make sure you reserve your spot so you don’t miss these fantastic professional workshops and performances brought to you in familiar venues across Breckland Villages.
To book : visit the website or call: 01362 656870 or email: community@breckland.gov.uk

October Silver Social Performance – ‘The Origin of Species’ by Tangram Theatre
Tangram Theatre will be performing “The Origin of Species” for us in October. The show is a joyful, exhilarating musical comedy about Charles Darwin, whose (r)evolutionary ideas would change humanity forever – and his real life race to finish fittest in the discovery of evolution. The Origin of Species has now been performed over 200 times at leading international venues and festivals including the Royal Albert Hall and Natural History Museum, receiving critical acclaim and standing ovations across the world.

Tickets are £5 including refreshments. Reserving tickets is recommended.**To book online, or call 01362 656870 or email community@breckland.gov.uk

FREE Transport
*Free Transport* is available to any of our venues *for all workshops
and performances*for residents without access to a car or public
transport. To book, please contact us at least 3 working days prior to
the event or make a note when you book.
Call 01362 656870 or email community@breckland.gov.uk

Would you like to be an Event Support Volunteer?
See the full Events Support Volunteer role here .
To find out more contact: community@breckland.gov.uk / 01362 656870

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Police Message: Oil Theft

Theft of your heating oil can be very costly and distressing, particularly during periods of cold weather. Introducing layers of security around your property and oil tank is much more effective than relying upon any one product or doing nothing. Putting appropriate security products, daily routines and increased awareness in place, will reduce the opportunity for oil theft to occur.

What security measures can I  take?
Remember the oil thief does not want to be seen, identified or caught and will most likely seek to steal your oil during the night or during the hours of darkness. The following layers will help prevent the oil thief getting to your heating oil.
 Perimeter: Ensure that boundary fencing and lockable gating is in good condition and strong enough to prevent easy access into your property, particularly when you’re not at home.
 Lighting: Fit low energy, ‘dusk to dawn’ (photo electric cells) sensored security lighting to remove dark places around your property but in particular around your oil tank. This layer will make the thief think twice as they will need to work in light and in doing so will increase the chances of them being caught.
 Property: Ideally oil tanks should be close enough to be overlooked by you in your home, where suspicious activity is more likely to be noticed and action taken than if the tank is distant or positioned out of sight. Your own natural surveillance will deter the criminal and also help increase the chances of the thief being deterred or caught.
 Tank: Tanks can be easily emptied if the criminal is given the time and where there are no effective security measures in place. Close shackle padlocks will help protect against bolt croppers and are recommended to deny ready access into the tank.
 Alarm: Some padlocks feature integral alarms which can provide you an early warning that the tank is being tampered with Security alarm devices for oil tanks are specifically designed to indicate a sudden drop in tank contents and thereby will alert you to a potential problem. Consider buying from a Police Approved, ‘Secured by Design’ member company and fit control switches that limit and control the flow of oil if the pipe is cut.
 Garden-screening and planting:  Oil tanks are often enclosed with fencing or hidden away from view. Both approaches have merit in disguising the presence of a tank. However, do not disguise the tank so that you inadvertently screen both the tank and the criminal from view. Visual access from your property to the filling point should be provided to deter the criminal. Planting thorny shrubs around the tank is considered an effective barrier and deterrent for the criminal to negotiate.
 Signage: Inexpensive warning signage that indicates you have taken security measures to combat crime will be noticed by the oil thief and help deter their interest. Signage should be displayed on the public facing side of your property
 CCTV: Surveillance cameras can be a distinct security benefit but do not fit them in preference to the other physical security features. Only fit them as complimentary to other security measures, rather than replace them.
 Neighbourhood Watch Scheme: These are recommended to form part of a communities overall neighbourhood protection strategy, where residents of like mind look out for each other and report suspicious activity to members, other groups and the Police.
Ongoing vigilance is key for the effective protection of crimes generally but is vital where heating oil theft is concerned.

CRIME REPORTING

  • Report suspicious activity by calling the Police on 101.Always dial 999 in an emergency and where a crime is in progress.
  • Check www.norfolk.police.uk website A-Z guidance for advice on protecting against crime.
  • Consider calling Crimestoppers anonymously if you have information about any crime.