Brancaster Group Parish News
No 618
OCTOBER 2026
BRANCASTER, BRANCASTER STAITHE, BURNHAM DEEPDALE, TITCHWELL, CHOSELEY
THE RECTOR: Interregnum ASSISTANT PRIEST HUNSTANTON & SAXON SHORE BENEFICE: The Rev’d James Monro Tel 01485 518342 RETIRED CLERGY: The Rev'd Phil Unsworth Tel 01485 532436 The Rev’d Steve Wood Tel 07704 922 984
Dear Friends, This month sees the eight hundredth anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi on 3 rd October 1226. His name has always been associated with respect for the animal creation, having famously preached to birds and befriended a wolf, but it was only in 1979 that Pope John Paul II declared him the patron saint of ecology. However, I wonder how wellknown other aspects of his life are, and what their relevance is for us today. St Francis was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, Francesco being the nickname given him by his Francophile father, a wealthy cloth merchant. Francis had, to say the least, a very unusual, forthright and impulsive personality. Indulged by his parents, he spent lavishly on fine clothes, troubadours and entertaining. Enticed by romantic stories of chivalry he joined the army when Assisi went to war with neighbouring Perugia, but he was captured and held as a prisoner for a year until his father paid a hefty ransom. He began to reassess his life, and when released avoided his former friends, saying that he had embraced “Lady Poverty”. He went on pilgrimage to Rome and sat with the beggars outside St Peter’s. On his return, in the ruined chapel of St Damiano outside Assisi, he heard an icon of the crucified Christ saying to him, “Francis, go and repair my church which is falling into ruins”. Francis initially took this to mean the building itself so took some of his father’s cloth, sold it and tried to give the money to its priest, who refused it. Francis was dragged home by his angry father. Forced to appear before the Bishop of Assisi to be legally stripped of any rights as his father’s heir, Francis symbolically stripped himself naked in the cathedral as a symbol of renunciation on his part. Francis then wandered the surrounding hills as a beggar and penitent, restoring with his own hands the chapel of St Damiano and various other ruined churches. One day at mass, he heard the reading from St Matthew’s Gospel about Jesus commissioning the twelve to preach the Kingdom of God. It was then that he realised it was not church buildings that God was calling him to repair, but the bloated and worldly institution that the Church had become. Within a year he had gathered eleven other men, the first Franciscan friars, or brothers, to wander the countryside preaching and caring for lepers. Francis had made a habit of greeting everyone with the words “The Lord give you peace”, and was inspired to put this into practice in 1219 during the Fifth Crusade. The crusader army, commanded by Cardinal Pelagio Galvani, was besieging the Egyptian port city of Damietta, with great loss of life on both sides. At the risk of his own life, Francis crossed the battle lines with a companion, Illuminatus, and was received graciously by the astounded Sultan Al Kamil, a nephew of Saladin, who refused to allow his soldiers to summarily behead the two friars. Francis was allowed to preach about peace, which must have made some impression as the Franciscan order was allowed a presence in Jerusalem as official “Custodians of the Holy Land” throughout the time of Muslim rule, and beyond, up until the present day. We still need people like Francis to take risks and strive for peace. His greatest gift was that he could see through the institutional Church and worldly values, and work out for himself what the Jesus of the gospels and His teaching meant for the age in which he lived: teaching about the true meaning of peace, which leads to care and respect for absolutely everything and everyone that God has created. Too often enemy lines get made as we live out our lives with others around us. They can be difficult, or even risky, to cross but that is what Jesus in the gospels calls us to go and do. May the Lord give us the peace that Francis lived and preached. James Monro (Assistant Priest, Hunstanton and Saxon Shore Benefice).
