Swaffham Newsletter

newslet ter 

December 2017 

SWAFFHAM 

Well deserved recognition 

for Swaffham’s 

ESCAPE allotment project 

published by

Advertising Rate Card 

Circulation of 5,500 to Swaffham and 

surrounding villages. Rates per issue: 

Full Page Colour: £229.68 

½ Page Colour: £126.34 

¼ Page Colour: £64.31 

⅛ Page Colour: £41.32 

⅟16 Page Colour: £27.25 

All prices include VAT @ 20% 

Registered charities are due a 50% discount 

Pay for a six month run in advance and the 

sixth issue advertisement is free of charge 

In-house design of advertisements available 

Please telephone Iceni Partnership on 

01760 722 800 to discuss your requirements 

or email swaffhamnewsletter@gmail.com 

Your monthly magazine is published by: 

Contact the editor: 

01760 722 800 

swaffhamnewsletter@gmail.com 

Swaffham Newsletter 

Iceni Partnership 

Swaffham Community Centre 

The Campingland 

Swaffham 

PE37 7RB 

Registered in England Company Number 4257830 Charity Number 1101814 VAT Number UK800057775 

Comments or queries welcomed. 

Delivery issues should be addressed to Kerry at 

Swaffham Town Council - details at rear of magazine. 

December deadline for editorial and advertising 

for January issue is strictly Friday 8 th December. 

Advertisers - due to a change of policy, decided 

at Iceni Partnership director level, we will be 

operating an industry standard pre-paid system 

of billing from the February issue onwards. 

We will not be increasing our rates in 2018 and 

our 6 for the price of 5 offer will be available to all. 

1

Contents 

4 Upcoming Events / Regular Events 

6 Iceni Rural Writers 

7 School Speak 

8 Church News 

9 Community Hospital LofF 

11 Green Britain Centre 

12 Rotary 

14 Plowright Medical Centre / Swaffham Arts 

15 Women’s Institute 

16 Swaffham & District Lions 

17 Museum Matters 

18 Wissey U3A/Merle Boddy Centre 

19 Swaffham Jazz Club 

21 Age Concern 

22 Ashill & Holme Hale Gardening Club 

25 Swaffham Lionesses 

28 Swaffham Camera Club 

30 Swaffham History Group/Rainbow Choir 

31 Mayor’s Parlour 

32 Swaffham Town Council 

34 Mind, Body & Spirit 

All Change At Iceni Office 

Firstly we are happy to announce that a 

week or so after leaving employment with 

the Iceni Partnership, Samantha Harrington 

got a job with Incorporated Society of 

Musicians in London – congratulations! 

Sammy held out for a position in her field 

of choice and has been duly rewarded. 

Out with the old, in with the new. Two new 

faces can be found at the Community Centre 

on varying days of the week up to the New 

Year on a mutually beneficial probation 

period. Jelena Ulase will be taking on some 

administrative duties whilst Sarah Green’s 

role will be mainly focused on graphic design 

duties including the Swaffham Newsletter. 

Both new employees will also be another 

first point of contact in the Iceni open-door 

office, face-to-face and on the telephone. 

The two new posts will equal the time 

Sammy worked in the office but will give 

Don and Jonathan the flexibility to go on 

holiday and be ill occasionally! 

A warm welcome to you both. 

Youthie Plus 

Open to all young people in 

Yr.6, Yr.7 & Yr.8 

Members - FREE 

Non-Members - £1.00 

For more information contact: 

Sally Palmer 

Youth and Community Officer 

Iceni Partnership 

M: 07772 852284 

O: 01760 722800 

E: sally@iceni.info

Upcoming Events 

Swaffham Christmas Lights Switch On 

Friday 1st December, Swaffham Market Place. market and funfair 2pm to 8pm, light 

switch on 6pm. Santa will be in his grotto for children to visit from 2.30pm in Arts 

Lounge Gallery. 

Beachamwell WI Christmas Fayre 

Saturday 2nd December, 12 noon to 3pm, Beachamwell Village Hall. Crafts, gifts, 

festive foods, pop up cafe. 

Christingle Sunday at St. Andrews Church, Barton Bendish 

3rd December at 3pm. Rev Ken Waters will be taking the Christingle 

Service. Everyone most welcome. Festive refreshments after the service 

Great Dunham Village Christmas Fayre 

Sunday 3rd December, 11am to 3pm, Great Dunham Village Hall. A selection of 

craft and gift stalls, along with a chance to meet Santa! 

Necton Primary School Christmas Fayre 

Thursday 7Th December 2017, 4.30pm - 6.30pm, Santa’s Grotto, Stalls, 

Refreshments, Games Raffle, Tombola. Everyone Welcome 

Local Maritime History Talk 

We have a talk on Thursday 7 December at 7.30 at the Maritime Heritage Centre, 

Stiffkey, NR23 1QF given by Captain Peter Elphick, Master Mariner, Naval historian 

and author. His subject is: “John Fryer, Sailing Master of the Bounty”. John Fryer 

lived and is buried in Wells. Tickets £4.00 on the door. Concert of Carols & 

Choruses 

Mid Norfolk Singers presents carols for choir and audience choruses from Handel 

to Verdi conducted by Robert Hamwee. St Nicholas Church, Dereham, Saturday 9th 

December, 7.30pm. £10 tickets on the door, or buy in advance from Premier Travel, 

Dereham, or Ceres Bookshop, Swaffham. 

Christmas Tree Festival 

St Peter’s & St Paul’s Church. Starting on Saturday 2nd December and 

ending on Saturday 9th December. 

Refreshments will be served every day. With 29 trees decorated by local 

charities and schools. Open every day 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 4pm 

ADMISSION FREE. Everyone very welcome including dogs. 

For more details call Gill Creed on 01760 721237/724559 

Jazz Club at Swaffham Conservative Club 

Tuesday 12th Dec, 7.30pm. Eleanora, vocals & keyboard. Tap Robinson, guitar. 

Nothing in Jan - back in 2018! 

Swaffham Christmas Carol Concert 

Wednesday 13th December, 7pm, Assembly Rooms. Accompanied by Dereham 

Salvation Army Band. Everyone welcome. 

A Victorian Evening of Christmas Entertainment & Carols 

Saturday 16th December, 6pm at Barton Bendish Village Hall. Church Road, PE33 

9GF. The entertainment will be followed by light refreshments & Mulled Wine 

Entrance is FREE but Donations for the Church are gratefully appreciated. Victorian 

Dress Optional. To book your seat please phone, 01366 347849 or 01366 347563 

Open afternoon at Swaffham Convent 

2nd January 2018, 2.00 - 5.00pm - Following all the interest from the documentary 

‘Bad Habits, Holy Orders’ the sisters would like to invite the people of Swaffham and 

surrounding district to an Open afternoon. Come and look around, have afternoon 

tea, visit the parts of the house and gardens seen on the TV. Everyone welcome 

for free but a donation to our Ugandan Mission would be appreciated, but not 

obligatory. 

