Denton a village in South Norfolk, England

Denton Village News Archive for October 2009

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A Pressing Matter

Members of the Black Hand Cyder Society enjoyed a very successful pressing weekend. More than 5 tons of apples were pressed to produce 457 gallons of juice. The quantity was slightly down on previous years but, reflecting the summer weather, the sugar content was higher so an excellent “vintage” is expected.

As usual the workers at the mill and two presses (a second one was used for the first time) were suitably refreshed by quantities of last year’s output and some excellent comestibles.

Earlier, the annual foraging competion was won by the “Pete’s Pirates” team who just beat “Adrian’s Angels” with “Dave’s Demons” in third place.

Traffic Meeting

The Parish Council is holding a public meeting to discuss traffic movements in Norwich Road on Monday, 26th October, at 7.30 p.m. at the Village Hall.

Anyone concerned about traffic movements along Norwich Road is invited to an informal meeting, arranged with Sgt. Dave Howell from Harleston police station. If you have concerns relating to traffic or any other similar issues, please come and join in the general discussion.

End of Composting Season

The final community compost collection for this year will be on Sunday, 1st November.

Liz Cargill is willing to continue to collect by request only, so if you have material to be collected please telephone Liz on 788862 to make arrangements. New bags will be issued as usual at the beginning of next season.

Another Hanner!

We are pleased to announce that another generation of Hanners has arrived.

Naomi, wife of James, gave birth to Sophia last Sunday, October 11th. The baby weighed 7lb 14oz. Mother and daughter are doing well, as are James and new grandparents, Kath and Terry.

Congratulations all round.

Ready Steady Cooked

A local version of the popular TV cookery contest came to Denton last Friday. The Village Hall was crowded for a charity event organised by Rachel Wiles and “The Pampered Chef”.

Everybody enjoyed the on-stage efforts of number of “volunteers” to create two dishes. These were consumed at the end of the proceedings and, so far, no ill-effects have been reported.

There were a large number of donated raffle prizes which helped to contribute to over £500 raised for Breast Cancer Research.

New Test for Blackhand Cyder

The Denton members of NORCS (the Norfolk Off Road Cycling Society) carried out an interesting experiment last weekend. Competing in the D2D 12-hour endurance race, they proved conclusively that blackhand cyder is a great performance-enhancing drink.

The Dusk to Dawn race takes place around 10 mile laps of twisty single-track in the middle of Thetford Forest. Now in it’s 9th year, D2D attracts more than 1000 of the UK’s (and Europe’s) finest off-road riders. The aim of the two Denton-based teams of three was to complete as many laps as possible whilst avoiding trees, bushes, bomb-holes and other slower riders.

Riders can compete individually or in teams of two, three or four with the teams racing on a relay basis. Our teams changed over every lap, each of which took around 50 minutes. Team A comprised: Rob Godsmark, Matt Jupe & Nick Scott; Team B: Kev Hanner, Dave Godsmark and Matt Birkenshaw. (The picture shows two of our riders in action)

The lead off riders, Rob and Kev, both managed to make it around in good times and relatively unscathed despite wearing some other peoples blood! The second riders were ready for change over but trying to find your team mate in a sea of around 400 other riders in darkness was less than smooth! The NORCs teams both then settled down into the race posting some healthy sub 55min laps as they headed into the night.

They all appreiciated their support team and the fans that cheered them on and provided valuable coffee, soup and other liquids in the early hours. Cyder’s restorative properties were thoroughly tested. In spite of cramp and fading legs the lap times kept low and both teams started to climb up the leader board.

As dawn broke at 7.15 the light at the end of the tunnel suddenly seemed in reach. Team A had just posted 4 laps each which left the last rider with a tall order to get around again before the 8am deadline. Despite a great effort Rob was 6mins off making the cut. However he posted the fastest NORCs lap of the race and made up 2 places to claim 30th.

Team B were on a similar tally and Kev stepped up to the mark to go out and blitz a 5th lap in the dawn light. Everybody turned out to enjoy the warmth of the sun and a quick cyder as they waiting to welcome Kev home, coming in to put the team into the top 60. A good weekend was had by all with many bikers being introduced to the isotonic properties of Denton Blackhand Cyder.

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The riders in action

A Roaring Success

This year’s Dentill Farming Festival attracted a massive turnout and went with a swing.

Visitors to Denton on Sunday, September 27th could hardly have missed the continuous roaring noises from Glebe Farm. More that 30 tractors of various vintages turned up and were put though their paces at ploughing, harrowing, rolling etc. They were watched by more than 500 spectators who were also entertained by a working thrashing (or should it be “throshin”?) machine, tractor rides and variety of other displays.

More pictures are available on an external, farming, Website.

Further roaring was generated by a very impressive flying display by the P51 Mustang based at Hardwick plus a fly-past by a Lancaster bomber. There is nothing to beat the sound of Merlin engines.

The food and drink stalls also did a roaring trade, the blackhand cyder went down very well, and a good time was had by all.

The final finacial outcome is not yet known but it seems around £3,000 has been raised for charity.

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Tractors on show
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The Mustang flypast
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The Lancaster bomber

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