October to December 2000
Honour For Hethersett Library
Hethersett Library received the Community Legal Service Quality Mark on behalf of library services in the East of England at the end of October.
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, presented the award in recognition of the progress made by local authorities across East Anglia in setting up Community Legal Service Partnerships.
Three such partnerships have been set up in Norfolk, covering the whole county and offering local people access to a full range of legal help and advice services.
Almost 300 libraries in the East of England will become the focal point for information about the Service. Each library will have a copy of a directory listing for all the legal practices and agencies able to provide advice and guidance as part of the partnerships.
Norfolk County Council's Director of Cultural Services Terry Turner said:
"Since public libraries are the information lifeblood of any community, it is entirely appropriate that libraries throughout the Eastern region should be a key location for the provision of information to their communities about legal services.
"We are very proud to be associated with this development and we are confident that library staff everywhere will be able to track down the relevant information. Library authoroities in the eastern region have a track record second to none for co-operation and collaboration and it is pleasing that this is recognised by the award of the Community Legal Services Quality Mark to all the public libraries in the region."
Flower Festival Success
This year's millennium flower festival raised the remarkable sum of £2,000 and proved to be a great success. A report on the event and photographs are available in the July to September news section.
Historical Objection
The parish council has again voiced its concern at proposals to include land off Myrtle Road for development in the South Norfolk local plan for housing. Their opposition is on the grounds of the environmental and historical significance of the site in question.
Dogs Day
South Norfolk District Council have announced the end to their providing free bags for dog owners to clear up after their pets. Bags are now on sale at 50p for 50 from the Do-It-Yourself shop in Queen's Road.
Additional Lighting
The parish council is looking into the possibility of providing additional lighting along the footpath from Ketts Close to Recreation Road following requests from residents and also the youth parish council. Some residents have voiced concern, however, as they feel lighting may encourage groups to congregate in the area
Arson and Vandalism Concern
There have been several incidents of vandalism in the village and graffiti is also being sprayed on a number of areas. In the summer the recycling centre in Great Melton Road was destroyed by fire for the second time. The parish council is urging members of the public witnessing any incidents to contact the police. The council is keeping a record of the cost of incidents of vandalism in the village.
In addition the council is inviting the local police to address a parish council meeting in November.
In addition there have been a number of thefts from vehicles parked in St. Remigius Church car park and car owners are being urged to ensure their vehicles are locked and nothing is left on display.
Recycling Hope
The Parish Council has agreed in principle to the replacement of the recycling centre in Great Melton Road but has asked the district council to consider installing more fire-resistant materials for the bins and fencing in order to deter arsonists. This step has come following concern expressed by neighbouring residents.
There is also a possibility that the centre will be moved further back and away from the adjacent electricity pole along with the possibility of lighting the area.
Concern has also been expressed about the times that the bins are emptied by the district council. The parish council has asked for them not to be emptied between 8 and 9 a.m when Great Melton Road is at its busiest.
Road Closure?
Norfolk County Council is proposing to prohibit traffic from using part of Station Lane at the A11 end for an experimental period of one year. The idea has the support of the Parish Council.
Village Appraisal
There were 1,250 responses to the village appraisal, representing a 50% return rate. The steering group will now be putting the responses into a report which should be published by the end of the year.
School Marks Anniversary
Hethersett High School marked its 21st birthday with an open invite to former pupils to return for a social evening. The reunion attracted between 350 and 400 people to the sports hall. Teachers Rod Fay, Harold Neale, Ian Robertson and Angie Silcox, who have been at the school throughout its history, led the celebrations.
The social evening was the culmination of a number of celebration evenings which included a performance by GCSE students of three millennium plays at the end of September.
Three short plays were written by Drama Teacher Mr Skipsey entitled 1000AD, 2000AD and 3000AD. They dealt with delicate and difficult issues connected with learning and education.
There was also an open day at the school when local residents, past and present students and families walked around the school and viewed work. There was a constant stream of visitors throughout the day.
There have been more celebrations at the school when the Year 9 SATS results showed a rise in standards with 84% of English students, 73% of maths and 77% of science students gaining level five or over.
The GCSE results also showed a fiver per cent rise in the number of students gaining five or more A* to C grades. Some 64% reached the target with 68.5% of all entries passes being at grade C or above. Top performer was Katherine van Zeller who achieved six A* and five A passes.
Towards the end of November the school held its GCSE prizegiving evening when certificates and trophies were awarded for outstanding academic achievement. Head Marion Chapman referred to the class of 200 as outstanding ambassadors for the school. The prizes were presented by one of the most popular teachers at the school, Mrs Lambley.
GRAFITTI PLEDGE
The Parish Council has pledged to cut down on the amount of grafitti in hte village. Certain areas including the Memorial Playing Field have been hit by vandalism this year.
Festive Spirit at Craft Day
Hethersett District Rainbows, Brownies and Guides held a Christmas Craft Dabble Day at Hethersett Middle School. Santa workshop passports were given to each child as they arrived and they were then free to take part in the many craft activities.
Crafts included glass painting, cross stitch and making Christmas tree hangers, Christmas wreaths and badges. The fun day was organised by Pam Tancock, District Commissioner along with committee members and Guiders from the district.
Mrs Tancock said: "It was a very busy day and I was delighted to see so many children taking part. They were obviously enjoying themselves and they were able to make a start to their Christmas preparations."
More than 120 children attended the event and the afternoon was rounded off with a selection of camp fire songs.
Autumn Revue
St Remigius Church held a successful autumn revue and fair in a packed village hall and raised more than £1,000 for church funds.
All the local schools performed. The Hethersett High School band played and there was dancing from Hethersett Middle School pupils. They were joined by choirs from Woodside First School and Hethersett Old Hall School.
Church members also performed, showing their wide variety of musical talents. They included a recorder quartet and a flute duo, as well as singing from the church choir.
Garage Man Retires
Well known local figure Brian Denmark has retired after 53 years service at a local garage.
After leaving school at 14, Brian spent 15 months at Taylor's of Cringleford before joining the garage in Hethersett in October 1945, working for Harry Thrower and Harry Reeve.
During his time there, Brian was called up for two years National Service which took him to Korea and Japan.
In 1976 the garage became Harveys Autos. Brian has seen many changes at the garage over the years and remembers well what times were like when he started work.
Petrol was rationed and sold as two star costing one shilling and 11d or 10p a gallon at today's prices.