Free Tai Chi Taster Session 

Friday 5th January 10am at Swaffham Community Centre. Call or email to save your 

space: academytaichi@yahoo.co.uk 01760 723102 07587 567406 

Nar Valley Ornithological Society (NarVOS) 

Tuesday 30th January 2018, 7.30pm at the Barn Theatre, Sacred Heart Convent 

School, Swaffham by Mike Crewe ‘Cape May’. £2 non NarVOS member. Contact Ian 

Black on 01760 724092 

Westacre Theatre 

Westacre Theatre Company: CROOKED WOOD; a black comedy by Gillian 

Plowman, adapted from the successful television play by Michael Palin. Fri 

17, Sat 18, Fri 24, and Sat 25 Nov; Fri 1 and Sat 2 Dec at 7:30pm £16 (£12 for 

under 21s). Optional pre-booked suppers on Fridays at 6pm £18 

THE SELFISH GIANT by Oscar Wilde is especially adapted for Westacre with 

live action puppets and music. Opens on 16 Dec through to the end of the 

year. Matinee, Tea-time, and Evening performances £12 (£8 under 12s). 

WESTACRE THEATRE www.westacretheatre.com 01760 755800 

4 

Regular Meetings & Events 

MONDAY 

1st Swaffham Scouts 7-9 at Cockley Cley, Iceni Village, Scout Hut. 

For ages 10 1/2 -14. New recruits welcome. Boys or girls. Contact Paul 

07711761364. Paul@1stswaffhamscouts.org.uk 

Art Class at The Old Art Room 93 Market Place. Techniques, 

Tips, Inspiration in a modern equipped Art Studio. 10am until 12.15 £10 

Tel.01760 337181 je.clark176@btinternet.com 

Central Norfolk Dog Training Club Upstairs in Church Rooms, 

Campingland. 4 classes available, from puppies to intermediate.Tel: Chris 07745 892417 

Citizens Advice Swaffham Community Centre, 10am until 12:30pm 

Kickboxing Club Juniors 5+ 5pm – 6pm, Inters 6-7pm, Adults 7pm – 

8.30pm Plowright Place. Call Trevor on 07585707196 

The Phoenix Singers rehearse each week in the Methodist Church Hall 

at 7:30pm. New members welcome. Contact Marion 01760 724 473 

Playdayz – Parent/toddler group Sacred Heart School 9.30- 

11.30am term time only. £1 per session/per family (includes a snack) 

Contact: Tor Howman 07854 736 920 

Rotary Club of Swaffham Meets at The George Hotel - 1st Monday of 

the month, 12:45 for 1pm, other Mondays 7 for 7:30pm. Tel Claire Dunne 722504 

Seniors Keep Fit 6.15pm at Stanley’s, Lynn Road Tel Gemma on 07702 

197994/07425 607667 

Swaffham 1894 Squadron Air Training Corps 7.00 - 9.30pm. 

TA Centre, Sporle Road, Swaffham. Ages 13 to 18 years. Tel: 01760724617 

Swaffham History Group 2nd Monday, 2 – 4pm, Swaffham Museum. 

New members always welcome – no charge. Tel 01760 724470 

Swaffham Lions Meet on the 2nd Monday of the month at Swaffham 

Assembly Rooms,7:30pm. All welcome. Contact Peter Young 01760 724120 

Swaffham Players every Monday and Wednesday, 7:30pm Baptist 

Church, Swaffham. If you are interested in joining a fabulous team please 

come along but call Marcie on 07867943102 to ensure we are in rehearsal 

Junior Snooker & Billiards 4-7pm @ The Norfolk Snooker Academy, 

West Acre 01760 755337 for details and to book, 9 -16 years 

TOSH community drama group meets 7.30pm Monday & Wednesday at 

Stanley’s, Lynn Street. All ages welcome. More details Fiona 07768211087 

Youthie 5:30 – 7pm, Swaffham Community Centre. For ages 8 to 11. 

Free entry. Contact sally@iceni.info 07772 852284 / 01760 722800 

TUESDAY 

1st Swaffham Beavers 1st Swaffham Beavers 5 - 6.15 at Cockley 

Cley Iceni Village Scout Hut. For boys and girls ages 6 - 8 . New recruits 

welcome. Contact Paul 07711761364 Paul@1stswaffhamscouts.org.uk 

1st Swaffham Cubs 1st Swaffham Cubs 6.30-8pm at Cockley Cley, 

Iceni Village, Scout Hut. For ages 8-10 1/2. New recruits welcome. Boys 

or Girls. Contact Hayley 07516095019. Akela@1stswaffhamscouts.org.uk 

Swaffham Army Cadets TA Centre, Sporle Rd 7.30-9.30pm. Ages 12 – 18. 

www.norfolkacf.org 2907pea@armymail.mod.uk 07899 189 973 The 

Art Studio Modern Art Evening Classes By Peter Henry PGCE, BA. 

Tuesdays 7-9pm Church Rooms, Campingland. Refreshments. Adults/all 

abilitiesEmail: salsum06@aol.com/01760 720540 

Swaffham Bridge Club The Church Rooms,Church of Our Lady of Pity 

31, Station Street. Swaffham PE37 7HP 6.30pm for 6.45pm. Sue 01328 701545 

Swaffham Carpet Bowls Community Centre. 2 hours from 2pm for £2. 

Tea & biscuits inc. Call Alan on 01760 723 910 

Child Health Clinic at Swaffham Children Centre. 01760 721101 1st Tuesday 

monthly 1.15 - 2.45pm run by local Health Visiting Team 

Civil Service Retirement Fellowship Coffee Morning, third Tuesday 

at 10:15am. Methodist Hall, London Street. Tel: David Moore 01760 723740 

CAMEO Coffee 10am-noon. ‘Come And Meet Each Other’. Free tea, coffee 

& hot chocolate in a relaxed cafe style setting. Discovery Hour: 10am - 11am. 

Looking at and discussing a small bible passage. Oasis Centre 01760 723 175 

Crafts, Textiles and Dressmaking at The Old Art Room 

93 Market Place. Techniques, Tips, Inspiration in a modern equipped Art 

&Textile Studio. 10am until 12.15 and 12.30 until 2.45 £9 Tel.01760 337181 

Jump, Jive & Swing Swaffham Community Centre, 7.45pm. Classes 

8pm until 9.45pm with social dancing until 10.30pm. www.jumpjiveswing.com 

Little Treasures and Breastfeeding Support 1.15 - 2.45pm Drop in 

for parents and babies aged 0-1year at Swaffham Children Centre. 01760 721101 

Mamma Munay (Mother Love) - antenatal classes on alternate Tuesday 

afternoons at The Green Parrot. …all welcome at all stages of your pregnancy. 

