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| Reg. Charity No. 1096221 |
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| Wassail - January 21st - 4.30pm for 5pm start | January 2012 |
| WATCH THIS SPACE - THE WASSAIL WILL BE AT KENNINGHALL WOOD WITH ALL THE USUAL FESTIVITIES ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 21ST Mulled cider and apple juice on sale and a bonfire to keep you warm. Morris dancers, Shelfanger Singers, meet the Lord of Misrule and much more. Join us as we celebrate this ancient seasonal custom. Bring your bells, rattles and drums to frighten away the winter blues and toast for the trees to welcome the spring. The birds will appreciate it! Don't forget suitable footwear, it might be muddy, and torches or lanterns help to light the scene. Dress up if you like!! A free event - see you there All KLT members and committee were delighted to hear of the MBE awarded to Gerry Barnes in the New Years Honours List. Gerry has been an immense help and support to us over the last twelve years and it is thanks to his guidance and knowledge that our woods look the way they do today. Congratulations, a well deserved award. | |
| AGM &OPEN FORUM FOR ALL | NOVEMBER 2011 |
| AGM SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12TH - 8PM AT THE MEMORIAL HALL There will be a short AGM after which the members of the village are invited to join us for a glass of wine and to make suggestions on how they would like to use the woods. eg Should the shelter be replaced? Are there any voluteers for helping with such a project? Would anyone like to organise general maintenance work parties? More events? Hemp Meadow Wood and Kenninghall Wood belong to the village - come along and have your say | |
| A SAD DAY | Autumn 2011 |
| It is with great sadness that we have to record the loss of our lovely shelter from Hemp Meadow Wood. It was burnt to the ground early Monday morning September 5th. Campers were known to be in the vicinity the previous evening but it is not known whether the fire was caused by an accident or was an arson attack. The police are treating the case as the latter and any information however slight would be appreciated Please contact local police on 0845 456 4567 or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime stoppers on 0800 555111 We are also very sad that Lucy Whittle has decided to resign as our very able secretary - only part of her massive contribution to the Trust. Her drive and enthusiasm have spearheaded all our projects. Have a good rest Lucy and thank you for all your hard work. | |
| Events to come | AUTUMN 2011 |
| 2011 AGM will be held in the Memorial Hall on Saturday 12th November OCTOBER 9TH 2011 APPLE DAY AT THE BANHAM BARREL A POPULAR DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY Attractions include cider tasting, - please bring examples if you make your own - apple crushing to produce pure juice - bring apples and a container if you would like to take some home. Experts will be on hand to identify unknown varieties and will have many different apples on show. There will be apple cakes to taste with free recipes available. Entrance is free and there is always a lovely relaxed atmosphere. So do come. 11am - 4pm email if you require more details. SORRY BUT YHIS EVENT IS CANCELLED - SEE ABOVE | |
| Midsummer's Eve | JUNE 2011 |
| Despite heavy showers during the day - what's new - the midsummer eve's event attracted a good crowd creating a fun atmosphere. The school entertained as usual, we enjoyed the country dancing and the band led by musician Geoff Sharkie was excellent. Well done to all. The Barley Mow Ceilidh Band got many to their feet whilst others were content with a little toe tapping. Two innovations proving popular this year were hot chocolate with scrummy topping - thanks Debbie for this - and the sale of punnets of strawberries. The size of these had to be seen to be believed. Our thanks to others who performed or helped in any way - too mamy to mention all. See you again next year , perhaps it will be fine for a change. | |
| Hedge Planting | FEBRUARY 2011 |
| Hedge planting at David Browns' farm went well last weekend ( Feb 6th )with 15 volunteers working hard to plant 400 deciduous saplings inside 3 hours. These had all been grown from locally sourced seedlings ensuring a continuing growth pattern within the habitat. Soup and cider were a welcome reward to end the morning. | |
| WINTER | JANUARY 2011 |