"I used to know everyone in Hethersett just after the war and I've watched many of their offspring grow up here since. I am looking forward to spending more time in the garden and playing bowls as well as the chance to explore other parts of Norfolk."
Staff and customers marked his retirement by presenting him with garden furniture and holding a meal in his honour.
Stanley Ward, managing director of Harveys said: "Brian has always had a special relationship with his customers and has given a warm and friendly service whatever the weather. He will be missed by both customers and work colleagues."
Tea Towels For Sale
Hethersett Methodist Church has produced a limited run of tea towels which are selling well fro Christmas. The tea towels, which sell for £2.50 depict the church, two of its windows and the village signs. Proceeds from the sale will go to church funds.
NEW SCOUT LEADERS NEEDED
Hethersett Scout Group has issued an urgent appeal for new leaders.
The troop closed in the summer and both cub packs are facing closure unless new leaders are found.
Group scout leader Dave Jobson said: "We are very short of leaders and have no scout leaders at all. It means the cubs have nowhere to go and they are just drifting away."
The Venture scout unit closed two years ago, again through a lack of leaders. The scout troop is aimed at boys aged 10 and a half to 15 with the Ventures for those aged 15 to 20. The cubs cater for the 8 to 10 and a half age range with Woodhall pack running on Mondays and Cromwell on Fridays.
"The cubs are managing, but need another leader on Mondays and if no new leader comes forward the Friday pack will have to close," Mr Jobson said.
Geoff Nichols runs the Woodhall pack: "It's a lot of fun. There are some good cubs here and I enjoy it, but if we don't get any help we'll have to shut and that's a shame. We don't want to close but I can't do it all on my own," he said.
The First Hethersett Beaver Colony, which caters for boys aged 6 to 8 would also welcome extra help.
Hethersett Scout Group has been running for over 40 years while Dave Jobson has been involved in scouting for over half a century. No qualifications are needed and training is given.
Success for Former Pupil
Former Hethersett High School pupil Julie Montague has gained the Guildhall School of Music and Drama's Special Award for Achievement in the Grade 8 Speech and Drama exam. Julie achieved her award at the Barbican Centre in London. Julie is now taking a one year post graduate acting course at the Drama Studio at Ealing in West London.
MORE VANDALISM
Recycling Centres in Hethersett have been hit by arsonists for the third time in two years. This time the centres at the Village Hall have suffered.
"The recycling centres obviusly benefit the whole village and the money from the recycling is given to charity," said parish clerk Diane Dring. It is suspected that an arsonist has been responsible for the fires. Thankfully the Village Hall site was not hoit badly but work is only just begun to replace the recycling centre in Great Melton Road. Work on that site is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Hethersett Library received the Community Legal Service Quality Mark on behalf of library services in the East of England at the end of October.
The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg, presented the award in recognition of the progress made by local authorities across East Anglia in setting up Community Legal Service Partnerships.
Three such partnerships have been set up in Norfolk, covering the whole county and offering local people access to a full range of legal help and advice services.
Almost 300 libraries in the East of England will become the focal point for information about the Service. Each library will have a copy of a directory listing for all the legal practices and agencies able to provide advice and guidance as part of the partnerships.
Norfolk County Council's Director of Cultural Services Terry Turner said:
"Since public libraries are the information lifeblood of any community, it is entirely appropriate that libraries throughout the Eastern region should be a key location for the provision of information to their communities about legal services.
"We are very proud to be associated with this development and we are confident that library staff everywhere will be able to track down the relevant information. Library authoroities in the eastern region have a track record second to none for co-operation and collaboration and it is pleasing that this is recognised by the award of the Community Legal Services Quality Mark to all the public libraries in the region."
Flower Festival Success
This year's millennium flower festival raised the remarkable sum of £2,000 and proved to be a great success. A report on the event and photographs are available in the July to September news section.
Historical Objection
The parish council has again voiced its concern at proposals to include land off Myrtle Road for development in the South Norfolk local plan for housing. Their opposition is on the grounds of the environmental and historical significance of the site in question.
Dogs Day
South Norfolk District Council have announced the end to their providing free bags for dog owners to clear up after their pets. Bags are now on sale at 50p for 50 from the Do-It-Yourself shop in Queen's Road.
Additional Lighting
The parish council is looking into the possibility of providing additional lighting along the footpath from Ketts Close to Recreation Road following requests from residents and also the youth parish council. Some residents have voiced concern, however, as they feel lighting may encourage groups to congregate in the area
Arson and Vandalism Concern
There have been several incidents of vandalism in the village and graffiti is also being sprayed on a number of areas. In the summer the recycling centre in Great Melton Road was destroyed by fire for the second time. The parish council is urging members of the public witnessing any incidents to contact the police. The council is keeping a record of the cost of incidents of vandalism in the village.
In addition the council is inviting the local police to address a parish council meeting in November.
In addition there have been a number of thefts from vehicles parked in St. Remigius Church car park and car owners are being urged to ensure their vehicles are locked and nothing is left on display.
Recycling Hope
The Parish Council has agreed in principle to the replacement of the recycling centre in Great Melton Road but has asked the district council to consider installing more fire-resistant materials for the bins and fencing in order to deter arsonists. This step has come following concern expressed by neighbouring residents.
There is also a possibility that the centre will be moved further back and away from the adjacent electricity pole along with the possibility of lighting the area.
Concern has also been expressed about the times that the bins are emptied by the district council. The parish council has asked for them not to be emptied between 8 and 9 a.m when Great Melton Road is at its busiest.
Road Closure?
Norfolk County Council is proposing to prohibit traffic from using part of Station Lane at the A11 end for an experimental period of one year. The idea has the support of the Parish Council.
Village Appraisal
There were 1,250 responses to the village appraisal, representing a 50% return rate. The steering group will now be putting the responses into a report which should be published by the end of the year.
School Marks Anniversary
Hethersett High School marked its 21st birthday with an open invite to former pupils to return for a social evening. The reunion attracted between 350 and 400 people to the sports hall. Teachers Rod Fay, Harold Neale, Ian Robertson and Angie Silcox, who have been at the school throughout its history, led the celebrations.
The social evening was the culmination of a number of celebration evenings which included a performance by GCSE students of three millennium plays at the end of September.
Three short plays were written by Drama Teacher Mr Skipsey entitled 1000AD, 2000AD and 3000AD. They dealt with delicate and difficult issues connected with learning and education.
There was also an open day at the school when local residents, past and present students and families walked around the school and viewed work. There was a constant stream of visitors throughout the day.
