Reviewing the village hall bookings diary in preparation for this edition of the Lynx, it was striking what a rich and varied offering of activities we now have. For many years the painting group has been meeting on Monday afternoons, established by Duncan Thomas and now supervised by Peter Jones; the Book Group has also been in existence for a number of years, now led by Hannah Letts. Newer additions are Tracey’s pilates and Millie’s yoga classes, the monthly “Bale Oak Bar” on the fourth Friday of the month and, newest of all, Bale Crafters, a monthly gathering of folk interested in a variety of creative skills.

Of course, the most well-established of all is the monthly fish and chips on the second Friday of the month. This has long been a part of Bale culture, frequented by residents and also by regular visitors from nearby villages; a valuable opportunity to keep in touch with friends and neighbours. Our Christmas fish and chips on 12th December was a particularly special occasion as we tempted Margaret Dent back to wish her well in her new home in Fakenham and to thank her for so many years of faithful service to the hall. You will be missed in the village, Margaret.

Another seasonal activity was the Crafters’ wreath-making session on 11th December. This resulted in some beautiful door-wreaths and a great deal of mess. It was something of a Christmas miracle that the hall was spotless in time for fish and chips the following day.

Old Year’s Night followed our traditional pattern. The menu of salad of farro and roasted winter vegetables followed by smoked haddock baked with cream and potatoes and finishing with treacle tart with semi-freddo was a delight and testament to Alastair and Paul’s skill in both preparing the meal and serving 40 people hot food, to co-ordinate with the ongoing quiz. Alastair even found time to help his quiz-team out with enough answers for them (“The Wild Things”) to win the coveted honour of setting next year’s quiz. Chris Ryan spoke for all present when he raised a glass to the chefs and thanked them for their hard work. The bottle of single malt which was the target in the coin-rolling contest was won by Alex Aggs but unfortunately he won’t be drinking the prize as he was due to fly back home to Australia, so would be leaving the whiskey with “Mum”, Dawn Baker.

If you would like more information about any of the activities mentioned above, please put in a request via the village WhatsApp or email balevillagehall@gmail.com

Paula Moore (Credit: Local Lynx Magazine – Edition 166 February – March 2026)