Booking essential on 01760 724704 or Anne 07469243052 

Pickenhams’ WI 2nd Tuesday 2pm St Andrew’s Church (not August) 

PROBUS Club of Swaffham Meet second Tues of the month for lunch at the 

George Hotel, 12.30 for 1pm. Rod Goddard 01760 722 834 rodgoddard@hotmail.com

Rainbow Community Choir 7.30-9.30pm. Swaffham Community 

Centre. Interested in joining us? 01760 336 313 rainbowcommunitychoir.org.uk 

The Royal Elizabethan Lodge Meets alternate Tuesdays, 8pm in the 

Conservative Club. Tel: W Rogers 01760 720632 or S Trattle 01760 721760 

The Royal Naval Association 8pm on the 4th Tuesday Swaffham 

Conservative Club. Telephone Jill Bowers on 01362 691820 

Swaffham Rugby Football Club Tuesday Seniors Training 7:30 - 9 

Seniors Keep Fit 3pm See Monday’s Senior’s Keep Fit 

Stitch, Mardle and Mend A group of keen crafters covering Patchwork, 

Knitting, Crochet, Cross Stitch etc 7-9pm, £1. Tel Adrienne 01760 336268 

Slimming World Conservative Club, 10am. Swaffham Asssembly 

Rooms 7pm. Clare Hughes 07535237618 

Sporle WI 3rd Tuesday, 1.45pm ready for our speaker at 2pm. For any further 

information please ring Celia on 01362 687316 

Swaffham St John Ambulance Cadets 7.15pm until 8.45pm,10 to 

17 year olds. Natalie Rudd on 07771620634/natalie.rudd@btinternet.com 

Taekwondo 6:30 - 7:30pm Swaffham Community Centre 01760336044 

Tai Chi beginners welcome East Dereham at 1.30pm 01760723102 

Swaffham Wellbeing Group Are you feeling low, or recovering from ill 

health? Just want to meet other people? Make new friends at Community Centre, 

every Tuesday 10.30 – 1.00. Contact Family Action. Tel: 01760 725801 

Swaffham Market (Morning) WI Second Tuesday of every Month, 10.30am 

Assembly Rooms. Ladies over 18 welcome. Meg Dorling: 01760 722139 meg_dorling@msn.com 

West Acre Carpet Bowls Club West Acre Village Hall, 2 - 4pm. £2 per 

session. Equipment and refreshments provided – all welcome. Tel: Belinda 

01760 755184 or Betty 01760 755235 Email: belindabush@hotmail.com 

Women’s Section Royal British Legion At Valentine Barker Court, 

2nd Tues at 2.30pm. Tel: Frances 01760 724445 or Iris 01760 721430 

Weight Watchers 5:30-6.30pm Swaffham Community Centre. 

Nikki 07970316054 

Yoga Gt Dunham Village Hall, 10 -11:30am, £6.50 Tel: 01603 478456 

Yoga Necton Community Centre £7 2-3:30 Tuesdays Jayne 07544974342 

Yoga 10.30-12.00 Green Britain Centre, Swaffham. £7 per class. Contact 

Jayne on: 07544974342 or email: greenwillowyoga@outlook.com 

Zumba With Becks Swaffham Assembly Rooms 7-8pm bectuff@hotmail.co.uk £5 

WEDNESDAY 

1st Swaffham Rainbows Term time only, 17:00-18:00 Swaffham 

Infant School. Girls aged 5 to 7 yrs. Tracey Clements 07770236689 

2nd Swaffham Brownies Term time only, 18:00-19:30. Meeting at 

Swaffham First School. Girls aged 7 to 10 yrs invited to join. Contact Clare 

Smith 07917468057 or Chrissie Brown 07970104771. 

Swaffham 1894 Squadron Air Training Corps 7:00-9:30pm. 

TA Centre, Sporle Road, Swaffham. Ages 12 (yr8) to 18 years. Tel: 01760724617 

Alzheimer`s Society Dementia Café first Wednesday every month 

from 10am-12noon. Swaffham Assembly Rooms, Market Place, Swaffham. 

Support, information and social activity.Refreshments provided. 01603 763556 

Arts Lounge beginners/refreshers art classes Wednesday, 

Thursday & Friday 10-1pm or 1.30-4.30pm, £25 per session Call 01760 723624 

Bingo First Wednesday of every month, Holme Hale Pavilion. Eyes 

down 7:30pm. Cash prizes. Tel: June Hewing 01760 441327 

Bingo Swaffham Conservative Club 7:00 – 9:00pm (eyes down for 

7:30). Non-members 30p entry. 

Swaffham Camera Club 1st and 3rd Weds of every month, 7 for 7:30pm 

at Lydney House, Norwich Road. All abilities welcome! Steve Ward 01366 328567 

Creative Textile Certificate 10 Week Course at The Old Art Room, 93 

Market Place Swaffham. Tel Jane 01760 337181 

Dementia Café Free cafe offering support, information for those living with 

dementia and their families/carers. Free refreshments. Assembly Rooms. 01603 763 556 

Swaffham Evening WI Church Rooms, Campingland. 1st Wed 7.30pm 

Telephone Fiona Walker on 01760 722879. 

Healing Rooms The Oasis Centre, Cley Road 11am - 12noon. Book a 

session to experience the healing power of Jesus. Tel: 01760 723175 

Henchmans Junior Magic the Gathering for 8-11 yr olds at Henchmans, 

13 Station Street, Swaffham from 5pm to 6.30pm £2 per person, first 

session free. Alternate weeks: RPG night or or MtG Standard Showdown 

at Henchmans, 13 Station Street, Swaffham from 7pm. Please see www. 

henchmans.com or our facebook page or call 01760 788427 for details 

The Swaffham and District Branch of the Labour Party meets in the 

Community Centre at 7.30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month 

Stitch, Mardle and Mend A group of keen crafters covering 

Patchwork, Knitting, Crochet etc. From 10am at Market Cross Inn, Swaffham. 

Oasis Wednesday Worship: 10am - 11am. Worship and prayer 

Studio Sessions at The Old Art Room Studio and Inspiration in a 

modern equipped studio 93 Market Place. 10am-1pm £6.50. 01760 337181 

St. John Ambulance - Swaffham (Adults) Every Wednesday 

7.30pm - 9.30pm First Aid training 18 years upwards. 07900927233 

5 

Swaffham & Watton Club for the Visually Impaired Swaffham 

Community Centre 4th Wed (except August) 1.30-3.30pm £3. 01603 629558 

Tai Chi beginners class 10am Swaffham Community Centre 01760723102 

Whist Drive Bradenham Village Hall, 7:30pm. All welcome. 01760 440038. £3 

Youth Café 7:30 – 8:30pm, Swaffham Community Centre. For ages 13 – 18. 