There have been more celebrations at the school when the Year 9 SATS results showed a rise in standards with 84% of English students, 73% of maths and 77% of science students gaining level five or over.
The GCSE results also showed a fiver per cent rise in the number of students gaining five or more A* to C grades. Some 64% reached the target with 68.5% of all entries passes being at grade C or above. Top performer was Katherine van Zeller who achieved six A* and five A passes.
Towards the end of November the school held its GCSE prizegiving evening when certificates and trophies were awarded for outstanding academic achievement. Head Marion Chapman referred to the class of 200 as outstanding ambassadors for the school. The prizes were presented by one of the most popular teachers at the school, Mrs Lambley.
GRAFITTI PLEDGE
The Parish Council has pledged to cut down on the amount of grafitti in hte village. Certain areas including the Memorial Playing Field have been hit by vandalism this year.
Festive Spirit at Craft Day
Hethersett District Rainbows, Brownies and Guides held a Christmas Craft Dabble Day at Hethersett Middle School. Santa workshop passports were given to each child as they arrived and they were then free to take part in the many craft activities.
Crafts included glass painting, cross stitch and making Christmas tree hangers, Christmas wreaths and badges. The fun day was organised by Pam Tancock, District Commissioner along with committee members and Guiders from the district.
Mrs Tancock said: "It was a very busy day and I was delighted to see so many children taking part. They were obviously enjoying themselves and they were able to make a start to their Christmas preparations."
More than 120 children attended the event and the afternoon was rounded off with a selection of camp fire songs.
Autumn Revue
St Remigius Church held a successful autumn revue and fair in a packed village hall and raised more than £1,000 for church funds.
All the local schools performed. The Hethersett High School band played and there was dancing from Hethersett Middle School pupils. They were joined by choirs from Woodside First School and Hethersett Old Hall School.
Church members also performed, showing their wide variety of musical talents. They included a recorder quartet and a flute duo, as well as singing from the church choir.
Garage Man Retires
Well known local figure Brian Denmark has retired after 53 years service at a local garage.
After leaving school at 14, Brian spent 15 months at Taylor's of Cringleford before joining the garage in Hethersett in October 1945, working for Harry Thrower and Harry Reeve.
During his time there, Brian was called up for two years National Service which took him to Korea and Japan.
In 1976 the garage became Harveys Autos. Brian has seen many changes at the garage over the years and remembers well what times were like when he started work.
Petrol was rationed and sold as two star costing one shilling and 11d or 10p a gallon at today's prices.
"I used to know everyone in Hethersett just after the war and I've watched many of their offspring grow up here since. I am looking forward to spending more time in the garden and playing bowls as well as the chance to explore other parts of Norfolk."
Staff and customers marked his retirement by presenting him with garden furniture and holding a meal in his honour.
Stanley Ward, managing director of Harveys said: "Brian has always had a special relationship with his customers and has given a warm and friendly service whatever the weather. He will be missed by both customers and work colleagues."
Tea Towels For Sale
Hethersett Methodist Church has produced a limited run of tea towels which are selling well fro Christmas. The tea towels, which sell for £2.50 depict the church, two of its windows and the village signs. Proceeds from the sale will go to church funds.
NEW SCOUT LEADERS NEEDED
Hethersett Scout Group has issued an urgent appeal for new leaders.
The troop closed in the summer and both cub packs are facing closure unless new leaders are found.
Group scout leader Dave Jobson said: "We are very short of leaders and have no scout leaders at all. It means the cubs have nowhere to go and they are just drifting away."
The Venture scout unit closed two years ago, again through a lack of leaders. The scout troop is aimed at boys aged 10 and a half to 15 with the Ventures for those aged 15 to 20. The cubs cater for the 8 to 10 and a half age range with Woodhall pack running on Mondays and Cromwell on Fridays.
"The cubs are managing, but need another leader on Mondays and if no new leader comes forward the Friday pack will have to close," Mr Jobson said.
Geoff Nichols runs the Woodhall pack: "It's a lot of fun. There are some good cubs here and I enjoy it, but if we don't get any help we'll have to shut and that's a shame. We don't want to close but I can't do it all on my own," he said.
The First Hethersett Beaver Colony, which caters for boys aged 6 to 8 would also welcome extra help.
Hethersett Scout Group has been running for over 40 years while Dave Jobson has been involved in scouting for over half a century. No qualifications are needed and training is given.
Success for Former Pupil
Former Hethersett High School pupil Julie Montague has gained the Guildhall School of Music and Drama's Special Award for Achievement in the Grade 8 Speech and Drama exam. Julie achieved her award at the Barbican Centre in London. Julie is now taking a one year post graduate acting course at the Drama Studio at Ealing in West London.
MORE VANDALISM
Recycling Centres in Hethersett have been hit by arsonists for the third time in two years. This time the centres at the Village Hall have suffered.
"The recycling centres obviusly benefit the whole village and the money from the recycling is given to charity," said parish clerk Diane Dring. It is suspected that an arsonist has been responsible for the fires. Thankfully the Village Hall site was not hoit badly but work is only just begun to replace the recycling centre in Great Melton Road. Work on that site is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Car Driven Into Church
A 76-year-old Hethersett man accidentally drove his car into the vestry of Hethersett Methodist Church - just yards away from a toddlers playgroup.
Spanish pensioner Peter Margareto of Malthouse Road, Hethersett, was driving a Fiat Punto which crashed into the front of the church building in Great Melton Road on November 22nd.
The church hall at the back of the building was being used at the time by Hethersett pre-school group the Ducklings.
"Thankfully it happened 10 minutes before the children started streaming out," said Group leader Jane Bolderstone.
Mr Margareto said that he didn't know what had happened: "I felt like something hit me or I hit something before I went into the vestry," he said.
Residents have increased calls for safety improvements after a second accident in the same road on November 24th when firefighters had to release a woman from a car in collision with a parked vehicle.
Methodist church property committee chairman John Freeman said: "We really need speed restrictions there - some of the cars go so fast."
Hethersett Parish Council chairman George Beckford said the county council had deferred a proposed traffic calming scheme "for at least five years."
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said a traffic calming scheme for Great Melton Road had been rejected by the parish council for being too "over-engineered."
White Monstrosity
Planning permission for a special dome at Norwich City Football Club's training ground at Colney which is just over a mile from Hethersett has been recommended for refusal by South Norfolk planning officers.
The £2.1 million project would house a giant indoor gymnasium and football pitch. Local residents have criticised the proposed design and Hethersett Parish Council chairman George Beckford has described it as a "white monstrosity."