OCTOBER SERVICES IN THE HUNSTANTON & SAXON SHORE BENEFICE CW = Common Worship. BCP = Book of Common Prayer. HC = Holy Communion. MP = Service of Morning Prayer (no bread and wine). Family service = Shorter service with lighting of candles (no bread and wine). Friday 2nd October 6.00 pm Sunday 4th 9.00 am 9.00 am 10.30 am 10.45 am 10.45 am 10.45 am Thursday 8th 10.00 am Sunday 11th 8.30 am 9.00 am 9.00 am 9.30 am 10.45 am 10.45 am Sunday 18th 8.30 am 9.00 am 9.00 am 10.15 am 10.30 am 10.45 am 10.45 am Thursday 22nd 10.00 am Sunday 25th 8.30 am 9.00 am 9.00 am 9.30 am 10.45 am 10.45 am
Holme-next-the-Sea Ringstead Holme-next-the-Sea Titchwell Old Hunstanton Hunstanton Brancaster Ringstead Titchwell Thornham Ringstead Burnham Deepdale Old Hunstanton Hunstanton Brancaster Holme-next-the-Sea Ringstead Burnham Deepdale Titchwell Old Hunstanton Hunstanton Ringstead Titchwell Thornham Ringstead Burnham Deepdale Old Hunstanton Hunstanton
Harvest Eighteenth Sunday of Trinity Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer Harvest
CW CW BCP CW CW CW CW
Midweek Holy Communion Nineteenth Sunday of Trinity Holy Communion BCP Morning Prayer with Harvest Theme CW Holy Communion CW Holy Communion with Baptism CW Holy Communion CW Holy Communion CW Twentieth Sunday of Trinity Holy Communion BCP Holy Communion CW Holy Communion CW Family Service CW Holy Communion CW Morning Prayer CW Holy Communion CW Midweek Holy Communion Last Sunday of Trinity Holy Communion Holy Communion Morning Prayer Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion
BCP CW CW CW CW CW
STILLNESS ON THE SAXON SHORE Fridays at 4 pm at Titchwell Church. MAKING SPACE CAFÉ, supported by Norfolk Community Foundation, at 10 am-12 noon: Wednesday each week, at St Edmund’s Church Hall, Hunstanton. An official ‘Warm Space’. A FEW HOUSEKEEPING REGULATIONS DURING THE INTERREGNUM Whilst we are without a rector our Rural Dean, Rev'd Mark Capron, rector of the Dersingham benefice, takes over that responsibility. However, please continue to contact Rev'd Peter Cook, rector of the Docking Benefice, in the first instance for all enquiries with regard to weddings, funerals and baptisms. Peter's phone number is 01485 517157. The Diocesan Registrar is responsible for all memorials in a churchyard - headstones and plaques. During a vacancy all requests for these must go through the Registrar. The person/stonemason making the request should contact the Registrar directly: see website www.norwichdiocesanregistry.co.uk. Church wardens and priests assisting during the interregnum cannot give permission for these. 2
ST HENRY WALPOLE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, BURNHAM MARKET Mass times: Sundays and Fridays 9.30 am. Holy Days of Obligation: see notice board in Church porch. Further information: catholicparishofwalsingham.org. NEWS FROM ST MARY'S, BURNHAM DEEPDALE For details of all the services at Deepdale, please see page 2 or the roadside noticeboard. Please remember that our Holy Communion services are now at 9.30 am. Plant Stall and Books in the Porch These will both be closing down at the end of October so please do not bring any contributions to either after this time. They will restart in the spring. We want to say a massive ‘Thank you’ to everyone who has supported them over the last 6 months. To date we have raised £686.90 for plants which is down on previous years, but the drought did not help. Books did very well, raising £391.82 The funds from both these go to our church building maintenance fund. BRANCASTER ST MARY'S I have had to write this before we have had our second service in September. I can only hope that many of you came to try us out. October brings our Harvest Festival on the first Sunday (4th October, 10.45 am). If you would like to leave donations we shall be decorating the church on the previous day. I do hope that you will come and view our decorations. TITCHWELL ST MARY'S September was a month for reflection after a busy summer. We had our Harvest Festival and Songs of Praise on September 20th. The evening was rounded off with nibbles and drinks. October looks to be quiet, except for half term. It allows a chance to plan for Remembrance and then Christmas. I do hope many people went to see our Harvest decorations, they take thought, planning