04/01/2026
Aslacton Village News –
April/May/June 2026 Edition 17
News and information in and around Aslacton.
Spring has arrived, you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face, wildlife has gone mad, birds are nesting in old and new nest sites, the early species have already fledged one brood and will have started the next.
I always think Spring is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts.
Spring cleaning traditionally was the time that all rugs, curtains and furniture was taken outside and beaten, floors swept, washed and dried as the warm spring winds would dry fabric quickly, windows wide, walls were washed of coal dust and the winters smoke, remembering there was no central heating in days gone by only open fires.
Almost every country has its own spring cleaning traditions, most of them religious, like the Jewish Passover and the Catholic cleaning of the altar after Maundy Thursday in readiness for Easter.
On the Farm spring brings newborn lambs and calves, and crops that finally have warmth in the soil to start to germinate and grow, autumn sown crops start to accelerate away. Hedgerows burst into blossom and leaves sprout into their vibrant greens, everything feels fresh and new again after the long wet winter.
April 1st brings us April Fools Day, its origin is unknown but the French call it ‘Poisson d’Avril’ and have the same pranks and jokes. The first written record in Britain was in 1686, the writer John Aubrey referred to ‘Fooles holy day’ and on the 1st April 1698 several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to see the lions washed.
Janine and I are now in our fourth year of producing the Aslacton Newsletter, and I am often stopped by readers in our village and told how much they enjoy reading it, to which we thank you. We have always tried to publish without advertisements, just funding from the Parish Council. We try to let our readers know what events are going on in the villages so that you can go along and show your support. So if something needs a bit of publicity just let us know, ahead of time please. Happy Springtime.
Louise Thurgar
BRAIN TEASER TIME !!!!
6 QUESTIONS. ANSWERS AT THE END.
1. How many Easter eggs are sold in the UK every year? 2. Which country started the tradition of the Easter bunny? 3. How many marzipan balls are traditionally on a simnel cake? 4. The first Easter eggs were dyed in what colour? 5. What is the tradition behind the hot cross bun? 6. In Switzerland, what animal delivers Easter eggs to children?
Aslacton Parish Council - News from our 6th January and 3rd March 2026 meetings.
Turning to the Church Road Housing Estate position. Following a flurry of correspondence between the parish council and the Planning Inspectorate and independent adviser Andy Tempest our chair had the opportunity on the 15th January to dissuade the Planning Inspectorate to approve Church Road as South Norfolk District Council (SNDC) preferred location in the Village.
The following week 20th January, Janine Jarrett, our vice chair, had the opportunity to present to the SNDC Planning Committee all the facts as to why the Church Road development should not be approved. Cllr. Suzanne Wateridge’s objection to this development was also read out.
SNDC Planning Committee’s is to recommend Silverley Properties be granted Outline Planning Application but a raft of conditions will attach to this. The Committee state these conditions will take some time.
The Committee also stated that the National Planning Policy Framework is currently being consulted on, consultation ends in March 2026. They stated that should the new National Planning Policy Framework be published before planning consent,
“delegated authority is sought for officers to review the application(s) in the light of any National Planning Policy Framework and if needed to update, add or delete any conditions as deemed necessary”
In short, no one at SNDC Planning Village Clusters Team, Planning Officer, Planning Inspectorate and Committee listened to our objections.
Before Outline Planning Permission is granted, your Parish Council will be monitoring everything to ensure that all and any conditions required to be met to obtain this Outline Planning Permission have been complied with to the letter.
The south of the village, Aslacton Village Notice Board has been moved to the top of Sneath Road making it safer for people to stop and read. It was located on a 60mph road.
We have also had the craters on that verge filled in neatly by SNDC or their contractors.
Flooding at the bottom of Pottergate.:Thanks to the resident who kindly dug out by hand a trench to allow the flooding run into the River Tas. To ensure this does not silt up again communication is taking place between us and SNDC and the Strategic Flood Management Team for it to be dug out with a digger to create a bigger ditch. This area of land does belong to SNDC.
The Precept – after a long discussion and identifying day to day costs of the Parish Council have increased greatly. It was motioned and approved that the precept would be increased.
Sally, our Footpath Warden is working hard to have landowners repair their stiles and keep the public footpaths around the village accessible to all.
On the subject of public footpaths it has been brought to the PC’s attention that the footpath from Wash Lane up to Woodrow Lane has been used by horses. The law states Horses are only allowed on Bridleways and designated tracks.
Charlotte aka Charlie is pleased to report that Western Farm has contacted her and stated that they have installed a Defibrillator on the outside of the front of their office block which is available for public emergency use. It is Green not the usual yellow.
Charlotte will be arranging in her role as a long term member of the St John’s Ambulance Service. There will be Defib Training at Coronation Hall. As soon as we know these dates we will publicise them, if you want to attend.
