Much of our Editorial meeting for this month's issue was taken up with discussion and concern about two sites close to our villages from where it is proposed to extract sand and gravel.

Site 1. The clerk to Horstead Parish Council was only given details about this proposed development within the last week and we are concerned to note that all representation should be made to the planning/transportation department by 6th February. A copy of the notification is on page 7 of this magazine. This proposed site will be accessed from the Buxton Road and is in the general area of Horstead Hal1/Largate. Concern was expressed about the increased movement of heavy vehicles along the Buxton Road and perhaps through Horstead and Coltishall. Also the close proximity to the existing landfill site/rubbish dump brought fears for the future use of the area after the extraction of sand and gravel is completed. Our villages are set in a conservation area and surely we must do all we can to ensure that we preserve the environment and peace we currently enjoy.

We would urge village residents of both Horstead and Coltishall to write with their objections to the planning/transportation department with immediate effect. The more people who write letters the more effective our objections become.

Site 2. This second proposed site will possibly be even more intrusive and details of this will be found on pages 8 to 11. We include a copy of a letter distributed to households in Horstead prior to an exhibition given by Tarmac at Horstead Lodge on Wednesday 16th January. Barbara Gidney, a Marlpit Editor, attended the display and has written an article to help those who did not attend. The implications of the impact of this proposed site on our lives need to realised, as the editors believe it will affect residents of both Horstead and Coltishall in the both the short and the long term.

While no one likes to be labelled a NIMBY if we, the residents, cannot fight to protect the area of all villages we live in then who can be expected to protect them? We should not assume that the committee will see all the impact these proposals will have on our villages. We would urge you to make immediate and strong representation to the Department of Planning & Transportation at Norfolk County Council that neither of these proposed sites should be approved.

Art & Craft Fair

The Art & Craft Fair raised £494.94, which has been divided equally between the Coltishall Church Rooms and the Tithe Barn Association. In addition we are pleased that Coltishall Church Rooms and the Women's Institute, who provided the delicious catering over the two days of the Fair, each raised over £100 for their funds.

Welcome Help

We welcome Margaret Lakenby and Julie Glenn who have very kindly volunteered to help with stapling the magazine.

The Queen's Golden Jubilee

Coltishall Community Association and Coltishall Parish Council would welcome suggestions from residents of Coltishall as to how the village can celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. Please contact Tony Hutton with your ideas.