Friends of Binham Priory

Review of 2011 and Programme of events for 2012

The year started with the AGM on Thursday 17th March in Binham Memorial Hall, followed by the Binham Lecture. At the AGM 27 members were present. Reports were given by the Chairman, Michael Calvert, and the Treasurer, Hilary Brown. The following officers were elected for the next year: Chairman, Michael Calvert; Vice Chairman, Richard Lewis; Secretary, David Frost; Treasurer, Hilary Brown. The other Committee Members appointed; Peter Markwell, Anne Mason, and Carolyn Wright (Carolyn withdrew in September 2011). Pauline Scott is the PCC representative and Revd. Ian Whitttle is ex-officio as the Incumbent. After refreshments the Binham Lecture, “The Development of stone tracery in England and France” was delivered by Revd, Neil Batcock; over 40 members and friends were present. This lecture was particularly appropriate in view of the on-going investigation by Matthew Champion of the graffiti in the Priory and the possibility some representing the initial designs for the great west window.

The Friends visit Castle Acre

Sunday 1st May a service in the Priory lead by Revd. Ian Whittle remembered Binham and the Priory’s escape from disaster when an USAF F1-11 plane crashed 21 years ago, close to the site of the present Memorial Hall without any personal injury or much serious damage to property. Two representatives from USAF Lakenheath and over 100 of the local community attended: after the service enjoyed refreshments and a small display of press reports of the crash and the aftermath.

Friday 10th June 14 Friends were entertained by the Friends of Castle Acre Church to a most informative tour of the Castle, the Church and village followed by a sumptuous tea, a most informative and enjoyable afternoon.

Saturday 9th July, over 200 attended the major fund-raising event, “Picnic 2 Jazz” in the Priory cloisters. DixieMix Jazz Band played a wonderful selection of traditional jazz starting at 5.00 pm. The audience, made up of all ages, thoroughly enjoyed the music and the weather was sunny until a thunderstorm blew up drawing a natural close to proceedings at 7.30 pm. It was a very special occasion and a great tribute to the principal organisers, Michael Calvert, Michael Jeffery and Geoff Scott assisted by many Friends. The event raised over £1,400, a most satisfactory and rather special afternoon, appreciated by all ages.

DixieMix Jazz Band	New Chairs in the Priory

The final activity of this year was for a few of the Friends, some in medieval costume, manning the Priory to welcome visitors during Thursday 8th September to Sunday 11th as Binham’s contribution to the national event of Heritage Open Days co-ordinated by English Heritage.

Our main achievement was to have raised, from the start in March 2010, from subscriptions, generous donations and fund-raising, over £5,000 enabling the Friends to purchase 75 padded folding chairs as comfortable replacements for the aging white plastic chairs, which had seen wonderful service over 25 years. The best of the white chairs are being retained for occasional supplementary use, particularly outside, where the design of their legs is better suited to grass.

A member designed and assembled two purpose made storage and transport trolleys for the new chairs, the cost of the material being met by the PCC.

Some of the new chairs and a storage trolley When not in use the new chairs, most stored on the trolleys, and the retained white chairs, are housed behind existing screens in the bays each side of the organ.

Programme of events for 2012

Friday 2nd March AGM to be followed by the Binham Lecture, Binham Memorial Hall.

The AGM, starting at 6.15 pm is free, open to all and the Binham lecture will be given by the former head of MI5 Dame Stella Rimington, “A Life of Surprises”. Entry to the Lecture and refreshments, from 7.00 pm will be ticket only, £6 for members and £8 non-members, from the Secretary, David Frost 01328 830362, davidfrost226@btinternet.com Tickets will be limited, early application is advised.

Saturday 7th July “Picnic 2 Jazz” from 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm in the Priory Cloisters The format will be similar to last year with traditional jazz from DixieMix Jazz Band Bring your-own picnics, with liquid refreshments available from a cash bar. Tickets £9 in advance or £12 at the gate, children free. Tickets from Michael Jeffery 01328 830886

Friday 17th August the Friends of Binham Priory will be entertaining the Friends of Castle Acre Church with a tour of the Priory and village together with tea.

Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th September “Heritage Open Days” Binham Priory Again as last year, Friends will be invited to staff the Priory, welcoming visitors and offering light refreshments some dressing in medieval costume. There is a possibility that one of the local veteran car clubs will be showing some of their prized models on the Saturday.

Friday 12th October A visit to Wymondham Abbey hosted by the Friends of Wymondham Abbey An afternoon visit to include a conducted tour and tea. It is suggested that travel will be easiest and cheapest by members’ cars. Arrangements can be made to offer lifts. The cost will be advised later.

For more information on the above events, and the Friends of Binham Priory generally, please contact David Frost, Honorary Secretary, 01328 830362 or email davidfrost226@btinternet.com

If you would like to join us please click here for a Membership Form.

If you just know more about Friends of Binham Priory please contact:

David Frost, 18 Langham Road, Binham NR21 ODW. Tel:01328 830362, email: davidfrost226@btinternet.com

The annual subscription has been set at £10 for an adult, £15 for a couple and children free.