| COME A WASSAILING AT KENNINGHALL WOOD SATURDAY, 15TH JANUARY AT THE ORCHARD - 5 FOR 5.30PM The Wassail tree this year is the Ringers Conference Pear Bring toast and lamps to decorate the trees and remember your instruments, tins and hooters to help the old year out and welcome the new season in! There will be songs and poems, helped by the Shelfhanger Singers,the Kenninghall Morris, cider and apple juice to buy and a good bonfire - bring your xmas trees to recycle. WARNING!! THE ENTRANCE VIA RED LION LANE IS USUALLY VERY MUDDY OR ICY IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL TO WEAR SUITABLE FOOTWEAR AND CARRY A GOOD TORCH IT IS ALSO VERY COLD SO WRAP UP WARM AND COME AND ENJOY THE EVENING A FREE EVENT The weather was kind this year and all those who ventured forth for the Wassail had a great time. Our thanks to the organisers, workers and all who supported this event. TREE PLANTING AT DAVID BROWN' FARM NOW TO BE ON FEBRUARY 6TH, 10 TO 12.30. COME ALONG, ALWAYS GREAT FUN AND GOOD EXERCISE!! | |
| Autumn | Autumn 2010 |
| Watch out for new diary dates. Always in Kenninghall News and at Kenninghall shop. December 14th AGM Memorial Hall, Committee Room. All welcome NOT AT RED LION AS STATED IN MINUTES November SEE POSTPONEMENT ABOVE Hedge planting at David Brown's Farm. Meet at top end by the parish boundary to do some infilling then continue where we left off last year. Usual refreshments. Bring a spade and lump hammer. December 5th Work Party at Hemp Meadow wood - some coppicing and general clearance work. 10 am - 12. 30 Remember good management essential to maintain healthy woodland. Usual refreshments. | |
| Autumn | October2010 |
 APPLE DAY AT THE BANHAM BARREL,Sun and blue skies provided the setting for another memorable Apple Day. Apple identification,cider and cake tasting were as usual the main features of the day. Our thanks to Karl and helpers for operating the apple press and all others who gave their time to make the day so successful. | |
| MID-SUMMER ,5.30PM, SATURDAY, JUNE19TH | JUNE 2010 |
| Mid Summer's Eve Saturday 19th June, 5.30pm from the Red Lion and then to the wood. All the usual attractions + barbeque and licensed bar Again a great evening - our thanks to all who came. See you next year. | |
| Committee Change | April 2010 |
| Ann Tomlin is leaving Kenninghall and moving to Attleborough. Thank you Ann for your conscientious work as minutes and email secretary and our very best wishes for the future although we suspect that hopefully we will still see you from time to time here in Kenninghall. Stepping into the vacancy is Jennie Burton, wife of Chris, already a committee member. Welcome Jennie, we look forward to you joining us. Sept 1010 We are very pleased to welcome John Hill to the committee. | |
| Triple celebration | March |
| The belated Wassail celebration, the ceremony to welcome the Spring Equinox and the arrival of Puff the mythological Green Dragon went with a swing - watched by an enthusiastic crowd enjoying mulled cider or apple juice. The Kenninghall Morris performed and the Hoxne Singers (sorry if name wrong) sang well round the Wassail Tree. Toast on the orchard trees was doused with cider and the crowd made the usual clattering sounds to beat out winter and welcome in Spring. The highlight however was the parade of Puff led by the Nymph of Spring. A truly magnificent dragon. The event was presented and well held together by our own Steve Gordon as Master of Ceremonies/ Lord of Misrule and much more! Thanks go to Anne Marie Clark, the main organiser of this event. | |
| Kenninghall Deer Park | FEBRUARY 2010 |
| The morning walk around Kenninghall Deer Park guided by Dr Rob Liddiard brought in 80+ interested walkers, some local and others from around the area. Not bright but dry the morning was most enjoyable and informative - Rob is a Deer Park expert from UEA - and proved once again the value of good advertising. The dogs enjoyed the walk too but for different reasons! | |
| NEW DIARY DATES | |
| TRIPLE CELEBRATION MARCH 20TH DETAILS ABOVE SATURDAY JUNE 19TH- our fun Midsummer Event PUT IN YOUR DIARIES NOW MORE DETAILS LATER | |
| APPLE DAY AT THE BANHAM BARREL | OCTOBER 2009 |