South Norfolk Council Planning Committee members will visit the site later in December.
A stitch in time
A special Nativity embroidery has been presented to St. Remigius Church by Florrie Elvin after many years of fine stitching. The embroidery will be dedicated during Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve and will be on display in the church each year from Christmas to Candlemass. Meanwhile a new tablecloth has been presentedd to the church to commemorate the millennium.
Memories were revived by the use at this year's Flower Festival of a tablecloth which had been signed by members of the Hethersett Church Family in 1972. Jean Back has donated a new cloth to record members of 2000. The cloth will be available at most church events until the end of the year with people signing their names for £1. The names will then be stitched in as a permanent keepsake.
This year's flower festival in the church raised just over £2,680 which will be split between the organ fund, general church funds and church access for the disabled.
A total of £319 was raised for church funds from a slides of old Hethersett show organised by Colin Wilson, Duncan and Jenny Pigg in October. Over 100 people attended the event at the Jubilee Youth Club.
A total of £963 has been sent to the Norfolk Churches Trust from a sponsored cycle ride around churches in the Deanery in September.
Holy Holly
Hethersett St Remigius church has found a novel way of getting people into the Christmas spirit and helping to tidy up the church at the same time.
In December members of the public were encouraged to take pieces of the large holly bush on the side of the path leading to the church porch doors. The idea was to tidy the area up and those taking holly were asked to make a donation for church funds.
Church Hall Improvements
A number of improvements have been made to the Church Hall premises in Henstead Road. Repairs to the men's toilet have been completed, as has paneling in the Jubilee Room. New heaters have been installed in the Jubilee Room and varnish, painting and carpet laying has taken place.
Queen's Golden Jubilee
The village is considering celebrating or commemorating the Queen's golden jubilee in 2002. Villages are being asked to give an ideas they might have to the parish council.
New Bus Service
A new user friendly flexibus service has been introduced from Hethersett to Wymondham on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The service is wheelchair friendly. Journeys have to be booked 24 hours in advance. The service has been designed for people in rural areas so they can visit their local market town and make onward connections. Pick-up points are picked according to requests. Return fare to Wymondham is £3 for adults and £2 for children. The bus can also be hired by groups for outings during the evenings and at weekends.
HOWS THAT?
Sixty Six people attended Hethersett Cricket Club's annual dinner and awards evening at Bawburgh Golf Club in November. The following awards were presented.
Tony Curson Clubman Cup - Richard Ellis
Burgess Shield -Norwich Etceteras Cricket Club
Burgess Shield Runners-Up - Brooke
Batting Cup - Matthew Ellis
Bowling Cup - Christian Bishop
Ellis Fielders Cup - Matthew Steward and Tristan Hunt
Kerslake Catching Cup - Chris Bolderstone
Young Player of the Year - Chris Bolderstone
Duck Trophy - Philip Day
Best Individual Performances - Matthew Ellis and Richard Ellis
Hethersett Cricket Club Player of the Year - Matthew Ellis
Hethersett Cricket Club Most Improved Player of the Year - David Hobart
Hurrell Cup - Richard Ellis
Under-18 Player of the Year - Matthew Steward
The first eleven gained promotion for the second consecutive year and next season will be playing in Division Four of the Hansell and Stevenson Norfolk League.
Cycle Speedway Success
It has been a very successful season for Hethersett Hawks/Kerley Services Cycle Speedway Club. The season has brought honours in the South-East region of the British Junior League, the South-East League Division Two, the Norwich and District Under-17s League and the Norwich and District Novice League.
Phil Howells won the British, East Anglian and Norfolk senior titles while Nick Bedson and Nick Myhill won the British Junior League Grand Prix series and Nick Bedson is all set to join the Great Britain Junior squad in Australia in February when he will become the first Hethersett club member to race overseas.
High Achievers
Pupils from Hethersett Middle School did well in their Key Stage Two results. Sixty eight pupils were eligible for the tests which are part of the national curriculum. A total of 85% achieved level four or above in English, 79% achieved level four or above in Maths and 88% achieved level four and above in science.
Police Visit
Inspector Andy Taylor and parish constable Tim Tyler attended the November meeting of Hethersett Parish Council to talk about local policing issues.
Statistics have shown that the village has only 3% of the crime for the area it is banded in. Inspector Taylor admitted that the special constable scheme had not worked favourably for the village in the past year and that the council should apply for a refund of its costs. He underlined the need for more special constables to volunteer.
He advocated the setting up of Homewatch schemes, but warned against a vigilante style. Councillor Jim Bartram said he was increasingly concerned about the problem of youths gathering in the village hall car park and he criticised the lack of response by police.
The village hall committee will be following advice from police crime prevention officers and taking security measures to protect the village hall. The committee is looking to deter youths from using the car park by putting up fencing and gates.
Graffiti Removal
The parish council has underlined its determination to get rid of graffiti from public areas in the village. This will include removal from the village hall at a cost of £90 and from the memorial playing field pavilion and shed wall at a cost of £135. The council will not pay for the removal of graffiti from private property but will advise owners of specialist services which exist to deal with the problem.
Bus Shelters
The parish council has shelved immediate plans for more bus shelters in the village in the light of recent publicity about the cost of vandalism to shelters in other villages. There is a possibility of a shelter being placed in Churchfields, however, where a seat already exists.
A resident has also asked for the bus stop in Great Melton Road to be moved on the grounds that its present location has caused difficulties for drivers and confusion for bus passengers. The bus stop was recently moved about 30 yards and there is a good chance it will now be returned to its former position.
Precept Increase
Plans to increase the village rates precept by 8% have been put off. The original request for £70,000 for 2000/01 represented an 8% increase and chairman of the parish council George Beckford suggested reducing the amount to £68,000 making an overall increase of 5%. A decision will be made later.
At the November council meeting Bridget Williamson questionned the grant made to the village hall of £2,500 for running costs and £5,000 for security measures. She said the village hall was a successful hall with a good balance in the bank and should not need supporting by members of the public..
Environmentally Friendly
A new community group has been set up in the village dedicated to improving the local environment.
The Hethersett Environmental Action Team will be carrying out an environmental audit of the village to look at facilities and assess the needs for improvement.
The audit will review the natural assets, such as trees and ponds and the provision of amenities such as street lighting, rubbish disposal and public open spaces.
The group will also be planting bulbs and new hedging and future plans include organising hanging basket displays and floral and garden competitions. The group is also looking for new members and will be meeting again in January.