The hedge along Woodrow Lane/opposite Downsland Park and Bus Stop has been cut back heavily and we have thanked the landowner for doing this.
We are still pursuing Norfolk County Council Highways Department to trim/cut down the trees with red spots on them at The Street. South Norfolk Council state that where these trees stand is unregistered land and therefore by default belongs to Norfolk County Council to deal. Hopefully they will be dealt with soon.
It has been observed that since Anglian Water cleared out drains, grips and other pipes along The Wash and The Street there appears to be less sewerage rising. The PC will continue to monitor the situation.
Louise Thurgar is now one of the Trustees of the Aslacton Charities and we are very pleased for her.
There are currently 3 planning applications for Western Farm, Maple Leaf Farm and Sneath Road. Full details can be read on our website or Broadland and South Norfolk Planning Portal. Website address – aslactonpc.wixsite.com.
The Aslacton Parish Meeting will take place at 7pm on the 19th of May followed by our meeting at 7.30pm. If you have any concerns or ideas for the village please come along to the Parish Meeting and let us know.
Aslacton Parish Council
St Michael’s Church. Aslacton
Christmas 2025 seems a long time ago, but as the last newsletter was printed before Christmas it must be mentioned that there was a church full for the Carol Service led by Revd John with Grant playing the organ. It was a joyful afternoon. £200 was raised in the collection and sent to The Nook at EACH. Thank you for all who contributed to this.
On Christmas Eve there was an early evening Communion again led by Revd. John and again very well attended.
It was good to celebrate the Christmas story with Aslacton School who came into church for their usual end of term worship.
Revd. John has 6 churches to oversee, so it is always very good when we see him at Aslacton
Spring has sprung in the churchyard... there has been a wonderful show of snowdrops and aconites at the ‘back’ of the church, now after a little warm spell the primroses have come to life all over the churchyard.
In accordance with Churchyard rules, please could I ask that you remove Christmas wreaths etc from your loved ones memorials.
The Community Payback Team will be resuming their visits very soon. In the meantime if you need any sticks for kindling feel free to visit the churchyard, there are always plenty. After the last high winds a large branch of mistletoe ( in the last few years it has established itself high in the lime trees) was snapped off.
Wendy, Julia and Heather have resumed their first Saturday in the month Coffee mornings.
Everyone is welcome.
In April the normal pattern of services will resume. Service notices are always on the outside board or just inside the porch, which is not locked.
The normal pattern is: 2 services a month one Holy Communion, one Morning Prayer.
March 22nd - Morning Prayer 11am will be led by Vickie Brown
(Revd. John and Marleen are away on a well earned visit to Tanzania)
March 29th - there is a service for all 6 churches at Bunwell 10.30am This service will be led by Bishop Graham of Norwich.
Services for the next 3 months are all led by Revd. John
April 12th - : 9.30am Holy Communion
April 26th - 11am Morning Prayer
May 10th - 9.30 am Holy Communion
May 24th - 11am Morning Prayer
May 31st - 10.30 am United Service for all 6 churches at Tibenham church led by Revd. John
June 14th - 9.30am Holy Communion
June 28th - 11am Morning Prayer
There is no Easter Day service at Aslacton, but nearby there are services at:
Wacton 9.30 am - Holy Communion led by Revd. Paul
Gt. Moulton 11am - Holy Communion led by Revd. John
From: the Registers:
December 12th : Funeral service for Peter Shulver RIP
A very well attended service, gazebos were put outside as the congregation was so large. Luckily a mild day for December
January 14th 2026 : Interment of Ashes, Nadia Stafford . RIP.
Thank you to everyone who supports the church. The PCC work very hard to ensure the church stays open (and has enough funds to do so).
Although there is no service at Aslacton on Easter Sunday there will be the usual wonderful display of spring flowers celebrating the burst into new life after the Lenten fasting.
THE CHURCH IS OPEN DAILY 10.30 -2.30.
Why not pick up a book while you are in church, There is a good selection of books and jigsaws at no charge.
Looking way into the future Aslacton Church’s Mulled Wine and Mingles is set to take place on the 19th of December 2026.
Mary Orr – Church Warden – Tele 01379 677584
RECIPE -
Classic Hot Cross Buns - It’s not Easter without hot cross buns.!
Prep: 30 mins - Cook: 25 mins plus 3 hrs proving
Freezable andVegetarian
Ingredients
• 250ml whole milk
• 50g unsalted butter
cut into cubes
• 500g strong white bread flour plus 140g for the crosses and extra for dusting
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 85g golden caster sugar
• 7g sachet fast-action dried yeast
• 2 eggs
beaten
• vegetable or sunflower oil for the bowl
• 100g mixed dried fruit
• 50g mixed citrus peel
• 2 tbsp apricot jam
Method
▪ step 1
Warm the milk in a small saucepan over a low heat until steaming. Remove from the heat, add the butter and swirl the pan until the butter has melted and the milk has cooled slightly.
