Hickling Village Hall

JUST DAYS TO GO!
After years of planning and many months of hard work the new village hall – Hickling Barn – is just days away from completion. More than fifty villagers turned up for the ‘topping out’ ceremony on November 5 when Barn charity chairman Richard Cook climbed a scaffolding tower to anoint the final roof tile with a pint of mild ale. Earlier that day a team of dedicated volunteers planted dozens of hedging plants around the children’s play area. Many thanks to everyone who helped.

ANOTHER CINEMA SUCCESS
Hickling Rural Cinema would like to thank all those who came to see Conflict of Wings, and support the cinema equipment fundraiser at The Pleasure Boat.
The film was partly shot in Hickling and despite a few technical glitches it was fascinating to see the pub as it was in the mid 1950’s. We are very grateful to Glen at The Pleasure Boat for organizing the Auction of Promises later that night, which together with the screening, raised a total of £800. Thanks also to Tony and Debi at The Greyhound for a great Casino Royale night which saw some very elegantly-dressed guests help raise a further £800 towards the cinema.
Special thanks also to the Methodist Chapel for the use of the teaching rooms and to everyone who helped get the rural cinema project off the ground including Brian and Shirley Sainsbury, Amanda and David Skinner, David Goodall, Wendy and Richard Cook, Maggie Prettyman, and Yvonne Pugh.
The combined efforts over the past three months mean that the cinema equipment is now paid for and will be installed in Hickling Barn once construction is complete. Regular screenings will take place on the third Friday of every month, starting on January 20.
We have provisionally booked the spoof spy saga Johnny English and the acclaimed recent version of Jane Eyre as our first two films.
We also hope to run a regular family cinema slot and, if there is sufficient interest, monthly matinees. Further details from Karen Baker on 598447.

MORE FUND-RAISING FUN
As the mid-December building completion date draws closer, there is still a chance to help raise funds for the Barn. Come along to the Santa Fun Ride on Sunday December 11 when you can dress up as Santa, cycle from one village pub to the other through six miles of lanes via Ingham and Sutton. The festive folly, which includes minced pies and mulled wine, starts at the Pleasure Boat Inn at noon and finishes at The Greyhound when everyone gets there! A shorter route will also be available for walkers and cyclists. Tickets are £10 and will include one adult Santa suit and one child suit – available from Wendy Cook on 598046, or at both pubs.

SNOOKER CLUB REBORN
After a gap of six years Hickling Snooker Club is starting up again. It will have its own room, with two full-sized tables, in the Barn. If you are interested in joining come along to our inaugural meeting at the Methodist Hall at 7pm on Friday, December 2. Everyone is welcome: male or female! For more details contact Harvey Gibbons on 598717 or 07710 283768

CALLING ALL BINGO CALLERS
Do you know your ‘legs eleven’ from your ‘two fat ladies’? Hickling Barn is planning to have daytime bingo sessions in the New Year.
If you fancy having a go at being a bingo caller then contact Lorraine on 598209.

THE BARN 200 CLUB IS COMING
If you want to continue supporting the Barn once it is open and have the chance to win some cash, then the Barn 200 Club could be for you. This will be a village lottery with the proceeds being split equally between monthly cash prizes and an income to cover running costs - so everyone's a winner!
Look out for further information in the New Year.

MOBILE GYM READY FOR ACTION
Start getting in shape in the New Year with North Norfolk district council’s mobile gym, which will be holding its first session in the Barn on Monday, January 9. It is a great way to kick-start your fitness, and fully-trained instructors Wyn and Karle will work out a programme to suit your individual needs and ability.
They will make you feel comfortable and help you achieve your goals. You don’t need to book – just turn up on the day.
The gym sessions are between 10am and 1pm and cost £1.50 per person. There is also Nordic walking, an outdoor exercise using walking poles that can help burn 90% more calories than regular walking. That takes place between 10.30am and 11am and costs £2 per person. You could also try Zumba Fitness: a music and movement class that works the body all over and reduces stress. That is available from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at a cost of £1.50 per person.
For more information contact: Wyn.Nurse@north-norfolk.gov.uk

NEW YEAR – NEW YOU!
As well as the mobile gym and twice weekly aerobic classes, we are hoping to kick off 2012 with badminton and yoga. There will also be our version of ‘Strictly Hickling’ - ballroom dancing organised in conjunction with Active Norfolk. Look out for further information on the website and posters as soon as times and dates are confirmed.

U3A UPDATE
The Hickling branch of the University of the Third Age is planning to have its launch meeting at the Barn in late February or early March so it is time to think about groups you might want to join. No qualifications are needed, there are no exams and only a small subscription. There are no boring lectures. You could arrange a gardening group and nose around Hickling gardens; set up a watercolour group; try your hand at cinema; share your skills at baking exotic bread; research the history of the Broads; get up to speed on climate change; improve your driving or travel to explore Saxon hoards. It is all about people no longer in full-time employment helping each other by sharing skills and experience. More details at www.U3A.org.uk or call 07939 704317 for a leaflet.

EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK!
Please help us to kit out the Barn. In the interests of saving money (and the environment) have a look in your cupboards and sheds to see if you can help with any of the following items:
hat/umbrella stand plastic spatulas
rows of coat hooks big indoor & outdoor brooms
tea towels janitors cart
kitchen knives stainless steel balloon whisk
large mixing bowls mop and bucket
aluminium stepladders large fireproof dustbin
and finally...does anyone have an unwanted piano?
If you have any of the above you can drop them off with Lorraine at Martins Nest. We can also collect any large items from you.
Just get in touch with Shirley (contact details below).

HICKLING BARN CHARITY GOVERNANCE
The current governance arrangements for the Hickling Playing Field Or Recreation Ground charity, which is responsible for Hickling Barn, were put in place to complete the build project. The charity’s trustees are currently working with their solicitors and the Charity Commission to finalise new governance arrangements, including how trustees will be appointed.
The most likely outcome is that local organisations, clubs and groups will be invited to nominate trustees. Some trustees will be elected by the public.
The Board of Trustees could also co-opt additional trustees after the election if necessary. It is anticipated that trustees will serve a one-year term before being nominated again or re-elected. The exact arrangements will be publicised as soon as the Charity Commission has given its approval.
Your current charity trustees are:
David Beales
Harvey Gibbons
Shirley Sainsbury
Nick Baker
David Pugh
Viv Tallowin
Richard Cook
Harry Purnell
Lorraine West

CONTACT US:
The charity can be contacted via its secretary,
Shirley Sainsbury
Tel: 598882 email: charity@briarleylodge.co.uk

Hickling Barn website – www.hicklingbarn.com