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Website Server Transition

image of blue computer mouse with the usb lead spelling out the word 'upgrade'Please note that there may be some disruption to content  posted in the past week or so.  This is because UK Servers are moving the website to a new server.  This may mean that some content will disappear as the snapshot of the site has been taken somewhere between 30th April and 1st May meaning some content will be lost and will have to be reposted after the transition.

Whilst this is in progress, no more content will be published or updated to minimise the amount of clean up work to be done afterwards.

If you notice anything amiss then please let the web master know.

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Neighbourhood Planning Group

Last updated on April 18th, 2018 at 10:58 pm

walsham le willows word cloud logo for neighbourhood planThe group has now met twice and is making initial progress with a good number of members although more would be even better.

Please get in touch if you would like to get involved to contribute your ideas and to influence the development decisions for future generations in Walsham le Willows.

Take a look at the Neighbourhood Plan page which will list all the documents that are produced in relation to the plan as they are drafted and finalised.

plan@walsham-le-willows.org

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Morris Minor Fundraising Tour 2018

Last updated on April 9th, 2018 at 05:51 pm

Graphic of classic green Morris Minor carThree ways to DONATE

Directly to the Minors On Tour for the Memorial Hall

When you do your shopping via Give as You Live.  You can shop at over 4,200 top online retailers and a percentage of your purchase will be donated to the Memorial Hall Fund.

By searching online for anything using the Everyclick search engine and donations will go to Memorial Hall Fund for every search.

During April 2018 Morris Minor OEA 736, a 1956, 4-door, split windscreen, dark green, 948cc saloon, will make a tour of all 37 World War ll airfields in Norfolk, in order to raise awareness of their vital, yet very costly role in winning the six-year war against Germany.

 

Black and White Line Drawing of RAF badge‘Mrs Morris’ will be sponsored for the tour to raise funds for the Royal Air Force Association and the refurbishment of kitchen and bar areas at Walsham le Willows Memorial Village Hall which was built by volunteers in the 1950’s as a memorial to the service men and women of two World Wars. The project will bring a twenty-year programme of refurbishment to a close, make the whole building fit for the challenges of the 21st century and maintain it as a proud memorial to that generation who gave their today for our tomorrows.

Continue reading “Morris Minor Fundraising Tour 2018”

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Sports Club Report March 2018

Colour drawing of willow tree in roundel with text Walsham-le-Willows Sports Club

black and white graphic of cricketer in actionSome key dates for 2018 (fixtures will be added to the events diary)
27th April – Junior Training commences
29th April – First Sunday Home Game
11th May – ECB All Stars Programme starts
12th May – First Saturday Home Game
28th May – Under 11 Tournament

black and white line drawing of a football

The First team lost 3-0 at home to Kirkley and Pakefield at the start of the month.  They then lost 1-0 at Stanway Rovers in the quarter finals of the League cup but were extremely unlucky not to take the tie into extra time.  They won their latest league match beating Wivenhoe Town 5-1 away.  Ryan Clark had an excellent afternoon scoring all five goals.  A record for Walsham in the Eastern Counties League.

The Reserves have improved dramatically in the second half of the season but lost 3-0 at Felixstowe.  They then beat Wivenhoe Reserves 3-0 at home.  The impressive Kieran Twinn scored twice while Luke Bates also scored. Continue reading “Sports Club Report March 2018”

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Play Council – Developments…

Last updated on February 26th, 2018 at 02:33 pm

black and white block drawing of two children on a see sawAn Extraordinary General Meeting of the Play Council was held in The Priory Room on 20th February.  Read the minutes which were taken by the Parish Clerk in the absence of an appointed Play Council Secretary.  The incumbent Chair, Quentin Cass, has agreed to stay on until the next AGM in May to facilitate continuity.

The great news is that two new appointments were made from interested village residents, Liam Nichol as Vice Chair and Emma Wade as Executive Committee member.   One Parish Councillor and the Parish Clerk were appointed, on an interim basis, as Treasurer and Secretary respectively.  Another Parish Councillor was appointed as the Parish Council’s representative on the Play Council.

The Parish Council, as tenants of the Play Area, hold the land upon trust for the Play Council and therefore have an interest in ensuring that an Executive Committee is properly constituted as soon as possible.

