Watton Society Report of October AGM Meeting 2018

Watton Society held its AGM with John Kerr being elected as Chairman, The Committee from last
year, minus two retirements, was elected en bloc. The Mayor Tina Kiddell then spoke about the
duties and the time representing Watton in Norfolk, the importance of meeting other dignitaries and
talking to other councils about getting projects done. This was followed by Jan Fountain telling us
about the Neighbourhood plan, which is a legal document, stating what can and cannot be done, so
its very important for Watton. A questionnaire will be sent to all addresses, it is very important that
this is completed and returned it gives every person in Watton a voice. A very interesting and
informative evening. Our next meeting is on Wednesday 19th December at 7.45pm at the Watton
Christian Community Centre, when “Chanter’s Jigge” will entertain us at our Christmas Festivities.
with mulled wine and mince pies. £6. members and £8 non members. All Welcome. Seasons
Greeting to everyone.

The Watton Society
Visit to Wymondham Abbey
As part of its summer programme of outings twenty three members of the Watton Society visited Wymondham Abbey for an evening guided tour on Wednesday, 18th July. Our guide was waiting for us at the Abbey door and when we were all assembled he told us about the fascinating history of the Abbey. This was followed by a walk around the inside when our guide pointed out interesting windows and sculptures, amongst many other things.
After very enjoyable refreshments we carried on our tour outside, looking at the layout of the grounds and the herb gardens. The old and new buildings have been beautifully blended together. How lucky we are to have this wonderful building so close to Watton.

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The Knights Hospitallers – Who Were They?
On a fine June evening in the Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Carbrooke, Helen Riley enlightened a good audience of Watton Society members on who the Knights Hospitallers were and their connections with Carbrooke Church. In a field near the Church can be seen the remains of the ‘Commandery’ where a group of the Knights were based, collecting alms for the care and shelter of pilgrims to Jerusalem, and doing good work in the community. The Hospitallers were formed in 1099 in Jerusalem as The Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and were based in various areas before they effectively ceased to exist in England in the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First. However the modern St. John Ambulance is their direct descendant and uses the same cross on their badge.

The Watton Society now has outside visits during the summer and will meet again in the Watton Christian Community Centre at 7.45 pm on Wednesday, September 19th for a talk by Mark Reynolds entitled My Life in Cartoons.

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Watton Society ‘s evening entertainment was performed by Bryan Thurlow, acting the part of Billy Jackson of Bethnell Green, London. His story was about when he and his sister were evacuated during World War II. Where they were sent and what happened to them and on their return to London the events of the bombing and what happened to the family afterwards. A very entertaining evening, very well performed. Our next evening meeting is a visit to Wymondham Abbey on Wednesday 18th July.

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Watton Society were all let into the secrets of the Cheapside Hoard of London. Anne Bridge gave us a very interesting evening telling us the story of how the hoard was found in the early 1900’s, what it contained and the many possible reasons of why it was there and what happened to it afterwards. The intriguing mix of government, aristocracy and underhand dealings were very graphically presented and extremely interesting. Our next meeting is a visit to Carbrooke Church with an earlier time of 7.00pm on Wednesday 20th June. where we will learn of the connection with the Knights Hospitallers. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Check our website. www.wattonsociety.org.uk for details of future events

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