and then execution by the very skilled flower arrangers that we are lucky to have. The Friends of Titchwell St Mary’s are up and running, planning the restoration of the organ. The recent Quinquennial Report has left us with a great deal of thinking and planning to do, we shall need your support. Looking forward to seeing many people in the winter months. POSH AFTERNOON TEA Saturday 24th October in Holme Village Hall, available between 1.30 and 4 pm. Please reserve your tea with either Sally 01485 525426 or Sandra 07724 805 674, £15 each, or £12.50 each for a table of four. BRANCASTER PARISH COUNCIL It’s been a busy and very positive few months in Brancaster, and the Parish Council would like to thank everyone who has helped make the summer such a success. The villages were certainly buzzing over the summer, with residents and visitors enjoying everything the area has to offer. Tennis Week was a particular highlight, with a great turnout and lots of positive feedback. The Council continues to work on a number of local projects, including improvements to the Brancaster Village Green, footpaths, the playing field and Brancaster Staithe Hard. Repairs to the Brancaster Staithe Village Green matting have been agreed, with the fencing remaining in place until the end of October to help protect the grass as it recovers. There is also good progress on the playing field registration, village information boards and the installation of new cycle racks at the Staithe, with the National Trust arranging the latter. On the financial side, the Council has agreed to move £120,000 of its reserves into the CCLA investment account, helping to make sensible use of Council funds while retaining sufficient money in its current account. The Council has also approved support for the Brancaster Sea Festival on 24th October subject to the usual grant conditions, and is beginning preparations for Christmas in the villages, with Councillors working on ideas to bring back to the Council. (continued on page 4) 3
BPC continued...
We are also delighted that the recruitment of a new Parish Clerk has now been agreed, and preparations are underway to support them as they settle into the role. There is plenty happening behind the scenes too, and the Council will continue working to look after our villages and support our local communities. Thank you to all our residents and volunteers for your continued support – it really does make a difference! The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 6th October at Brancaster Staithe & Burnham Deepdale Village Hall. NATIONAL COASTWATCH As anticipated, the summer has been very busy for the volunteer Watchkeepers at Brancaster Station, with the warm weather bringing thousands to the beach and coastal waters. A further six reportable incidents have occurred in the last month, bringing the total to nineteen this year to date. People have been cut off on Scolt Head Island by the swift-flowing tides and on the sandbanks in front of the Royal West Norfolk golf course. The Watchkeepers also had to deal with a missing three-year-old and two paddle boarders in distress when caught out by the tide and wind conditions. All the incidents ended without harm, thanks to the rapid action taken by the Watchkeepers on duty at the Station. Watchkeepers have been busy this month in the community, attending the Hunstanton Fire Station Open Day, events on Brancaster beach and the Uniformed Services Frontline Festival in King’s Lynn. Watchkeepers also attended the Brancaster Staithe Sea Shanty Festival and held a barbeque at Brancaster Village Hall for the whole team. There has been a new joiner, Tony, and a successful certification, Chris: we wish them both well. If you would like more information on National Coastwatch Brancaster please contact Richard Burrows, Deputy Station Manager, on 07535 612777. You can also find us on Facebook at #nationalcoastwatchbrancaster or on our website, www.nci.org.uk/Brancaster for our webcam and up-to-date information on weather and tides. BURNHAM MARKET PRIMARY & NURSERY SCHOOL The new academic year is off to a wonderful start at Burnham Market Primary & Nursery School, with pupils and staff returning full of enthusiasm for the term ahead. The school has been delighted to welcome new children into Seals