Play Council Executive Committee

The structure as documented in the Lease between The Official Custodian for Charities (Charity Commission) and The Trustees of The Walsham Old Town Trust to Walsham le Willows Parish Council who hold the land as Tenant upon trust for the Walsham le Willows Play Council.
Executive Committee PostPosition as at 19th February 2018From 20th February 2018
ChairQuentin CassQuentin Cass
Vice ChairVacantLiam Nichol
TreasurerVacantBrian Kinnair (interim)
SecretaryVacantKevin Boardley (interim)
Executive Committee Member 1VacantEmma Wade
Executive Committee Member 2VacantTrevor Roberts (Parish Council Representative)
Executive Committee Member 3VacantVacant
Executive Committee Member 4VacantVacant
Executive Committee Member 5VacantVacant

Liam and Emma are already on the case and eliciting interest from village residents in joining the committee and have some exciting ideas, so things are already moving in the right direction.

If you would  like to get involved in a new phase for the Play Council to secure the long term viability and development of the Walsham Play Park, please make contact with any of the Executive Committee members – email links in table above.

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Music For Another Summer’s Evening 2018

handwritten 'for your diary' logoThe Churchgate Wind Octet and Octave vocal group return to St. Mary’s, Walsham-le-Willows at 7.30pm on Saturday 21st July.

Last year they delighted us yet again.  This will be their third concert in Walsham.  Hopefully they are fast becoming a regular summer fixture.

Come and enjoy a glass of wine and St.Mary’s in its summer finery as you listen to these accomplished musicians.

Tickets £5 on the door which includes a glass of wine.

All profits go to St. Mary’s Church.Line drawing of treble clef on a stave

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Cathedral Choir Comes To Country Church!

handwritten 'for your diary' logoThe nationally renowned Wallingford Parish Church Choir regularly stand in at St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St Georges Chapel, Windsor. We are excited to offer you a unique opportunity to hear them in the intimate setting of St. Mary’s Church Walsham-le-Willows.

The concert will be on Saturday April 7th at 7.30pm. Entrance is free. There will be a retiring collection with all profits to St Mary’s Church.

There will also be a Sung Eucharist on Sunday April 8th 11.00am.

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Toad Times!

Last updated on April 17th, 2018 at 09:41 pm

mating toads on road

Between the end of February and mid April, toads all over the country will come out of hibernation and begin their hazardous journey back to their spawning ponds. Toads usually move after dark when the temperature is above 5 or 6oC on damp evenings. Every year thousands of toads are killed on our roads.

If you wish to help them cross safely, why not join us! We are not patrolling in Walsham le Willows as we have done bmigratory toad road signefore due the serious decline in toads seen over the past couple of years. However would you be interested in patrolling in the other sites? We have patrols in Badwell Ash and Stowlangtoft and this year for the first time in Wetherden Road, Great Ashfield. We welcome new volunteers for a couple of hours a week to patrol in teams of two. Short training, insurance and answers to all your questions are provided.If you can help please contact us.

Lorna MacKinnon | 259140 | mackinnonlorna@gmail.com
Sylvie Fitch|  241727 | bob.sylvie@btinternet.com
Ian Cassidy | 233285 |  ian.cassidy4@btinternet.com

image of a toad

Local drivers – we need your help too. We put up and light up toad signs when we patrol. Please slow down and look out for the patrollers in hi-vis jackets.

Thank you.

Lorna MacKinnon & The Team
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Walsham le Willows Play Council

stylised cartoon character of a town crier with bell and notice in handNotice of Extraordinary General Meeting

20th February 2018 at 7.30pm

in The Priory Room

Committee Members Needed

 

Walsham-le-Willows Play Council is a Registered Charity. Its main purpose is the provision of play facilities for children in Walsham and the surrounding area.

At its last Annual General Meeting the Play Council was unable to form a Committee, due to lack of numbers.  For the Play Council to be properly formed it needs a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and general members.

black and white line drawing of a play house with a slideThe role of the Play Council includes:

  • To co-ordinate and expand the provision of play facilities
  • To survey existing provision and future needs
  • To advise on matters concerning children’s play including planning and fund raising

The expansion and improvement of play facilities in Walsham needs an active Committee to be in place.  An Extraordinary General Meeting is being held with the aim of forming a new Committee. If there are not enough new members and if a new Committee cannot be formed the Play Council will be dissolved.

