MARCH 2008 came in like a lion with high winds across the country. There are those, especially the 'weatherpeople' who like to tell us the first of March heralds the first day of spring, although us 'old-timers' - who still rely on our bunches of seaweed hanging by the back door to tell the weather - reckon tha's better to put it off until the 21st of the month!
So, talking of spring, I'm pleased to tell you the spring issue of The Merry Mawkin, Number 28, is now out and, as usual, full of interesting articles for members of Friends of Norfolk Dialect (FOND).
Number 28 is, in fact, a bumper edition having an extra four pages making it 24 pages in total, so, let's start by having a look.
On the front cover there's an evocative picture of parcels from Pettitts' of Reedham being loaded into a goods' van, whilst the steam loco stands up the track waiting to take charge. Four men are involved in the loading and may be known by someone out there. Then, it all looks so civilised, but how different it is today!
Page 2 The Editor begins by drawing attention to one of our most well-known and loved dialect words having a double meaning: mardle. Apparently, as well as being our word for 'gossip' it was also used to describe a 'pond'. Mardling by the mardle, perhaps? But which came first? The pond or the gossip?
Then, throwing up his hands in admission that 'his Cly should possibly have been Clay', the Editor reveals that FOND's President, Prof. Peter Trudgill, has also something to say on the matter!
Page 3 Our Chairman, Colin Burleigh, briefly reflects upon the memory of Christmas, and looks forward to a busy year ahead, and especially hopes all members will be able to participate in the 'Dews' the FOND Committee are preparing for this year on their behalf.
Colin goes on to thank Tony Clarke for his efforts in organising the annual panto, Dick Squittington, at North Elmham in January, and informs members of the forthcoming Tribute to the Boy John event, organised by John Austrin and Owen Church, which will be taking place at Potter Heigham on Sunday 30 March.
Another unmissable event Colin tells us about is the annual North Norfolk Dialect Festival at Cromer on Tuesday 29 April, where he will be adjudicating this year for the first time.
The Boy Colin's Norfolk Quiz follows, to test your knowledge of bygone days. Do you know who Jem Mace beat in 1863 to become World Champion. I didn't, but, there agin, tha's afore my time!
Page 4 Our President explains, at some length, the correct way to prounce 'Cley', which makes for some enlightening reading!
Page 6 Sid Kipper reveals to us the major route through Norfolk: the Trans-Norfolk Highway, which runs from Lynn to Mundesley - or it may not of course, depending where you're starting from in the first place. We learn of a 'whinery' at Cawston, and of the 'Great Fire of Reepham' - another idea nicked by then there Londoners!
Page 7 Brenda Bizzell entertains us with another of her Wordsearch Puzzles, this time featuring Broads and River Places - with sentimental memories of St Benet's Abbey!
Page 8 The Editor takes a stroll down memory lane with his visit to Weaver's Green, in another of his 'Then and Now' series, together with a bit of name-dropping including the sultry Kate O'Mara and hardman Dennis Waterman, with a mind of his own!
Page 9 The Boy Colin reflects over the passing of Christmas with:"That sune cum an' went, din't it?"
He tells us of his Santa experinces; "give the littl'uns a present and they give you something back - orl the bugs an' cold yew kin think on!"
They seem wise to the fact, he tells us, if it isn't in Santa's sack he can always get it as "they're still got pletty in Argos!"
But, just as we're eager for more, he's 'orf agin, once he git the smell o' wegetable soop! Tha's whooly good, he sear, an'orl!'
Page 10 More emails are published from Pauline Dodd's FOND Website, with one suggesting Norfolk should have its own flag (like Cornwall!) and be flown on 'speshull dears' - like Skip's birthday!
Page 11 A real good treat is in store for you. Lil Landimore has written two more poems for us, reflecting what A rare noice plearce Norfolk is. And, Herb Symonds, now 'banished' to darkest Yorkshire, entertains us with his piece: Father Bill's Pigs!
Page 12 Almost two pages are devoted to the FOND panto, Dick Squittington, and quite rightly so, as we discover Dick and the Pedlar of Swaffham joining forces (and sharing the same girlfriend!). Apparently, it shouldn't have happened at all, but thanks to a faulty sat-nav device it did - and it changed the course of history, at least that's what I've been told!
Page 13 William Woods describes to us the Strangers' influence exerted over our dialect by the immigrants from the Low Countries who came to Norwich in the 16th century.
Page 14 Peter Brook reviews, in words and pictures, another good selection of books and one Video/dvd.
This time, two Mary Mann books are reviewed, together with Keith Skipper's latest homespun humour How to Survive in Norfolk, Then there's Neil Storey's Ghosthunters Guide and a little gem about Daniel of Beccles (Hey! That's almost in Norfolk!)
There's also a harrowing account by a Sheringham ex-FEPoW, Jack Farrow, titled Darkness Before the Dawn, a diary of daily life in Changi jail, in Singapore.
Peter also reviews a Video/dvd, Exploring the Norfolk Village, which takes a tour of 14 Norfolk Villages, some of them from the air.
Page 18 "The Panto mearde me a Leardy!" says Tina Chamberlain in her own inimitable style, all told in her entertaining form of Norfolk dialect (Caused havoc with my spellchecker! - Ed!)
Page 19 News and Chatter has all the recent letters to the Editor. There's a glossary of Fenland terms, some quite similar to our own; a report of the latest blue plaques recently erected in Norwich to commemorate the Strangers; preaching in broad Norfolk, with or without glasses - and Yorkshire Cushy-cow-ladies! How sweet!
Page 20 Naturally, there's a chance to see how you've fared with Answers to the Wordsearch and Norfolk Quiz.
Page 21 And last but not least (as they say), Albie of Windum, leaving gal Margaret behind, retraces his days as a 'measly' Sheringham photographer in: Every Picture Tells a Story!
The Merry Mawkin The Newsletter of Friends of Norfolk Dialect (FOND) is free to members, so to be sure of your copy - and to avoid disappointment - why not become a member today?
Just download the Membership Application Form and, upon receipt of your subscription, the latest copy of The Merry Mawkin will be sent, with subsequent issues mailed when published.
Mind how yew go, tergether
Ashley Gray
Editor
03/03/2008