 An interesting day as usual. New apples keep pouring in! Where do they come from? And what enthusiasm from the members of the East of England Apple and Pear Project who dealt with each enquiry with such interest and knowledge. Our thanks to them.Most visitors tasted and enjoyed the locally made ciders and fruit juices and our thanks also to Jonti for supplying the tasy pork ,apple and cider hot dogs at lunch time. Finally the day was completed by KLT committee members selling a wide range of apples, of many varieties and of course providing the apple cake stall. Around a dozen kinds were available for tasting and most people went home clutching recipe sheets to try at home. Essentially a specialist day for apple growers, apple lovers! | |
| SEPTEMBER 29TH It was a most enjoyable evening with Dr Rob Liddiard for his illustrated talk on the deer parks in South Norfolk. The church at Kenninghall was packed and had drawn visitors from surrounding villages who we were very pleased to welcome. The talk was preceded by a short AGM of the KLT. The Chairman, Kit Grey-Wilson detailed projects undertaken during the year and extended a welcome to anyone, especially the young, to join us on the committee. The present committee were returned unopposed. | |
| August 2009 | |
| Midsummer Eve at Kenninghall Wood went with it's usual swing despite two heavy downpours which did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the revellers. Thank you to the children of Kenninghall school whose country dancing was greatly appreciated, the Hoxon 100 Ceilidh Band who got most people to their feet and Maria and the scouts for an excellent archery contest. The Bardic Tent drew it's supporters and thank you Anne-Marie for organising this so well. | |
| OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HEMP MEADOW WOOD SHELTER | MAY 3RD 2009 |
 In beautiful,if a little windy,sunny weather, Kit Grey-Wilson our Chairman officially opened the shelter in Hemp Wood. Before helpers, committee and friends he praised the effort and time put in by those who undertook the building of this magnificent shelter. He especially praised Pete Kaye who had spent much time designing, sourcing local materials and overseeing the entire project. In recognition of his work Pete was asked to cut the opening ribbon which he did to cheering and applause. The event was also helped by the scouts and their leaders who cooked a splendid barbeque for us, after spending the night in the shelter we hear! Just one of it's many uses! A big thank you to all who contributed to this happy event | |
| KLT OUTING TO STOUR ESTUARY RSPB RESERVE | APRIL 5th 09 |
| A group of KLT committee members and friends enjoyed a memorable walk in the Stour Estuary reserve. The Assistant RSPB warden outlined the history of the wood and the present management. We timed our visit well as the wood anemonies, a key species for the the sight, were in full bloom and in some areas covered the ground as far as the eye could see. A further bonus was the brilliantly sunny day. Areas of bluebells were showing their leaves, we marvelled at a clump of wood sorrel and new to most of us was the tiny ,green moschatel. Our walk took in most of the range of habitats represented varying from large open areas of mud, through saltmarsh to scrub and broadleaved woodland. We saw some of the usual shoreline birds such as curlew, dunlin, redshank and godwit whilst those with a good ear could distinguish several varieties of songbirds in the wood. The site is an SSSI and the estuary falls within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, AONB. | |
| WORK PARTY | FEBRUARY 2009 |
| A successful work party on a perfect day was held on Sunday February 8th when part of the hazel plantation in Hemp Meadow Wood was coppiced and encroaching bramble in both woods cleared. There was also time and manpower to start clearing the self seeded willow which was rapidly outgrowing and shading some of the planted trees. THe stumps were treated and the cut material taken to the bonfire site. The morning was rounded off with the usual soup and cider. Our thanks to all who came to help including our increasing group of young supporters. | |
| ANNUAL WILD FLOWERS | 2009 |
| Some of you may be wondering about the newly ploughed areas in the broad walk beyond the shelter. It is intended to create a habitat suitable for some of the annual wild flowers that used to be seen in corn fields and other regularly ploughed fields. Due to intensive farming, use of herbicides etc many old time favourites are seldom seen today. This area will be managed for arable species such as the common poppy, corncockle, white campion and corn marigold. Details of seeding - and our success rate - will be published later. Part will be reserved for varieties of grasses that will provide seed for overwintering birds and hopefully extend our bird list. Please let us know of any unusual birds (or animals) you see - phone/email. It is proposed soon to have a board in the shelter for you to record your sightings. Watch this space. | |