Honour for Ralph
The Hethersett branch of the Royal British Legion held a Poppy Appeal Collectors Awards Evening and made a special presentation to Ralph Warnes.
The award certificates with merit awards and brooches for long service represented an aggregate of more than 500 years' service to the Earl Haig Poppy Appeal Fund. The presentations were made by the county organiser for Norfolk Edward Richardson who congratulated the Hethersett branch for collecting more than £2,000 this year and thanked members for their hard work.
Badges for merit for 25 years' service were awarded to Peggy Chapman, Brian Denmark, Florence Elvin and Betty Nicholls. Brooches and certificates for 10 and 15 years service were awarded to 28 other individual collectors and organisations. A special certificate went to local Poppy Appeal organiser Margaret Morrad.
The evening concluded with the presentation by branch chairman Fred Morrad of a certificate of appreciation to Mr Warnes on behalf of the branch for his loyal and devoted service as standard bearer for more than 25 years.
Caring Students
Caring Hethersett High School children have raised cash for disabled adults and children from a sponsored swim.
Marie Cockman, Francesca Barry, Shelley Reynolds and Stacey Wooff - raised more than £100 for the Norfolk based Break charity. It is made more remarkable by the fact that the quartet are disabled themselves.
The girls, who swim every Wednesday at Hethersett Middle School, were encouraged to take part in the event by swimming instructor Jane Newstead.
Michael Pitt, Break's community fund-raising officer, said he was overwhelmed by the youngsters' kindness.
"It is outstanding. We are grateful to anyone who supports Break and raises money, but to have children who have disabilities raising money for others in the same situation is wonderful," he said.
The charity provides holidays and respite care for children and adults with profound disabilities and/or learning disabilities. It has written to 95 schools in a bid to encourage youngsters to help fund-raise. The money will help to fund the two holiday centres run by the charity at Sheringham and Hunstanton.
Schools Busy End of the Year
It was a busy end to the year for pupils at Hethersett Middle School.
The Year Seven pupils held their annual craft fair where the youngsters designed the products, market researched them and drew up design briefs. They then presented a business plan to a Midland Bank manager in order to procure funding for their project. The pupils then made the products and advertised them before inviting the rest of the school and parents to come along and buy.
The fair was opened by Radio Broadland DJ Chrissie Jackson who commended the children on their enterprise. The profits from the fair will be given to Barnado's, Cancer Research and the two Tibetan children whose education the school supports. In previous years children from the school have raised hundreds of pounds for charity.
The project was taught and run by Year 7 teachers Christine Coltman and Nikki Peters who said: "Each year we are astounded by the ingenuity and commitment of the children. This year they have once again produced a wonderful array of goods. We are very proud of them.
Funds were also raised for the Tibetan children at the traditional end of term Carols round the Christmas Tree evening which featured traditional carols as well as readings old and new. The choir, orchestra and individual pupils took part.
The school has also recently opened a brand new computer suite, fully equipped for teaching Information Technology. Over a three month period, cables were put in place to allow every room in the school to be computerised. The special suite boasts 17 computers to allow whole classes to be taught together.
The suite has come about due to careful budgeting by the school, a government grant and a substantial £7,000 grant from the PTA.
Computerisation will also benefit parents. The December newsletter was sent out to a number of parents via e-mail. Instead of finding the newsletter crumpled at the bottom of school bags three to four weeks out of date, parents received it before the children even reached home.
"We believe we are one of the first schools in the county to use this method of informing parents," said acting Head Richard Carter. "I'm sure that shortly all information will be sent home in this way and will be available on the school web site. This is good news as it means a more effective means of communication can be established. The days of masses of photocopying and children acting as postpeople are numbered," he added.
Desperate for Help
Just a few weeks after the village scout and cub packs called for more help, Hethersett Guides have made a similar plea.
The group celebrated Christmas with a party but are left wondering how much longer they can stay in existence. The girls, aged between 10 and 14, are desperately seeking a new leader. They meet on Wednesday evenings at the Scout and Guide HQ from 7 p.m until 8.45 p.m. They are looking for an enthusiastic female volunteer aged between 18 and 65 to help with preparing and running weekly meetings as well as occasional additional activities and training.
A LONG LONG WAIT
A 67-year-old Hethersett businessman has just received his A level geography certificate - 48 years late.
Dick Anderson, who is a partner in Norfolk Insurance Services in the village, had forgotten that he never received the document. But in December Norwich School sent the certificate to his home in Old Costessey. Apparently when the school were redecorating a room they found the certificate amongst other papers in a box. They had Mr Anderson's address and posted the certificate on.
"All those years ago I rang the school to ask where my certificate was and they said it was in the post. Over the years he forgot about it. But Mr Anderson will not be showing his certificate off: "I expect I'll just shove it in a box just like it has been for the last 48 years," he said.
Honour for Youngsters
Two talented Hethersett youngsters starred in the English Youth Ballet's production of the Nutcracker in front of hundreds of people at Ipswich's Regent Theatre. Thomas Thorne, 12, and Robyn Bull, 8, were among six dancers from the Judith Fox School of Ballet inWymondham to take part in the show.
Thomas is one of the school's most promising pupils and took the title role of the nutcracker doll. He decided to become a dancer after being taken to see the ballet Swan Lake and is already an associate of the Royal Ballet School and travels to London for training.
Hethersett in 2000
Hethersett people are being asked to contribute reports and photographs about their activities in 2000.
The Hethersett millennium committee has invited local groups to help them put together a record of the year which will be placed in the Hethersett archive. A video record of events in Hethersett in year 2000 is also being compiled and the committee is also looking for contributions towards this.
Tim's Prize
Hethersett High School pupil Tim Bolderstone won an office set in a writing competition organised by Hethersett Branch Library. Tim had to imagine that he was reporting on the work of the library in 150 years time.
Charity Collections
Pupils from Hethersett Old Hall School have been supporting the Sargent Cancer Care for Children and the Roald Dahl Foundation this term. Pupils took part in a sponsored Readathon and on the final day dressed as their favourite fictional characters. The Raedathon total raised was £801.24.
Pink/Clash Day was held in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, supporting the charities Breakthrough Cancer and Breast Cancer Care. Students were allowed to wear pink and clashing clothes for 50p and the event raised £170. The school has also supported the charity ActionAid and each year raises the £140 needed to sponsor a child. This year pupils organised a slave auction where teaching staff were auctioned to undertake a task for a sum of £5. The staff were given the opportunity to "buy themselves out" of any particular task they did not want to do.