THURSDAY 

Beachamwell WI 1st Thursday 7.30pm. New members or visitors always 

welcome. Contact Maggie 01366 327023 or Helen 01366 328589 

Swaffham Bridge Club See Tues for details. 6.30pm for 6.45pm start 

except for the first Thursday in the month 2pm to 6pm 

Crafts, Textiles and Dressmaking at The Old Art Room 

93 Market Place. Techniques, Tips, Inspiration in a modern equipped Art 

&Textile Studio. 10am until 12.15 and 12.30 until 2.45 £9 Tel.01760 337181 

Happidojo Marham Judo Club Sandringham Centre, Marham, PE33 9NP 

3-4yrs 5.20-6 Fun & Games,5-7yrs:6-7pm, 8-16yrs:7-8pm. Adv. Juniors, Seniors 17+ : 

8-9.30pm FIRST LESSON FREE. Then 3-4yrs £2, 5-12yrs- £3. 13-16yrs -£1.00. 17+ - £3.50. 

Colin McCallum. 07905278857 or www.happidojomarhamjudoclub.btckco.uk 

Henchmans Board games. £2.50 per person. 7-11pm. Henchmans, 13 Station 

Street, Swaffham. 01760 788427. New players always welcome (over 18) 

Holme Hale Carpet Bowls Every Thursday 7-9pm, Holme Hale 

Community Hall. No experience or equipment needed. £2 

Iceni Stitchers Ladies group meeting on 3rd Thursday of the month at 

Swaffham Community Centre, 1.30 - 4.30pm. Kate Davies 01760 622254 

Kickboxing Club Juniors 5+ 5pm – 6pm, Inters 6-7pm, Adults 7pm – 

8.30pm Plowright Place. Call Trevor on 07585707196 

Free Lipreading Classes for people with an acquired hearing loss. 

Thursday’s at 10 am to noon in the Catholic Church Rooms, 31 Station 

Road, Swaffham. Contact Hayley at lipreadingwithhayley@gmail.com 

Phoenix Writers welcome new and experienced writers to their 

monthly sessions on a Thursday afternoon in Swaffham. We are a 

friendly group who enjoy writing works of fiction, articles and poetry. For 

further details please email Jan at Dandelionmoon@btinternet.com 

RAF Marham Food and Craft Market 1st Thursday 12am to 5 pm. 

Sandringham Centre Upper Marham PE33 9NP (Behind Spar) 07766 078123 

Royal British Legion, Swaffham & District Branch 8pm, 3rd 

Thursday Swaffham Conservative Club. Tel: David Thorogood 01760622751 

Swaffham Lioness Club First Thurs of every month, 7.30pm in Our 

Lady of Pity Catholic Church rooms, Station St., Swaffham. Enjoy friendship 

whilst serving the community. All ladies welcome. Tel: 01760 723377 

Pilates 3 – 4pm, Swaffham Community Centre. Call Di Graham – 01328 

851970 – before your first session. 

Swaffham Rugby Football Club Seniors 17+ training 7:30-9, social after 

Salsa 7-9pm Swaffham Assembly Rooms. 07912366661 

Swaffham Sparklers Swaffham branch of the Red Hat Society meets 2nd 

Thurs of the month, 7 pm, The George Hotel,: Jill Neale 01760 723466 

U3A The Wissey U3A 1st Thursday of the month at Holme Hale Pavilion, 

09.45 - 12 noon. Annual Memb. £10. Contact 01760 721247 for more details 

Weight Watchers 10-11am Swaffham Community Centre. 

Cheryl 07941 319 742 

Young Explorers 1.30 - 3pm at Swaffham Children Centre. 01760 721101 

Youthie Plus 5:30 – 7pm, Swaffham Community Centre. For ages 11 – 14. 

Free entry. Contact sally@iceni.info 07772 852284 / 01760 722800 

West Acre Carpet Bowls Club See Tuesday listing 

FRIDAY 

2nd Swaffham Guides Term time only, 18:00-20:00. Church Rooms, 

Campingland. Girls aged 10-16yrs invited to join. Contact 07769294414 

Acoholics Anonymous Every Friday at 1pm in Parish Rooms at St 

Dominic’s RC Church,Howdale Rd, Downham Market 

Adult Ballet For Beginners 6:15pm See Monday’s Senior’s Keep Fit 

Age Concern-Swaffham Support Services at Community Centre 

Volunteer recruitment 10.30am - 12.00 noon 1st Friday of the month 

Adult Tap 7:15pm See Monday’s Senior’s Keep Fit 

Arts Lounge Drawing/sketching classes 10-1pm and 1.30-4.30pm. 723 624 

Art, Printing and Paper Craft Session at The Old Art Room 

93 Market Place. Techniques, Tips, Inspiration and printing presses in a modern 

equipped Art &Textile Studio. 10am until 12.30 £10 Tel.01760 337181 

Bingo at Narborough Community Centre Doors 6.30pm, eyesdown 

7.45pm Contact Mrs Hennessy 01760 337540 

Swaffham Bellringers Practice St. Peter & St. Paul Church, 7:30pm on 

the Friday preceding the 2nd Sunday of the month. Beginners welcome. Tel: 01760 

724944/lindaringer0447@gmail.com 

Swaffham Carpet Bowls Community Centre. 2 hours from 6.30 for £3. Tea 

& biscuits inc. Call Alan on 01760 723 910 

Coffee Morning At Ashill Community Centre 

2nd Friday every month, 10am until noon. 01760 441 651

Country Music Last Friday of each month at the communal lounge 

at Valentine Barker Court, 7.30 to 22.30. Families and friends, free raffle & 

donations for Wish Upon a Star children’s cancer charity. 0370 192 4797 

Games Evening & Social 2nd Friday/month Swaffham Baptists 

Church Hall - 7:30. All welcome 

Swaffham’s Green Gym Friday 8.30am Recreation Ground, Haspalls Rd 

Henchmans Early Friday Night Magic at Henchmans, 13 Station 

Street, Swaffham. 2pm to 6pm. Friday Night Magic at Henchmans 

Iceni Lunch Club Swaffham Community Centre, £6.00 for two 

courses and tea/coffee every Friday 12.30pm. 01760 722 800 

Indoor Market Swaffham Assembly Rooms 9am-2pm, free entry. 

Refreshments, various stalls… bookings contact Haydn 07957 862 239 

Judo Sacred Heart School 6-7:30pm £2.50 5 years+ Tel. 07920440235 

Oasis Messy Church 6pm every 3rd Friday Fun event for all ages. 

