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The latest Cockcock can be found here

The playground conifer trees have now been removed and chipped. The chip is free for parish residents to take away for use on their own properties. Please take from furthest end and be considerate to others in the amount you take.

In the spring, new planting on the boundaries will be done using native species.

We’re not referring to the tiny, feathered variety in the garden but the indomitable ladies who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service. Specifically, ladies who joined up between 1946 and 1981 and did their basic training at Training Depot Burghfield/HMTE Burghfield/HMTE Dauntless/HMS Dauntless/Reading.

Dauntless Divisional Photos is a nationwide project, in collaboration with the Association of Wrens, to gather divisional photographs and memories from those training days but also to reunite ladies with old friends, share anecdotes and relive exciting moments.

So if you, your mum, granny, aunt, godmother or even next door neighbour donned a blue suit and headed for a life near the ocean wave, please get in touch on either ddpwrens@gmail.com or 07765 435295/0771 990 9844.

Mandy Powell & Janette Crisp
Project Coordinators

The A1066 near South Lopham will be closed eastwards for 9 days (2nd – 10th October)

See this Highways Alert for full details.

Would you like to play a part in your community?

There is a vacancy for a Parish Councillor

YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AN EXPERT JUST HAVE A WILLINGNESS TO HELP

You must live or work in Bressingham or Fersfield or live within 3 miles and have no serious criminal record

To find out more contact

Mike Mortimer – the Parish Clerk

01379 641909

bandf.pc@outlook.com

Fersfield Parish Church

Fersfield St Andrew is an Ancient Parish in the Redenhall deanery of the Diocese of Norwich. Fersfield has been variously recorded as Fersevella, Fervessella, Ferefeud, Fairfeud, Fairvill, and Fersfell, all which seem to signify a Fair Fee, or Village. The village was, however, recorded in the Domesday Book under Fersfield.
The church is dedicated to Saint Andrew, and dates back, at least in part, to the 12th century. It holds a plain Norman font and a painted wooden effigy of Robert du Bois.

So what is the purpose of this post?

Simply put, our ancient Church, which has been the centre of our village and has witnessed weddings, burials, christenings and national celebrations for so long is now in need of your help.

Regardless of whether you are a regular attendee or come along just for Christmas Carols or just don’t want to stand by and see our village Church close, your help is important in making sure that the Church is handed onto the next generation and that its continuity as a living part of our village is assured.

For those of you who were unable to attend a recent meeting (15^th July) held at the Church, the purpose of which was to discuss the future, a brief outline follows:

The meeting was chaired by Canon The Reverend Tony Billet and Reverend John Cruse.

21 people from the village attended and 6 sent their apologies for absence.

Given the size of our village this was a very good turnout and demonstrated a desire that the Church should not close.

The conclusion of the meeting was that:

• Services would be maintained albeit at a reduced level.
• We should endeavour to keep alive those traditional services particularly concerning Harvest and Christmas
• Research needed to be done to see what other communal uses the Church building could be put to.
• There was an overriding sense that whatever is done it should be done as a community rather than as the domain of one or two people.

Needless to say, if the above expressed wishes of the meeting are to come to a positive conclusion then firstly, we have to raise money and secondly we need volunteers to help in the day to day running of the Church.

Examples of the type of work that needs to be done are:

• Help with cleaning,
• Flower arranging,
• Key holders
• Light gardening work
• Inspection of Fabric
• Car parking and so on.

Already a significant number of people have put their names forward to help in all of the above areas and in others not mentioned, however more volunteers would help to lighten the load.

Attached to this letter is a brief questionnaire which it would be appreciated if you could complete and return to Paul Sumpter, Walnut Tree Barn, Bates Lane, IP22 2FB.

If you have any questions Paul can be contacted on 01379 687711 or paulsumpter1@gmail.com.  All enquiries will be treated in strictest confidence.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter,

Kind regards

Paul Sumpter

Acting Church Warden

How you can Help

1. I would like to make a regular monthly donation to Fersfield Church. I understand that my donation will only be used for the purposes of ensuring Fersfield Church remains open. The below figures are only indicative, whatever you can afford will be really appreciated. Please indicate the monthly amount that you feel able to give.
   1. £5
   1. £10
   1. £15
   1. £ you specify the amount
2. I would like to be considered for appointment as a Church Warden. Yes/No
3. I would like to be considered for appointment onto the Parish Church Council (PCC) Yes/No
4. I would like to be a member of a Steering/Fundraising committee Yes/No
5. I would like to be a volunteer for a specific task. Please indicate your preference.

Your help is really appreciated in keeping our Church open for the all of our community.

Please return to:

Paul Sumpter

Walnut Tree Barn

Bates Lane, Fersfield