and Puffins classes, who have settled in brilliantly and quickly become part of the school community. Staff have also been pleased to welcome back Miss Heapy and Mrs Green. There has already been plenty to celebrate. Year 6 pupils recently completed their Bikeability training, developing important road safety skills and growing in confidence as cyclists. Their achievements will be recognised during the school's first celebration assembly of the year. Year 5 and 6 pupils also enjoyed an exciting residential trip to Hautbois, taking part in outdoor activities and team-building challenges that encouraged independence, resilience, and friendship. The Friends of Burnham School (FOBS) held its Annual General Meeting in September and is now preparing for its popular annual Christmas Raffle. Last year's event raised an impressive £4,245 for the school, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, families, and the wider community. FOBS hopes this year's raffle will be another great success and would like to thank everyone for their continued support. Looking ahead, October promises to be another busy month. Individual and sibling school photographs will take place on 5th October, followed by the Harvest Festival in the school hall on 13th October. The autumn flu vaccination programme is scheduled for 20th October, and pupils can also look forward to a FOBS Halloween Disco before breaking up for half-term. Beyond the classroom, children continue to enjoy a range of lunchtime and after-school clubs, including Bike Club, Football, Touch Rugby, Archery, Choir, and Netball. As the school community settles back into its routine, there is much to look forward to. Burnham Market Primary & Nursery School wishes all pupils, families, and members of the wider community a happy, successful, and enjoyable school year ahead. 4
Pebbles Picture Framing Brancaster
Paintings - Photographs - Medals Textiles - and Canvas Stretching Contact Stephen Clark
01485 210810
info@pebblesframing.co.uk www.pebblesphotography.co.uk
Our Burnham Market based team specialises in marketing and holiday letting your home. Please call for advice.
Tel: 01328 730 880
www.sowerbysholidaycottages.co.uk
The Beauty Room dermalogica®
White Way Farm Sarah White Way Road Burnham Market 01328 738455 King’s Lynn 07545 562675 Norfolk PE31 8DJ www.thebeautyroomburnham.co.uk
JANE SEBBURN JANE SEBBURN
Dip ITEC RSA Dip. ITEC. RSA Personal Training PilatesWalking Teacher Power PersonalPilates Trainer Classical Massage Therapist New classes at Valley Farm Gym InBrancaster person or on Zoom Staithe
07785 Tel: 01485 518437377469 or 07785 377469 www.janesebburn.com Strengthen • Stretch • Relax
Burnham Market Taxis
Serving North Norfolk Your local and long distance service 1-8 passengers carried. All airports covered
01328 730 580 www.burnhammarkettaxi.co.uk
N. W. S. John Crosthwaite
PC and Apple servicing, Virus prevention/removal, WiFi systems, Networking CCTV, Home Automation, Tuition & Sales
CARPENTRY, DECKING, CANOPIES, OUTDOOR STRUCTURES ETC. BESPOKE COMMISSIONS
5 Tapping Close, Common Road, Snettisham, King’s Lynn PE31 7FF dan@dnscomputerservices.co.uk
07768 273997
07554 018307
PREMCHECK
All building works undertaken: Conversions Restorations
New Buildings Extensions
THE HOME WATCH SERVICE GIVING YOU PEACE OF MIND
The Red House, Church Walk, Burnham Market, PE31 8DH
Tel: 01328 738786
www.brianrix-builders.co.uk
G.ROBINS BUILDER AND DECORATOR For all your building & decorating needs. Competitive prices, free no obligation quotes. No Job Too Small...
07766 952332 garyrobins29@yahoo.co.uk
01485 525 646 MARCUS TOWNSHEND General gardening
Holiday Home Security Service Established in 1998 24hour emergency cover &
Grass cutting Hedge cutting etc. Competitive rates
weekly checks
over 50 years of local knowledge good working relationships with local police & other agencies Contact Caroline Felgate
8 Saxon Field Brancaster
01485 210513
07879 119432
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mobile: 07801 412979 (24 hours) email:- premcheck@hotmail.com
Please mention Brancaster Group Parish News when calling. A2701
Simon Leverett
Carpets & Blinds Supplied & Fitted
Choose at home from a comprehensive range of floorings and blinds. Designs from modern to traditional to suit all budgets.