£1. www.facebook.com/oasiscentreswaffham 

Rise and shine Baby & Toddler Group: 10am - 12noon. Large play 

area. £1.50 per adult/chld. 50p any extra persons. Incl drink & a biscuit 

Senior Snooker (60 years +) @ The Norfolk Snooker Academy, West 

Acre £4 per session Facebook - Norfolk Snooker Academy 01760 755337 

Sporle Art Group meets every Friday at 1pm-3pm. in the community hall. No 

tuition given, bring your own materials. Free intro then £2 per week. 01760 724615 

Swaffham Senior Section Term time only. 19:30- 21:00. For young women 

aged 14 to 25yrs. Contact Tracey Clements 07770236689 or Chrissie Brown 07970105771 

Tai Chi for Health 10am Advanced Class. Swaffham Community Centre. 

Tel: 01760 723102 or barbara.smith58@yahoo.co.uk 

Swaffham Veterans Snooker Group (60+) 2-5pm at West Acre 

Village Hall, PE32 1TQ. £3 per player. Call Phillip on 01760 755337 

Yoga 10.30 - 12 Green Britain Centre, Swaffham. £7 per class. Contact Jayne 

on: 07544974342 or email: greenwillowyoga@outlook.com to book a place. 

SATURDAY 

Art Class for over 12s ...and accompanied Children who want to use 

the sewing machine. The Old Art Room 93 Market Place. 2nd Saturday of 

the month.10 until 1pm £10 Tel.01760 337181 

Arts Lounge Silver Workshops 9:30-3:30 October 22nd & December 

10th. All equipment, silver and refreshments inc 01760 723 624 

Swaffham Bingo Club Community Centre last Sat in month, 7pm for 

7:30pm start. £2.50 annual membership, 50p for visitors. Paul Darby 07880 568628 

Board Games Group For Adults At Swaffham Library 

Saturdays 10-11am. The board games include Draughts, Scrabble and Dominoes. The 

group provides people with the chance to meet others in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere 

Children’s Art Club 1st Saturday of the Month. 10am until 12.15 

£10 All Equipment, Snack and Drink provided Tel. 01760 337181 

Henchmans Miniature Painting Workshop or Pokemon Battles 

(alternate weeks) 10am to 1pm. MtG Standard Showdown or Yu-Gi-Oh 

(alternate weeks) 2pm to 5pm. 01760 788427 www.henchmans.com 

Pentney Country Music Club www.pentneycowlsclub.co.uk 

weekly 01760 337 392 karenpentneycountryclub12@yahoo.co.uk 

Pilates Class 9-10.15am All Saints Centre, Church Lane, Boughton. 

Beginners welcome. £8 per session. 07515834729 

Pokemon; Yu-Gi-Oh! Magic: The Gathering for beginners alternate 

Sat. www.henchmans.com. Children welcome. 10.30am – 2pm 

Swaffham Market Traditional market, now 800 years old! Every 

Saturday 6am until 3pm. Swaffham Market Place. Details 01760 722 922 

Swaffham Rugby Football Club SwaffhamRUFC@outlook.com 

West Norfolk Crafters & Needleworkers Stitchers, crafters and 

knitters who meet at Leziate Village Hall on the 2nd Sat. 01760 720767 

SUNDAY 

Henchmans Yu-Gi-Oh or Star Wars X-Wing (alternate weeks) from 12 

noon to 4pm. 01760 788427 or visit our website www.henchmans.com 

Kuk Sool Won Narborough Com. Centre 5.30 - 6.30pm. 07541261713 

Pentney Indoor Bowls Club bowls coaching for beginners and 

improvers Sundays 10am - 12noon. G Freezer 01760 722262 

Star Wars @ Henchmans 12-4pm www.henchmans.com 

Swaffham Rugby Football Club Minis 10:30-12. Games see Saturday 

Snooker @ The Norfolk Snooker Academy West Acre 

3 hours play £9. Facebook - Norfolk Snooker Academy 01760-755337 

Spiritual Awareness Group Most Sundays 5:15pm to 6:30pm for 

Healing and 6:30pm to 8:30pm Service at Swaffham Community Centre 

Iceni Rural Writers 

Interested in writing? Read on … 

In 2016 a group of ten women signed up for a new and 

exciting project called Rural Writes. Over a 10 week 

period, we enjoyed a series of writing workshops in 

Swaffham Library and under the guidance of Belona 

Greenwood and Heidi Williamson, we produced 

pieces of prose and poetry on a range of issues linked 

to our lives in rural Norfolk. The culmination of the 

project was the anthology Gull Stones & Cuckoos, 

which was published in October 2016. 

Although the project officially ended with the book’s 

publication, Iceni Rural Writers continues to meet 

once a month in Swaffham Community Centre. 

We meet 9 times a year and are planning exciting 

workshops and projects for 2018. We are currently 

looking for 3 new members. To find out more contact 

Leah Spencer 01366328536 

Village Hall is back in business! 

Recent refurbishment work at this popular village hall is 

now complete and groups are back enjoying a regular 

programme of activities ranging from Book Group to 

Yoga. Not only will the new facilities mean that the hall 

is accessible to wheelchair users, it will also make life 

easier for a number of people within the community 

who have other mobility issues, some permanent, 

such as arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and others 

temporary, such as hip or knee replacement recovery. 

The first public event in the re-opened hall was the 

popular monthly Afternoon Tea organised by members 

of St Mary’s PCC. Villagers enjoyed a social get together 

over a cup of tea and a slice of delicious cake. To mark 

the occasion, a special celebratory cake, decorated 

with a disabled logo, was made by Harriet Garrod. 

Leah Spencer, spokesperson for Beachamwell Village 

Hall Committee, says ‘We are delighted that the hall 

has reopened and very grateful to WREN for their 

grant funding for the project. We could not have done 

it without their support. Our goal is to ensure that 

everybody has full access to all our activities.’ 

With that in mind, the committee has now started 

Phase 2 of their Accessibility Project, which includes 

laying a hard surface path to the front door of the hall. 

6

WE ARE LOOKING TO RECRUIT NEW GOVERNORS 

(DUE TO RETIREMENT) 

The Nicholas Hamond Academy Governing Body is made up of Community, Parent and Staff 

Governors and a Representative from the Academy Transformation Trust. 

on’ a recent visit to RAF Marham. 

The event was aimed at young engineers as part 

of a STEM Day (Science Technology Engineering 

& Maths). TNHA students joined 7 other schools 

accepting various challenges and other engineering 

feats at the local Base widening skills, knowledge 

and gaining confidence. 

What are we looking for? 

Our Governors may come to us through a variety of routes and with a range of different 

backgrounds, skills and experiences, but they are all volunteers who work together for the 

benefit of TNHA and are the link between the academy and the community it serves. 