In addition the school also supports the Wulugu Project, raising funds to provide educational equipment and help to teachers in Northern Ghana.
Non Uniform Fund-raisers
Two Hethersett schools held non uniform days to raise money for charity. Hethersett High School raised £570 for El Viejo - a toen in Nicaragua. The money will help the town to recover from the 1998 Hurricane Mitch disaster.
Meanwhile Hethersett Middle School held a Jeans for Genes day for Cystic Fibrosis research and it is anticipated that up to £200 has been raised.
LOCK IN
Members of Hethersett's junior youth club staged a 40 hour lock-in in November to raise money for club funds for equipment and outings. The event raised about £500. Unfortunately the success was rather overshadowed by the club's third break-in this year. Nothing of value was stolen beacause nothing of value is now kept in the youth club premises.
SPORTING SUCCESS
Hethersett Hawks Kerley Services Cycle Speedway Club celebrated its most successful season ever with a presentation party at Hethersett Social Club. The club boasts 40 members aged from seven to 33 and won four league and nine individual titles.
Leading rider was Phil Howells 25, from Nelson Close, who won the British Senior title - only the second Norfolk rider to do so. He was also East Anglian and Norfolk champion.
The club won the Norwich and District Under-17 and Novice Leagues while Nick Myhill became under-13 champion and winner of the Norwich and District Under-13 Grand Prix series, a feat also achieved at Under-16 level by David Alexander and at Under-19 by Nick Bedson.
Regionally the Hawks won the South-East League Division Two, while the junioor squad again won the South-East regional competition in the British Junior League, going on to finish third in the national round. In the Grand Prix Nick Myhill won at Under-13s and Nick Bedson at Under-19s.
Phil Howells was named Clubman of the Year and other club awards were: Leigh Cossey (top pointscorer), Jazz Abbott (best newcomer), Jon Kerley (most improved junior).
Winter Warmers
Members of Hethersett Methodist Church warmed themselves up for Christmas by singing well known carols outside the church on Saturday December 23rd. They were accompanied by their minister the Rev David Hart on keyboards. Afterwards they enjoyed mincepies and coffee in the hall.
Shorts
Residents in Station Lane are preparing a petition aimed at keeping the road open following the experimental closure ....
The parish council has made donations of £500 to the Wymondham Citizens Advice Bureau and £100 to the Norwich Fringe Project.
The 12th Road Safety quiz organised by the road safety committee was held in the village hall and was won by Hethersett Friends Again (formerly known as the Friends of Woodside School).
A 76-year-old Hethersett man accidentally drove his car into the vestry of Hethersett Methodist Church - just yards away from a toddlers playgroup.
Spanish pensioner Peter Margareto of Malthouse Road, Hethersett, was driving a Fiat Punto which crashed into the front of the church building in Great Melton Road on November 22nd.
The church hall at the back of the building was being used at the time by Hethersett pre-school group the Ducklings.
"Thankfully it happened 10 minutes before the children started streaming out," said Group leader Jane Bolderstone.
Mr Margareto said that he didn't know what had happened: "I felt like something hit me or I hit something before I went into the vestry," he said.
Residents have increased calls for safety improvements after a second accident in the same road on November 24th when firefighters had to release a woman from a car in collision with a parked vehicle.
Methodist church property committee chairman John Freeman said: "We really need speed restrictions there - some of the cars go so fast."
Hethersett Parish Council chairman George Beckford said the county council had deferred a proposed traffic calming scheme "for at least five years."
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said a traffic calming scheme for Great Melton Road had been rejected by the parish council for being too "over-engineered."
White Monstrosity
Planning permission for a special dome at Norwich City Football Club's training ground at Colney which is just over a mile from Hethersett has been recommended for refusal by South Norfolk planning officers.
The £2.1 million project would house a giant indoor gymnasium and football pitch. Local residents have criticised the proposed design and Hethersett Parish Council chairman George Beckford has described it as a "white monstrosity."
South Norfolk Council Planning Committee members will visit the site later in December.
A stitch in time
A special Nativity embroidery has been presented to St. Remigius Church by Florrie Elvin after many years of fine stitching. The embroidery will be dedicated during Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve and will be on display in the church each year from Christmas to Candlemass. Meanwhile a new tablecloth has been presentedd to the church to commemorate the millennium.
Memories were revived by the use at this year's Flower Festival of a tablecloth which had been signed by members of the Hethersett Church Family in 1972. Jean Back has donated a new cloth to record members of 2000. The cloth will be available at most church events until the end of the year with people signing their names for £1. The names will then be stitched in as a permanent keepsake.
This year's flower festival in the church raised just over £2,680 which will be split between the organ fund, general church funds and church access for the disabled.
A total of £319 was raised for church funds from a slides of old Hethersett show organised by Colin Wilson, Duncan and Jenny Pigg in October. Over 100 people attended the event at the Jubilee Youth Club.
A total of £963 has been sent to the Norfolk Churches Trust from a sponsored cycle ride around churches in the Deanery in September.
Holy Holly
Hethersett St Remigius church has found a novel way of getting people into the Christmas spirit and helping to tidy up the church at the same time.
In December members of the public were encouraged to take pieces of the large holly bush on the side of the path leading to the church porch doors. The idea was to tidy the area up and those taking holly were asked to make a donation for church funds.
Church Hall Improvements
A number of improvements have been made to the Church Hall premises in Henstead Road. Repairs to the men's toilet have been completed, as has paneling in the Jubilee Room. New heaters have been installed in the Jubilee Room and varnish, painting and carpet laying has taken place.
Queen's Golden Jubilee
The village is considering celebrating or commemorating the Queen's golden jubilee in 2002. Villages are being asked to give an ideas they might have to the parish council.
New Bus Service
A new user friendly flexibus service has been introduced from Hethersett to Wymondham on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The service is wheelchair friendly. Journeys have to be booked 24 hours in advance. The service has been designed for people in rural areas so they can visit their local market town and make onward connections. Pick-up points are picked according to requests. Return fare to Wymondham is £3 for adults and £2 for children. The bus can also be hired by groups for outings during the evenings and at weekends.
HOWS THAT?
Sixty Six people attended Hethersett Cricket Club's annual dinner and awards evening at Bawburgh Golf Club in November. The following awards were presented.