Iain Sell Piano Tuner and Technician 07709 850045 iain@isellpianos.co.uk
01485 518 018 07760 462788
GW ELECTRICAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
07799 778 726 gwsparks1975@gmail.com MOBILE (NORFOLK AREA)
Contact Penny: 07775 537404
PART P REGISTERED PAT TESTING
Mandy Glass Personal Travel Consultant
01485 765017
07760 338546
mandyglass.ptc@hays-travel.co.uk www.haystravel.co.uk/mandy-glass
UK cottages to world cruises
SMITH & WILLIAMSON CONSERVATORY SPECIALISTS windows • doors • fascia • guttering building work undertaken
01553 841175 07799 620883
01553 840767 07810 867244
maker@phillippakirby.co.uk www.phillippakirby.co.uk
Village Hall
Available to hire Excellent range of facilities including: Large main hall with stage area Well-equipped kitchen Tables and chairs seating up to 99 AV system, projector and screen High-speed Wi-Fi See website www.bsbdvh.org.uk for full details, availability and booking or email: bsbdvh.bookingagent@gmail.com
WINDOW CLEANING for a regular service
Locally based in Docking Contact Ellie 07778 220968 Search Facebook.com for Boujee Pooches
BRANCASTER GARAGE
David Webb using traditional methods and water-fed pole system. 30 years experience. fully insured.
01328 830 469 Please mention Brancaster Group Parish News when calling.
Main Road, Brancaster
Mark Childs
Open daily for service, repairs, spares, MOT & emergency call-outs
01485 211 001
MOTOR INDUSTRY CODE OF PRACTICE
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BEWARE! Predicted High Tides in October when Beach Road, Brancaster is liable to flooding and unsuitable for traffic. 1st - 2nd(am); 7th(pm) - 15th; 24th - 31st). Pedestrian access available via the bank. Full details on RWNGolf Club website (see page 12). Please take heed of the electronic flood warnings on the approach roads to the beach. DEEPDALE FARM Green Woodworking Spindle course, Saturdays 3rd and 31st October. Our original course introducing you to the properties of green wood, the tools and techniques. Bowl turning course Saturday 10th October. No experience necessary, different techniques from our original spindle course. Conservation volunteering Join us fortnightly on Thursdays 9.30 am - 12.30 pm for various conservation tasks around the farm. No commitment, come along for an active session while learning a little more about farming with nature. Full details and further dates of our activities can be found on our website www.deepdalefarm.co.uk or follow us on social media @deepdalefarm. THE WHITE HORSE Norfolk’s Original Mussel Festival, Marshside Wednesday 21st, Thursday 22nd: 12 noon to 8 pm; Friday 23rd to Saturday 24th: 12 noon to 9 pm; Sunday 25th: 12 noon to 8 pm. Thomas Large’s Brancaster Bay Mussels served 5 delicious ways, pop-up mussel kitchen, live music creating the best atmosphere on the coast. Sing, dance along and celebrate Norfolk’s finest! Heated marquee. No need to book. Full Marshside menu also available. Fran’s Sunday Roasts are back, choice of delicious local meats, as traditional as it gets, book online. Norfolk Restaurant Weeks: 2nd to 6th and 9th to 13th November. 2 courses £27 or 3 courses £33, showcasing the best of what’s local. See menu and book online now. Rob, Fran, Rosie, Kinga & The White Horse Team THE JOLLY SAILORS Keep on Running Join Jolly Runners, who meet Saturdays at 9 am in The Jolly Sailors car park before heading out for a run along our beautiful Norfolk coastline. Fresh sea air, big blue skies and wonderful natural beauty, whether you prefer to run or walk, and whatever your pace or ability, everyone is welcome. For more information, email Steve Ellsey at steveellsey50@outlook.com. Shanty Mondays 7 pm Join in and sing-along as Nelson’s Shantymen rehearse their repertoire. Charity Quiz Tuesday 6th October, 8 pm, £100 ACI gift card plus other prizes. Proceeds to Big C Norfolk Charity. 2 for 1 Pizza Thursdays resumes 1st October - eat in or takeaway. Traditional Roast Sundays, book on line. Family and friends larger groups welcomed, but these need to be booked by telephone, 01485 210314. Christmas Party menu available from Sunday 29th November to Thursday 24th December. 4course Festive Dinner with a glass of wine £35 - booking essential, only by telephone 01485 210314, or email info@jollysailorsvbrancaster.co.uk. Thomas Large’s Brancaster Mussels back on the menu every day. Watch with us on Big Screen, Premier League and Championship Football, Sky Sports. Trafalgar Day Celebrations featuring Nelson’s Shantymen. Keep an eye on our social posts for more information. Norfolk Restaurant Weeks: 2nd to 6th and 9th to 13th November. 2 courses £20 or 3 courses £25, showcasing the best of what’s local. See menu and book online now. Simon, Nick, Mollie, Matt & The Jolly Sailors Team