Due to retirement, we are currently looking for new Community Governors and would be 

delighted to hear from anyone who has: 

* An interest in the performance of the academy 

* A desire to contribute to and represent the community 

* An open and enquiring mind 

* The ability to look at issues objectively and to monitor and challenge 

* The confidence to ask questions and join in debate. 

* A willingness to listen and make informed judgements 

* A Team Player 

* Time to spare 

If you match the above description, you may be the very person to become a Governor at 

The Nicholas Hamond Academy and be part of our journey to be the ‘Be the Best that we 

can be’ 

What can we offer? 

* A chance to develop skills in strategic management 

* The opportunity to work with our team of governors and staff in meeting and Link Visits to 

monitor progress 

* A sense of achievement in making a difference to our School 

* The pleasure of helping students reach their potential 

Festive Fun 

“It’s Christmas….” and rehearsals for the festive 

show are well underway. Cast and crew are busy 

painting sets, singing seasonal songs and practising 

their acting ready for the big night. The theme for 

Being a governor can be enjoyable, stimulating and rewarding. 

If you are interested, please complete the application form or contact Jill Hambright, Clerk to 

the Governors on 01760 726152 or office@tnha.org.uk 

The Nicholas Hamond Academy 

Students Learn Of Rebellion 

Rebellion at the age of eleven! This is a famous 

story about Guru Nanak. Students from Merlin 

College led an assembly on the founder of the 

Sikh Religion who at that tender age fused to wear 

clothing distinguishing him from others of a lower 

class, believing everyone to be equal regardless 

of cast or gender. Feeding each other Maltesers 

on a long spoon students demonstrated how the 

poorest people in communities at the time were 

treated and rejected by wealthier members. 

this year is a “A Very 50s Christmas” and includes a 

themed play from this era, Cinderella, Snow White 

and a visit by Father Christmas. Tickets can be 

purchased by visiting Main Reception. Tel: 01760 

724180. Join us for an evening of festive fun. 

Sacred Heart School 

All wrapped up for Christmas 

Pupils at Sacred Heart school proudly display their 

beautifully wrapped shoe boxes. The pupils filled 

boxes with surprise gifts for children less fortunate 

than themselves. The wrapped boxes have been 

packed with items for both boys and girls whose 

ages range from two to fourteen years of age. 

Boxes are sent worldwide in time for Christmas 

by the charity Samaritans Purse, which runs 

Operation Christmas Child. 

Encountering Engineering 

Jet Fuel and night vision goggles were just two of 

the things students were able to ‘get their hands 

7

Swaffham Methodist Church 

Friday 1st December 9.30 - 10am Power of Prayer. 

Saturday 2nd December 9.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning 

Sunday 3rd December 10.45am Morning Worship 

followed by refreshments. 

Friday 8th December 9.30 -10am Power of Prayer 

followed by Bible Study at 10.15am. 

Saturday 9th December 9.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning 

Sunday 10th December 10.45am Morning Worship 


Thursday 14th December 2.30 - 4pm Thursday Group 

Advent Service with mince pies. 

Friday 15th December 7.30pm Christmas Concert by 

the Phoenix Singers followed by light refreshments. 

Saturday 16th December 9.30-12noon Coffee Morning. 

Sunday 17th December 10.45am Carol Service. 

Friday 22nd December 9.30 - 10am Power of Prayer. 

Saturday 23rd December CLOSED 

Sunday 24th December 10.45 The Christmas Story 

followed by refreshments. (LA) 

Sunday 24th December 4pm Communion Service. 

Monday 25th December 9.30 am Christmas Morning 

Service. 

Saturday 30th December CLOSED 

Sunday 31st December 10.45am Morning Worship 


Swaffham Baptist Church 

Swaffham Baptist Church Services for Advent 

Sunday 3rd December - Advent Theme and 

Toy Service. 10.30 am Sunday 10th December 

- 2nd Sunday in Advent Service. 10.30am 

Sunday 17th 

All are welcome. 

Churches Together 

Foodbank 

The volunteers at the Foodbank in Swaffham would 

be very grateful for donations of items to make up 

Christmas hampers for those in need at Christmas. 

Such items as mince pies, puddings, sweets, etc are 

required for the beginning of December. 

Please remember those who will be struggling during 

the festive season. Thank you. 

Millennium Capsule 

The Millennium Capsule that had been situated 

under the pulpit in the Methodist Chapel at 

Swaffham has been removed as the chapel is 

undergoing renovations which includes the removal 

of the pulpit. At the last Churches Together meeting, 

the capsule was handed to the Parish Church where 

it will be housed temporarily in the Priest’s Chamber 

until it is placed in a permanent place in the Church . 

St Peter & St Paul’s Swaffham 

December Services 

Sunday 3rd 

8.00am 

9.30am 

6.00pm 

Wednesday 6th 

10.00am 

Sunday 10th 

8.00am 

9.30am 

3.00pm 

Tuesday 12th 

7.00pm 

Wednesday 13th 

10.00am 

Thursday 14th 

9.45am 

Sunday 17th 

8.00am 

9.30am 

6.00pm 


10.00am 

Sunday 24th 

8.00am 

9.30am 

4.00pm 

11.30pm 

Monday 25th 

10.00am 


10.00am 

Sunday 31st 

8.00am 

9.30am 

Wednesday 3rd Jan 

10.00am 

Sunday 7th Jan 

8.00am 

9.30am 

3.30pm 

Advent Sunday 

Holy Communion 

Sung Eucharist 

Advent Carol Service 

Holy Communion BCP 



St John’s Ambulance Carol Service 

Junior School Carol Service 


Infant School Carol Service 



Service of Nine Lessons and Carols 




Christingle Service 

Midnight Mass 

Christmas Day Sung Eucharist 



United Benefice Sung Eucharist 


The Epiphany 



Evensong 

‘Bad Habits, Holy Orders’ 

2nd January 2018, 2.00 - 5.00pm 

Following all the interest from the documentary ‘Bad 

Habits, Holy Orders’ the sisters would like to invite 

the people of Swaffham and surrounding district to 

an Open afternoon. Come and look around, have 

afternoon tea, visit the parts of the house and 

gardens seen on the TV. Everyone welcome for free 

but a donation to our Ugandan Mission would be 

appreciated, but not obligatory. 

8

Icenima presents 

Local Dance School Closure 

Xavier Navarre has closed the eponymous IDTA 

dance school that he ran for 11 years with his wife 

Joanna in Swaffham. 

Joanna and Xavier would like to offer their thanks to 

all the local businesses, charities and organisations 

who have supported them through the past decade, 

in particular Iceni Partnership and the Convent of 

The Sacred Heart School. 

Joanna would like to extend her thanks to all of the 

students, (not just the amateur medalists) whose 

commitment to the art of dance made the business 

such a rewarding one. 

Despite being well past retirement age, Xavier will 

continue to teach and demonstrate with his former 

student and new professional partner Linzi Mace. 

Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, 

‘witty, menacing, lyrical and wild’ 

interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s ballet 

£7.50 

Swaffham Community Centre 

2pm Wednesday 20th December 

Patisserie Iceni open for lunch before & coffee and cake afterwards 

Iceni Youth Clubs 

Youthie: 

Year 4 to 7 Mondays 5:30pm – 7:00pm . 

Youth Voice: 

Wednesdays 6:30pm – 8:00pm 2nd and 4th 

Wednesdays of each month 

Youthie Plus: 

Year 7 and 8 Thursdays - 5:30pm – 6:45pm 

Iceni Youth Hub: 

Ye a r 9 a n d a b o v e T h u r s d a y s - 7 : 1 5 p m – 8 : 4 5 p m 

Staff are happy to give information, guidance 

and advice, call Sally for further details on: 

07772 852 284 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/iceniyoungpeople 

swaffhamvolunteerhub@gmail.com 

Fancy working at the library? At a care home? At 

Green Britain Centre? Somewhere else in Swaffham? 

Becoming a pledger? Newsletter 3, offering more 

volunteer opportunities in town, is now available from 

the Community Centre, museum or Town Hall. Don’t 

forget to pick up a copy or email me. That way as soon 

as something comes up you will be the first to know! 

If you want to have more information about what the 

Volunteer Hub is, please email me for a leaflet. 

9 

Community Hospital LofF 

Well Christmas is gradually creeping up on us, and 

as usual it’s a busy time for us all. Unfortunately our 

entry was omitted in the October edition, so by time 

of reading this we would have participated in the 

Health Roadshow. 

Our next major event is the Viennese Evening at The 

Assembly Rooms on November the 10th, likewise 

this would have taken place by the time this edition 

is printed, We would like to thank all who purchased 

tickets, we sold out quite early, and had a waiting 

list, so sorry to those who were disappointed not 

being able to get a ticket. 

Our next event will be a Coffee Morning at the 

Methodist Church Rooms on the 25th November 

from 9am. We will also be entering a Christmas Tree 

at St Peter and St Paul’s Church along with other 

charities. On November the 18th we will be selling 

our Christmas cards at The Assembly Rooms, Hall of 

Stalls organised by The Rotary Club. 

The League working with the hospital staff are hoping 

to arrange Christmas activities for the patients during 

the two weeks before Christmas and as usual we will 

be putting up the hospital decorations. 

As usual to contact members of the League of Friends phone Colin 

Houghton (Chairman) on 01760 336025 or Iris Reeve (Vice Chairman) 

on 01760 721430.

Green Britain Centre 

Staff and volunteers at the Green Britain Centre are 

pleased to see the building and grounds visited by local 

residents - the cafe is a good meeting place during the 

day. We are open from 9am until 4 pm, and food and 

drink is usually available. Recently, as well as opening 

daily from Monday to Saturday, we have enjoyed Friday 

evenings at GBC. The welcoming atmosphere after 

dark is accompanied by organic vegan food and drink 

- pizzas, garlic bread, baked potatoes and salad are 

examples. A quiz, an ‘Open Mic Night’ or comedians 

are ‘on the menu’ - the GBC website will tell you 

what is happening each Friday. The GBC shop stocks 

environmentally friendly household and personal 

products, and there are up to date informative books 

on our planet’s present predicament. Do come and 

see us and talk with our friendly staff. 

Swaffham Home Library Service 

The Home Library Service delivers books and audio 

books to people who are unable to get to their local 

library whether permanently or temporarily. Books 

are delivered once a month by friendly volunteers 

who have been vetted by the Royal Voluntary Service. 

If you live in Swaffham or the surrounding area and 

would like to use the Home Library Service please 

contact Swaffham library on 01760 721513. 

CHRISTMAS MENU 

– BOOK IN ADVANCE 

Make your own recycled Christmas decorations, meet the 

Holly King, join in with our festive quiz and ceilidh. 

JOIN US FOR CHRISTMAS 

AT THE GREEN BRITAIN CENTRE 

Join us at 

the members party night 9 th December 

& see in the new year 

with Paul, Hayley & friends 

11

Swaffham Rotary Club 

President’s Corner 

The Rotary Club have been busy in recent 

weeks. When I wrote my article for last 

month’s Swaffham Newsletter, we had 

held the first 2 events of our 

month-long Visual arts 

Festival, the performance of 

the play “Art” at West Acre 

Theatre and the well-attended 

talk on design by Pearce 

Marchbank. 

Subsequently there was a 

demonstration of Japanese 

Saori weaving at the Assembly 

Rooms. Saori is a style of 

weaving that allows the 

weaver to exercise their 

creativity. An audience of over 50 enjoyed a fascinating 

talk and demonstration by the Saori Shed from Diss. 

various events were well-attended, everyone seemed 

to enjoy them, and we raised over £6000 which will 

be applied for charitable purposes both locally and 

further afield. This is our best result ever for the 

Festival. Thanks are due not only to Abel Homes for 

their generous sponsorship and support, but also to 

West Acre Theatre for supporting the launch event, 

all the businesses that advertised in the Exhibition 

catalogue, the artists and craftspeople who exhibited 

their work, and everyone who came along to an event 

or bought tickets for the raffle, plus of course our 

organising Committee. 

A couple of nights later we enjoyed a screening of the 

film “The Accidental Tourist” at The Nicholas Hamond 

Academy. 

The final weekend of October saw the climax of the 

Visual Arts Festival, the annual Exhibition and Sale 

of Art and Crafts at The Assembly Rooms. We were 

pleased that our patron (and Honorary Member) Tony 

Abel was present representing our main sponsor, Abel 

Homes Ltd, and were delighted that the Mayor of 

Swaffham, Councillor Jill Skinner, another Honorary 

Member of our Club, was there to declare the 

exhibition open. 

The exhibits were generally considered to be of an 

excellent standard. Almost one-fifth of the artworks 

exhibited were sold, with more than two-fifths of the 

exhibiting artists selling at least one piece. 

Alongside the Exhibition we ran an art competition for 

local schools. The winner was Beatrice Bowen from 

The Nicholas Hamond Academy, and a few days ago 

I was delighted to be able to present her with her 

prize.The Visual Arts Festival was a great success. The 

12 

A week after the close of the Visual Arts Festival 

we held one of the major events of the Club’s year, 

our annual Charter Night. This celebrated the 48th 

anniversary of the founding of Swaffham Rotary Club, 

and was marked by a dinner at The George Hotel. After 

an excellent meal we were treated to a talk by Trevor 

Vernalls. Trevor (a relative of mine by marriage) was a 

naval and marine medic and, after being invalided out 

of the service because of injuries, became involved in 

disabled sports, in particular endurance events. He 

spoke of his participation in the first Invictus Games 

in 2014, and then kept the audience enthralled by his 

account of participating in the “Arch to Arc” endurance 

challenge, an extreme triathlon in which he and other 

disabled ex-servicemen, in teams of six, went from 

Marble Arch in London to the Arc de Triomphe in 

Paris. They ran (or propelled themselves in wheelchairs) 

from London to Dover, swam to France, then 

cycled from Calais to Paris. They were the first team 

of disabled athletes to complete this course. I think 

I am safe in saying that Trevor’s talk left us all feeling 

fascinated and full of admiration. 