Tony Curson Clubman Cup - Richard Ellis
Burgess Shield -Norwich Etceteras Cricket Club
Burgess Shield Runners-Up - Brooke
Batting Cup - Matthew Ellis
Bowling Cup - Christian Bishop
Ellis Fielders Cup - Matthew Steward and Tristan Hunt
Kerslake Catching Cup - Chris Bolderstone
Young Player of the Year - Chris Bolderstone
Duck Trophy - Philip Day
Best Individual Performances - Matthew Ellis and Richard Ellis
Hethersett Cricket Club Player of the Year - Matthew Ellis
Hethersett Cricket Club Most Improved Player of the Year - David Hobart
Hurrell Cup - Richard Ellis
Under-18 Player of the Year - Matthew Steward
The first eleven gained promotion for the second consecutive year and next season will be playing in Division Four of the Hansell and Stevenson Norfolk League.
Cycle Speedway Success
It has been a very successful season for Hethersett Hawks/Kerley Services Cycle Speedway Club. The season has brought honours in the South-East region of the British Junior League, the South-East League Division Two, the Norwich and District Under-17s League and the Norwich and District Novice League.
Phil Howells won the British, East Anglian and Norfolk senior titles while Nick Bedson and Nick Myhill won the British Junior League Grand Prix series and Nick Bedson is all set to join the Great Britain Junior squad in Australia in February when he will become the first Hethersett club member to race overseas.
High Achievers
Pupils from Hethersett Middle School did well in their Key Stage Two results. Sixty eight pupils were eligible for the tests which are part of the national curriculum. A total of 85% achieved level four or above in English, 79% achieved level four or above in Maths and 88% achieved level four and above in science.
Police Visit
Inspector Andy Taylor and parish constable Tim Tyler attended the November meeting of Hethersett Parish Council to talk about local policing issues.
Statistics have shown that the village has only 3% of the crime for the area it is banded in. Inspector Taylor admitted that the special constable scheme had not worked favourably for the village in the past year and that the council should apply for a refund of its costs. He underlined the need for more special constables to volunteer.
He advocated the setting up of Homewatch schemes, but warned against a vigilante style. Councillor Jim Bartram said he was increasingly concerned about the problem of youths gathering in the village hall car park and he criticised the lack of response by police.
The village hall committee will be following advice from police crime prevention officers and taking security measures to protect the village hall. The committee is looking to deter youths from using the car park by putting up fencing and gates.
Graffiti Removal
The parish council has underlined its determination to get rid of graffiti from public areas in the village. This will include removal from the village hall at a cost of £90 and from the memorial playing field pavilion and shed wall at a cost of £135. The council will not pay for the removal of graffiti from private property but will advise owners of specialist services which exist to deal with the problem.
Bus Shelters
The parish council has shelved immediate plans for more bus shelters in the village in the light of recent publicity about the cost of vandalism to shelters in other villages. There is a possibility of a shelter being placed in Churchfields, however, where a seat already exists.
A resident has also asked for the bus stop in Great Melton Road to be moved on the grounds that its present location has caused difficulties for drivers and confusion for bus passengers. The bus stop was recently moved about 30 yards and there is a good chance it will now be returned to its former position.
Precept Increase
Plans to increase the village rates precept by 8% have been put off. The original request for £70,000 for 2000/01 represented an 8% increase and chairman of the parish council George Beckford suggested reducing the amount to £68,000 making an overall increase of 5%. A decision will be made later.
At the November council meeting Bridget Williamson questionned the grant made to the village hall of £2,500 for running costs and £5,000 for security measures. She said the village hall was a successful hall with a good balance in the bank and should not need supporting by members of the public..
Environmentally Friendly
A new community group has been set up in the village dedicated to improving the local environment.
The Hethersett Environmental Action Team will be carrying out an environmental audit of the village to look at facilities and assess the needs for improvement.
The audit will review the natural assets, such as trees and ponds and the provision of amenities such as street lighting, rubbish disposal and public open spaces.
The group will also be planting bulbs and new hedging and future plans include organising hanging basket displays and floral and garden competitions. The group is also looking for new members and will be meeting again in January.
Honour for Ralph
The Hethersett branch of the Royal British Legion held a Poppy Appeal Collectors Awards Evening and made a special presentation to Ralph Warnes.
The award certificates with merit awards and brooches for long service represented an aggregate of more than 500 years' service to the Earl Haig Poppy Appeal Fund. The presentations were made by the county organiser for Norfolk Edward Richardson who congratulated the Hethersett branch for collecting more than £2,000 this year and thanked members for their hard work.
Badges for merit for 25 years' service were awarded to Peggy Chapman, Brian Denmark, Florence Elvin and Betty Nicholls. Brooches and certificates for 10 and 15 years service were awarded to 28 other individual collectors and organisations. A special certificate went to local Poppy Appeal organiser Margaret Morrad.
The evening concluded with the presentation by branch chairman Fred Morrad of a certificate of appreciation to Mr Warnes on behalf of the branch for his loyal and devoted service as standard bearer for more than 25 years.
Caring Students
Caring Hethersett High School children have raised cash for disabled adults and children from a sponsored swim.
Marie Cockman, Francesca Barry, Shelley Reynolds and Stacey Wooff - raised more than £100 for the Norfolk based Break charity. It is made more remarkable by the fact that the quartet are disabled themselves.
The girls, who swim every Wednesday at Hethersett Middle School, were encouraged to take part in the event by swimming instructor Jane Newstead.
Michael Pitt, Break's community fund-raising officer, said he was overwhelmed by the youngsters' kindness.
"It is outstanding. We are grateful to anyone who supports Break and raises money, but to have children who have disabilities raising money for others in the same situation is wonderful," he said.
The charity provides holidays and respite care for children and adults with profound disabilities and/or learning disabilities. It has written to 95 schools in a bid to encourage youngsters to help fund-raise. The money will help to fund the two holiday centres run by the charity at Sheringham and Hunstanton.
Schools Busy End of the Year
It was a busy end to the year for pupils at Hethersett Middle School.
The Year Seven pupils held their annual craft fair where the youngsters designed the products, market researched them and drew up design briefs. They then presented a business plan to a Midland Bank manager in order to procure funding for their project. The pupils then made the products and advertised them before inviting the rest of the school and parents to come along and buy.
The fair was opened by Radio Broadland DJ Chrissie Jackson who commended the children on their enterprise. The profits from the fair will be given to Barnado's, Cancer Research and the two Tibetan children whose education the school supports. In previous years children from the school have raised hundreds of pounds for charity.