▪ step 2
Mix the 500g flour, the cinnamon, sugar, yeast and 1 tsp salt together in a large bowl. Pour in the warm milk mixture and half the beaten egg, and combine with a wooden spoon until the mixture starts to clump together. Tip out onto a floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 mins – the dough should bounce back when pressed with a finger. Transfer to an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for about 2 hrs, or until doubled in size.
▪ step 3
Dust your largest baking tray with flour. Tip the dough back out onto the work surface and knead in the dried fruit and mixed peel until evenly distributed. Roll the dough into a long sausage shape and cut into 12 equal pieces along its length (they should weigh about 85g each). Roll each piece into a tight, smooth ball, then arrange on the floured tray, leaving a small gap between each ball. Cover loosely with a clean tea towel and leave to prove in a warm place for 1 hr, or until almost doubled in size again – the buns should be just touching.
▪ step 4
Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4 and brush the buns with the remaining beaten egg. Mix the 140g flour with enough water to make a smooth, thick paste, then spoon this into a piping bag fitted with a small round nozzle (or use a sandwich bag and snip off one corner). Pipe crosses over the buns, then bake for 25 mins until deep golden brown and cooked through.
▪ step 5
Mix the jam with 1-2 tsp hot water to loosen it a little, then brush this over the buns. Cool for 10 mins on the tray, then serve warm or toast and spread with butter. Will keep in an airtight container for three days, or frozen for up to two months.
Courtesy of Good Food Magazine, April 2023
Village Cuppa & Chat Mornings – Chat with friends!
Our monthly Cuppa & Chat Saturday mornings have become a regular “go to” event and it has been wonderful to see them so well attended. It’s a great opportunity to chat with friends, catch up with what’s new and to meet new neighbours.
Held on the first Saturday of each month at the village church in Aslacton, everyone is welcome. If you are new to the village or want to come along for the first time you will receive a very warm welcome.
For just £1 you can enjoy tea or coffee and cake or biscuits. To help support the church we also host a raffle. In December Lynne Searle and Vickie Brown organised and ran a home made cake stall. Not an easy task, and they did an amazing job baking so many wonderful cakes and bakes. This effort made an incredible £226 for the church upkeep.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us in 2025 – thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised an amazing £1,004.30 to help maintain our beautiful village church. This is up on last year’s [2024] total of £637.25.
Our Cuppa & Chat mornings resumed on Saturday 7th February 2026, and Wendy, Julia and Heather are already looking forward to welcoming you back.
Julia Sells
Aslacton and Great Moulton Coronation Village Hall
A very successful magic party was held at the beginning of December enjoyed by children and parents alike.
We were entertained by a magician and a very special man in red paid a visit.
The winter quiz was again a sell out success, next one on April 24th.
We had a Line Dancing teaching evening in February which sold out very quickly. Paul and his dancers taught 3 dances and was very well received. There will be a Country and Western evening on March 27th when we can put all we’ve learned into practice.
Funding spending is now going apace. We have purchased lots of new kitchen equipment and are replacing the outdated heating at Easter. We’ve also purchased a new fridge for the bar. Many thanks to all sponsors.
Our March Soup-er kitchens were on 3rd and 17th March from 12-2. These will restart in October.
They have been well attended and offered a warm space and company during this long wet winter.
We are holding a Village Fete and Vintage Vehicle event on July 11th if you have a vintage ( or not quite) vehicle of any type you will be most welcome to bring it along. Further details in next edition.
We are still looking for 3-4 trustees to help us run this busy hall for our community. Please contact us if you’re interested.
Jenny Land, Chair.
For more info please see our website or email to [email protected].
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
RUPERT’S TRACTOR RUN FOR
in support of E.A.C.H
Registered charity number 1069284
GOOD FRIDAY – 3rd April 2026
LEAVES Norfolk Gliding Club, Tibenham at 10.30am.
£10 Donation per tractor.
Tractors old and new welcome
Pre-departure Bacon Rolls, Tea & Coffee available from Cloud 9 Cafe
At the Finish Hog Roast Rolls available.
Spectators welcome. Dogs to be on leads.
Tractors need to be road legal and insured.
Please contact Peter Jarrett on 0788 0711263
Contributions or suggestions for articles for this Newsletter are always welcome. Just drop your article or idea into Louise or Janine (or email Janine Editor on [email protected]).Cut off date for articles is the 3rd June 2026 for July, August & September 2026.
ANSWERS : 1. 80 million 2. Germany 3. 11 4. Red 5. The bun represents the cross on which Jesus Christ died 6. The Easter Cuckoo (bird)
Courtesy of Country Living Inside a Sussex gardener’s cottage