If you want to help improve the play facilities for your village, please come along.  If you want to find out more please contact the current Chairman, Quentin Cass | 07796 260433

black and white block drawing of two children on a see saw

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Memorial Hall Re-opens

red and black text banner, grand re-openingGrand re-opening of newly refurbished Walsham le Willows Memorial Hall.

The refurbished Memorial Village Hall was handed back ahead of schedule, generously insulated, newly boarded, plastered, ceilinged, decorated with new double glazed windows and containing new, energy efficient heating and lighting systems. It looks and feels fantastic. It’s warm!!

The Committee wishes to broadcast its delight with the work carried out by builders, carpenters, plasterers, electricians, heating engineers, the many individual and corporate funders whose donations and grants made the project affordable and achievable, and to the Architect, Nick Barber, who gave his services free throughout this stage of building, Pro Bono Publico.

You are invited to join Trustees, Committee Members, Architect, Funders and Builders on Saturday, 3rd February, between 2.30 and 4.30pm, to view the completed refurbishment of the main hall. There will also be an opportunity to discuss outline proposals for the new kitchen and bar facilities, Phase 5 of the total refurbishment of our hall. Come along to meet meet some of those involved so far in the twenty year project to breathe new life into our Memorial Village Hall.line drawing of memorial hall

Committee Members will provide tea, coffee and a variety of home-made cakes.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Rob Barber
Chair and Trustee
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News from Chair of Community Council

Last updated on January 24th, 2018 at 11:27 pm

newspapers folded to form the letters forming the word 'news'

The Satellite Post Office

The new owner of Badwell Ash Stores, Vijay Odedra, is anxious for a satellite post office facility to continue in Walsham’s MVH but is awaiting confirmation of the transfer of the Post Office operation from Penny Kirby to himself and for the completion of his own Post Office training. Once this happens, the Walsham Satellite Post Office can resume operation. WATCH THIS SPACE!!

The Village Website

Kevin Boardley, our webmaster, asks that the dates of events, information, posters etc, which are currently sent to the Editor for publication in the Observer, are also sent to him for publication on the website. In this way, the information is readily available both in print and online, enabling everyone to keep up to date on all aspects of Walsham’s community life.

So please send details to the Editor, bloomfield644@btinternet.com  and the Webmaster info@walsham-le-willows.org

Thank you

Rob Barber
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Cellular mobile and 4G signals

Last updated on January 20th, 2018 at 05:04 pm

vodafone logo which is a red apostrophe inside and gradated gray circleYou may have noticed that these have been poor or non-existent from morning of the 18th January.

ISSUE RESOLVED 19th January.

Vodafone have confirmed to Parish Clerk that there is an issue that they are aware of and working on.

You can find out the latest on the Vodafone website (using the network status tab) where you can sign up for an email alert on updates where you will also find the following post:

‘We’re aware of some network issues in your area right now.

There’s a problem with our mobile network in this area at the moment that may be causing issues with your service. We’re sorry if you’re experiencing any disruption – we know how frustrating this can be. Thanks for your patience. As soon as we have any further updates, we’ll let you know here.’

Vodafone network status page showing results for IP31 3AA and a network issue
click to enlarge
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Cinema Club presents La La Land

CHANGE OF PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED FILM

Victoria and Abdul not yet available for purchase!

FRIDAY 19 January 2018
Certificate 12a – 128 mins
Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling

roof top dance scene from the film la la land

Two proper L.A. dreamers, a suavely charming soft-spoken jazz pianist and a brilliant vivacious playwright, while waiting for their big break, attempt to reconcile aspirations and relationship in a magical old-school romance.

Start time 8.00pm Doors open 7.30pm

Free Admission

Snacks, Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks

 

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Walsham Mobile Data Network and Cellular Signals

Graphic depicting the signal strength of a cellular mobile phone signal
Mobile Phone Cellular Signal Bars

If you did not know, Walsham now has a new mobile mast on St. Mary’s Church tower.

It was originally suggested that the mast would be an Orange installation.

Latterly is has been suggested the mast is a Vodafone installation.

graphic of number 4 and letter g in form of rubber stamp impression
4G – The fastest available Mobile Data Network protocol (2017)

What seems to work best are the Vodafone and Orange networks which now give a 4G data network signal and 3-4 bars Cellular mobile phone signal indoors in the majority of locations along The Street. Out at the end of the Ixworth Road 4G and 2 bars have been reported.