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ADVERTISING CHARGES FOR OCTOBER ISSUE ONWARDS The cost remains at £25 for a single space for the year and £50 for a double space. There are 11 issues, October through to September 2027, with December/January being a combined copy. Invoices will be sent out in September either by email or post and we would appreciate prompt payment to ensure your advert is included. Unpaid adverts will not appear in the November issue. Adverts appear in the printed version, the PDF available by email or on Facebook and can be read online at www.issuu.com/brancastergroupparishnews. Thank you for your support. Alan Wright bg.pn@btinternet.com 01485 210394. BRANCASTER CAMERA CLUB Our next meeting is on Tuesday 13th October at 7 pm in Brancaster Staithe & Burnham Deepdale Village Hall. If you are staying in the area and would like to join us please come along. The topic for the evening will be 'Golden Hour'. Visitors are always welcome. Entrance is £5 to include refreshments. Contact: Sue Till on 01485 210013 or Wendy Calow on 01553 674725. DALEGATE MARKET Pop Up Shops at Dalegate Market Artisans in October include: A J L Pottery - All Things Crafty - Crafts by Monica May - Crystal Inspirations Everchanginglight Photography - Ivy Cottage Bees - Judi's Pet Portraits - KJ Dominick Photography - Knock On Wood - Little Woolly Basket - Marty Griffin Fine Art - Newleaf Woodcraft - Petal & Pour - Rood Wood - Stuart Marsh Sculptures - The Busy Box Room Uniquely Upcycled Jeans 2 Bags - Westfield Metal Crafts - Wood 'n Tu. North Norfolk Coast shopping that's not on the high street from local producers and artisans, hosted by Dalegate Market in the beach huts each week. dalegatemarket.co.uk/pop-up-shops/ Street Food at Deepdale Camping & Rooms Vendors in October include: Pizzas from The Wood Fired Food Co. (most Fridays & Saturdays) and curries from Currylicious. Very tasty takeaway food served up outside Deepdale Visitor Information Centre. deepdalecamping.co.uk/street-food/ Promote Your Events on the Village Website If you are running any events in the local area, you are welcome to submit them to the Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Deepdale website. Any event is welcome, from yard sales to beetle drives, club meet ups to special dinners. Free to list them, simply fill out the form on our website: deepdalecamping.co.uk/submit-events/ DEEPDALE AND BRANCASTER STAITHE TENNIS CLUB Our two lovely courts in the middle of the village are available for play all year by both members and visitors. Have a look at our website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/DBSTennisClub Weekly Junior Coaching sessions for junior members will continue on Tuesday afternoons until the autumn half term between 3.45 and 6 pm. Contact Verily Borthwick, by email to DBSTennisClub@outlook.com for further details. Coaching for Adult Beginners or Returners is available with Becky Palmer on Monday mornings from 9.30 – 10.30 am. Please contact her by email tennismadbex@gmail.com for further details. Monday Morning Mixed Doubles social tennis sessions are now happening on Monday mornings from 11 am to 12.30 pm. If you would like to join in, contact Sue Potts on 07795 250517 who will add you to the WhatsApp group. Wednesday Ladies Tennis Mornings continue every week when the weather allows from 9 -10.30 am and the emphasis is on fun. If you would like to join us please contact Verily Borthwick by email to DBSTennisClub@outlook.com. These sessions are for members but you are most welcome to come along and try us out for free for up to 3 occasions each year.
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