The project was taught and run by Year 7 teachers Christine Coltman and Nikki Peters who said: "Each year we are astounded by the ingenuity and commitment of the children. This year they have once again produced a wonderful array of goods. We are very proud of them.
Funds were also raised for the Tibetan children at the traditional end of term Carols round the Christmas Tree evening which featured traditional carols as well as readings old and new. The choir, orchestra and individual pupils took part.
The school has also recently opened a brand new computer suite, fully equipped for teaching Information Technology. Over a three month period, cables were put in place to allow every room in the school to be computerised. The special suite boasts 17 computers to allow whole classes to be taught together.
The suite has come about due to careful budgeting by the school, a government grant and a substantial £7,000 grant from the PTA.
Computerisation will also benefit parents. The December newsletter was sent out to a number of parents via e-mail. Instead of finding the newsletter crumpled at the bottom of school bags three to four weeks out of date, parents received it before the children even reached home.
"We believe we are one of the first schools in the county to use this method of informing parents," said acting Head Richard Carter. "I'm sure that shortly all information will be sent home in this way and will be available on the school web site. This is good news as it means a more effective means of communication can be established. The days of masses of photocopying and children acting as postpeople are numbered," he added.
Desperate for Help
Just a few weeks after the village scout and cub packs called for more help, Hethersett Guides have made a similar plea.
The group celebrated Christmas with a party but are left wondering how much longer they can stay in existence. The girls, aged between 10 and 14, are desperately seeking a new leader. They meet on Wednesday evenings at the Scout and Guide HQ from 7 p.m until 8.45 p.m. They are looking for an enthusiastic female volunteer aged between 18 and 65 to help with preparing and running weekly meetings as well as occasional additional activities and training.
A LONG LONG WAIT
A 67-year-old Hethersett businessman has just received his A level geography certificate - 48 years late.
Dick Anderson, who is a partner in Norfolk Insurance Services in the village, had forgotten that he never received the document. But in December Norwich School sent the certificate to his home in Old Costessey. Apparently when the school were redecorating a room they found the certificate amongst other papers in a box. They had Mr Anderson's address and posted the certificate on.
"All those years ago I rang the school to ask where my certificate was and they said it was in the post. Over the years he forgot about it. But Mr Anderson will not be showing his certificate off: "I expect I'll just shove it in a box just like it has been for the last 48 years," he said.
Honour for Youngsters
Two talented Hethersett youngsters starred in the English Youth Ballet's production of the Nutcracker in front of hundreds of people at Ipswich's Regent Theatre. Thomas Thorne, 12, and Robyn Bull, 8, were among six dancers from the Judith Fox School of Ballet inWymondham to take part in the show.
Thomas is one of the school's most promising pupils and took the title role of the nutcracker doll. He decided to become a dancer after being taken to see the ballet Swan Lake and is already an associate of the Royal Ballet School and travels to London for training.
Hethersett in 2000
Hethersett people are being asked to contribute reports and photographs about their activities in 2000.
The Hethersett millennium committee has invited local groups to help them put together a record of the year which will be placed in the Hethersett archive. A video record of events in Hethersett in year 2000 is also being compiled and the committee is also looking for contributions towards this.
Tim's Prize
Hethersett High School pupil Tim Bolderstone won an office set in a writing competition organised by Hethersett Branch Library. Tim had to imagine that he was reporting on the work of the library in 150 years time.
Charity Collections
Pupils from Hethersett Old Hall School have been supporting the Sargent Cancer Care for Children and the Roald Dahl Foundation this term. Pupils took part in a sponsored Readathon and on the final day dressed as their favourite fictional characters. The Raedathon total raised was £801.24.
Pink/Clash Day was held in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, supporting the charities Breakthrough Cancer and Breast Cancer Care. Students were allowed to wear pink and clashing clothes for 50p and the event raised £170. The school has also supported the charity ActionAid and each year raises the £140 needed to sponsor a child. This year pupils organised a slave auction where teaching staff were auctioned to undertake a task for a sum of £5. The staff were given the opportunity to "buy themselves out" of any particular task they did not want to do.
In addition the school also supports the Wulugu Project, raising funds to provide educational equipment and help to teachers in Northern Ghana.
Non Uniform Fund-raisers
Two Hethersett schools held non uniform days to raise money for charity. Hethersett High School raised £570 for El Viejo - a toen in Nicaragua. The money will help the town to recover from the 1998 Hurricane Mitch disaster.
Meanwhile Hethersett Middle School held a Jeans for Genes day for Cystic Fibrosis research and it is anticipated that up to £200 has been raised.
LOCK IN
Members of Hethersett's junior youth club staged a 40 hour lock-in in November to raise money for club funds for equipment and outings. The event raised about £500. Unfortunately the success was rather overshadowed by the club's third break-in this year. Nothing of value was stolen beacause nothing of value is now kept in the youth club premises.
SPORTING SUCCESS
Hethersett Hawks Kerley Services Cycle Speedway Club celebrated its most successful season ever with a presentation party at Hethersett Social Club. The club boasts 40 members aged from seven to 33 and won four league and nine individual titles.
Leading rider was Phil Howells 25, from Nelson Close, who won the British Senior title - only the second Norfolk rider to do so. He was also East Anglian and Norfolk champion.
The club won the Norwich and District Under-17 and Novice Leagues while Nick Myhill became under-13 champion and winner of the Norwich and District Under-13 Grand Prix series, a feat also achieved at Under-16 level by David Alexander and at Under-19 by Nick Bedson.
Regionally the Hawks won the South-East League Division Two, while the junioor squad again won the South-East regional competition in the British Junior League, going on to finish third in the national round. In the Grand Prix Nick Myhill won at Under-13s and Nick Bedson at Under-19s.
Phil Howells was named Clubman of the Year and other club awards were: Leigh Cossey (top pointscorer), Jazz Abbott (best newcomer), Jon Kerley (most improved junior).
Winter Warmers
Members of Hethersett Methodist Church warmed themselves up for Christmas by singing well known carols outside the church on Saturday December 23rd. They were accompanied by their minister the Rev David Hart on keyboards. Afterwards they enjoyed mincepies and coffee in the hall.
Shorts
Residents in Station Lane are preparing a petition aimed at keeping the road open following the experimental closure ....
The parish council has made donations of £500 to the Wymondham Citizens Advice Bureau and £100 to the Norwich Fringe Project.
The 12th Road Safety quiz organised by the road safety committee was held in the village hall and was won by Hethersett Friends Again (formerly known as the Friends of Woodside School).