Obviously there will always be variability but the information on the best Network Providers for this area is anecdotal until confirmed by the Parochial Church Council but it appears that Walsham now has 4G data speeds and a decent cellular mobile signal !

tabulated information of the various mobile data network speeds

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Advertising on this site…

Last updated on January 24th, 2018 at 10:56 pm

walsham observer cover sept 2017Do you advertise in The Observer?  If advertising were available on this site would you be interested?

Tentative proposals are being put to the Community Council that may result in Observer advertisers being able to place the same ad here for a small extra fee.

If an ad were not placed in the Observer, then an ad could not be placed on the website.  The two would go together with the web ad being an optional extra.

Initially it would probably take the form of a ‘sticky post’, like this one, which remains at the top of the homepage with a rolling, randomised ‘slide show’ of ads submitted for Observer publication which would be to ensure the same ads were not seen at the beginning of each visit to the site. Visitors to the site would be able browse the ads manually.   Continue reading “Advertising on this site…”

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Christmas Tree Disposal

Last updated on January 18th, 2018 at 12:30 am

poster for christmas tree disposal 2017Once again, Richard Martineau has kindly offered to have trees collected from his property.  There will be a notice advising as to where to leave your tree.  Please do not leave trees on the road.

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Epiphany Singers Carol Concert 2018

 

handwritten 'for your diary' logo

Saturday 6th January 2018 7.30 p.m.

St Mary’s Church, Walsham le Willows

 

Conductor: Simon Carrington – Yale Professor emeritus

 Organist: David Hill – Conductor, London Bach Choir

 

line drawing of notes on stave with crossFor many years Walsham has been privileged to have this very talented group of people come and sing in our church.  They arrive from all over the country and abroad, many of international fame.

This is a very special evening. You don’t have to be a church-goer, just someone who enjoys beautiful music and the most wonderful singing. Some of the pieces you may recognise, others will be new, but all will be memorable.

Tickets are not required but there will be a retiring collection.

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Community Lunch

let's do lunch logo, green and blue textShirley White, organiser of the very successful Community Lunches at the Memorial Hall, would like to wish all her diners a Happy and Healthy New Year.

She also has a thank you to all who came along to the Christmas lunch earlier in December.  There was a lovely Christmas atmosphere which everybody seemed to enjoy.

Shirley is now taking bookings for the next Community lunch which will be on Monday 8th January 2018 in the newly refurbished Memorial Village Hall.  As always the Memorial Hall will open at 12pm and Roast Pork, potatoes and vegetables will be served by Carol Hubbard at 12.45pm. Dessert, tea and coffee will follow.

Please book a place, at £6, with Shirley on 258532 by 5.00pm on Friday 5th January to have a look at the new hall, which looks amazing,  while catching up over lunch with friends and hopefully some table games for those who have time to stay on.

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Village Hall Coffee Shop Reopens

Last updated on January 2nd, 2018 at 07:35 pm

graphic of a pile of cups one in the other, all of different colours and patterns, the top cup tipping to spill teaCome and have a look at the refurbished Memorial Hall.

The Village Hall Coffee Shop will re-open from 10 till 12 on Tuesday 2nd January in the refurbished Memorial Hall.  It’s much warmer thanks to the newly installed insulation and heating!

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Defend Your School Transport Service

image of yellow school busAppeal from, Helen Wilson, Principal, Thurston Community College to complete the consultation  questionnaire…

Proposed cuts to free school bus provision by Suffolk County Council could remove the choice of parents in many of our catchment villages to send their children to Thurston Community College. Suffolk County Council is proposing to stop providing free bus transport to Thurston Community College to residents that live nearer to another school, even though Thurston will remain the catchment school for all the children in these villages.

This means that children who wish to continue attending their catchment school will have to pay £960 a year for a school bus or find some other way to get to school. We feel this is a huge burden for our families and will mean that a choice of school will only be available to those who can afford it. Continue reading “Defend Your School Transport Service”

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Post Office Temporarily Closed

post-office-logoThe Village Hall Post Office is temporarily closed.   Watch this space for updates.

The Coffee Shop is open as usual from where there will be a Post Office car run – Village Hall to Badwell and back.

line drawing of man driving a vintage american car, tie blowing in wind

 

Tuesday mornings from 10.30 – contact Rob on 259689

Thursday afternoons from 2.30 – contact Ralph on 259560