| January 2009 | |
| Despite the hand slapping, foot stamping weather about one hundred and fifty people braved the cold to join in Kenninghall's annual Wassail, 2009. The drummers drummed, the Morris dancers danced and the Lord of Misrule misruled. The Green Man blessed the orchard and everyone made the required din at the appropriate time with bells, drums,horns et al. Much mulled cider was drunk and the warmth from a good bonfire was very welcome. About the same time next year - full details later. See you there. Work continues on thatching of the shelter in Hemp Meadow Wood. Sedge was unavailable but three bales of sheafed straw were purchased from Countryside Thatchers of Cambridge and the thatch is looking good. However work is becoming more difficult at the top and various methods to solve this are being discussed. Watch this space! Good News Thatching is finished ( Jan 25th ) and apart from a few essential details the shelter is complete. Why not take a walk round Hemp Meadow Wood and have a look. Well done to all who took part in the building and helping. The hedge along Blow Lane is progessing well. Some KLT committee members helped by a group of keen village youths planted around 70m with 130 mixed sapling species. A further stretch will be planted soon and even more help would be lovely! | |
| Congratulations to Lucy our secretary who has obtained the Norfolk Community Individual Biodiversity Award for 2007 in recognition for her tireless and inspiring efforts to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of Kenninghall. Well done Lucy,an award well earned. | |
| YOUR COMMENTS | SPRING 2009 |
| DO YOU READ THIS PAGE? We would like your comments about our woods. Your feelings, thoughts and suggestions, even poems would be most welcome. Get in touch, send an email and we will publish the best on this page. Have you seen the Comments Book in the shelter at Hemp Meadow Wood ? | |
| VISIT FROM SUFFOLK WILDLIFE LOCAL GROUP | June 2008 |
 Tuesday June 24th some KLT committee members guided a local SWT group around our two areas of woodland. Interest was shown in the planting, tree varieties and the rich wild flower diversity in the meadow and other open swathes. The actual size of the woods and the immense task of planning and planting in such a short period of time seemed to have made a great impression on them all. A pleasant evening for us all rounded off nicely by the silent flight of a barn owl gliding passed us. | |
| Bee orchids back this year | Mid June 2008 |
 A large number of bee orchids are appearing in the same area as last year. The almost white albino variety is just outnumbering the more usual deep pink.The meadow in Hemp Meadow Wood is again a picture of bull daisies, sainfoin, vetches, buttercups and more. Well worth the walk to see. The parasitic plant, broomrape is also present once more. They derive all their food from a host plant, often clover and therefore have no need for the green pigment chlorophyll. This renders them an unhealthy brownish purple colour. | |
| THE TREES THAT MADE BRITAIN | April 2008 |
 Around two hundred people packed Kenninghall Church to hear an amusing and informative talk by Tony Kirkham, presenter of the BBC series 'The Trees that made Britain.'The event was organised by Kenninghall Lands Trust and proceeds will be divided between the Trust and Kenninghall Church. | |
| SHELTER AT HEMP MEADOW WOOD | Updated January 2009 |
 Our Hexagonal shelter in Hemp Meadow Wood is almost complete. Pete and helpers have nearly finished the thatching but unfortunately did not have sufficient sedge. Redgrave & Lopham fen, our suppliers, had no more of the required quality and at this point we are awaiting one kindly thatcher who may be able to help. All credit must go to the small band who have worked extremely hard to erect this shelter and we look forward to it's completion.SUMMER 2008 We are now hoping for a supply of sedge from the fen this August to complete the work. WINTER January 2009 As reported above - shelter now complete. A truly excellent job by all involved. It looks very professional and it looks as though it has stood in the wood for a few hundred years!! | |