Because of deadlines, I am writing this shortly 

before the Rotary Christmas Fayre at the Assembly 

Rooms. We organise this to give local charities and 

other organisations the opportunity to raise funds or 

promote their activities. I am confident that it will be 

a great success, and will report further in next month’s 

Newsletter. 

Merry Christmas to all of you, and we hope to see you 

at some of our events in the New Year. 

Bill Muir

Tai Chi 

Has been found to be beneficial for: 

Helping relieve arthritis 

Improving balance & posture 

Tones muscle 

Improve mobility 

Promoting good health, Physical and mental 

wellbeing and being fun 

Our classes are relaxed, 

friendly and fun – and a good 

way of meeting new friends… 

Contact us on: 01760 723102 

barbara.smith58@yahoo.co.uk 

Classes are at: Swaffham on Wednesdays 10.00am. 

Also Narborough on Tuesdays 1.15pm. Beginners 

Always Welcome. 

Do you need assistance with 

your daily living tasks? 

Personal care. Dressing. Meals. 

Shopping. Light domestic cleaning. 

Feeling socially isolated and 

not being able to get out? 

Night sits – waking / sleeping 

Let Phoenix Homecare help you 

We are a local based agency that believe in continuity of care 

Offering your own named carer who will assist you with 

tasks that you may be having difficulty with 

Giving you choice, respect your privacy and dignity 

If you would like to know more call us on 01760 720335 

Irene and Allison will be happy to talk to you 

Poppi 

Interiors 

T: 01760 722541 

W J CLARK & SON 

Painters and Decorators Est. 1970 

Call us today for a free quote and experience the difference. 

We offer competitive quotes on all interior and exterior jobs 

TEL: 01760 - 722511 

MOBILE: 07902 013785 or 07789 906854 

52 Filby Road, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7SX 

Bespoke Curtains, Blinds & Upholstery 

Fabrics, Curtain Poles & Tracks. 

Measuring, Design & Fitting Service 

 

13

Plowright Medical Centre 

Why not sign up for online booking and ordering 

repeat prescriptions?? 

This is a very convenient way to book an appointment 

with the Doctors. This enables you to have access to 

the online booking system at any time of the day and 

every day of the year. You can also request repeat 

prescriptions using this same system. If you are not 

signed up for online booking, then please speak to 

one of the reception team when you are next visiting 

the surgery – it’s very easy to sign up! 

Text message appointment reminders 

We can also send you text message appointment 

reminders – these will be sent to your mobile phone 

2 days before your appointment – these are proving 

very popular with our patients, and are helping to 

reduce the number of patients who do not turn up 

for their appointments. 

Unfortunately, like all other doctors surgeries we 

have too many patients who book appointments 

and then don’t arrive for them. If you have a booked 

appointment which you no longer need, please do 

call the doctors surgery and cancel the appointment, 

or alternatively if you are signed up for online booking 

you can log into the booking system and cancel the 

appointment without having to call the surgery. 

If you are not receiving text message appointment 

reminders, then please speak to our reception team 

about signing up for the service. 

Flu jabs 

If you are eligible, but haven’t been to the surgery for 

your flu jab, appointments are still available, so call 

the surgery today and book yourself an appointment. 

Christmas is on its way!!! 

With everything else we need to think about at 

Christmas, repeat prescriptions often get forgotten. 

Please remember to give the surgery plenty of 

time to process these for you – alternatively if you 

are signed up for online repeat prescriptions, log 

on and get these ordered to ensure you have your 

medications for the Christmas and New Year period. 

The surgery will be closed on Monday 25 and Tuesday 

26 December 2017 and then again on Monday 1 

January 2018. 

And finally… 

Christmas isn’t quite here yet, but all the Doctors 

and team at Plowright Medical Centre would like to 

wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and 

New Year. 

For further information please contact: Plowright 

Medical Centre, 1 Jack Boddy Way, Swaffham, Norfolk 

PE37 7HJ. Tel: 01760 722797, or Plowright Medical 

Centre, North Pickenham Road, Necton, Norfolk PE37 

8EF. Tel: 01760 441344 or visit our website www. 

plowrightmedicalcentre.co.uk 

14 

Swaffham Arts 

Christmas is coming, and we look forward to all the 

things which make this time of year special: the 

beautifully dressed shop windows, the lights in the 

trees against the dark sky, the Christmas trees with 

shiny baubles, and all the events which celebrate the 

occasion – carol services and Christmas concerts. 

Swaffham Arts will be joining in the festive mood in 

two ways; first with our Christmas Tree in the Church 

Festival, collecting for the charity called Music in 

Hospitals which pays for professional musicians to 

play to patients in hospital and residents in care 

homes; and then with an event in the Assembly 

Rooms on Sunday December 10th at 3 pm, when 

Norwich Historical Dance invite us to a “Victorian 

Christmas” with audience participation. Get into 

the Christmas spirit and come and join the dance! 

Swaffham Counselling and Psychotherapy 

Barbara O'Hanlon is now working from her private 

practice in Swaffham. For more information or an 

initial consultation contact Barbara on: 

07516 917171 / barbarann688@gmail.com 

www.swaffhamtherapy.co.uk 

INTERFIT Builders 

All forms of building 

work undertaken 

from domestic extensions 

to period refurbishments 

contact John 

on 

01760 724817 

or 

mobile 07977 235929 

ian clews is - 

Señor Momento 

supporting 

The Merle Boddy Centre, Swaffham 

and playing 

for your entertainment at 

SWAFFHAM CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH-ON 

Friday 1st December 

from 6.15pm until 7pm 

contact me on: 

T: 01760 721247 M: 07880627959 

E: iclews@btinternet.com

A Big Thank You 

To all the many people who helped me after 

a fall on the pelican crossing in Swaffham on 

Friday 27th October, thank you. Angie who 

took me into her lovely shop Synergy Nails 

& Beauty. Sue from Art For Art’s Sake. The 

people who fetched me tissues, helped me 

up and called the ambulance. Particularly 

the lady in a grey coat who was wonderfully 

kind whose name I don’t know, believe me it 

was much appreciated. Just to finish off the 

episode; the scan was OK and I was sent home 

and am now scar-less. 

Barbara White 

Pickenhams’ WI 

The meeting was opened by Carolyn 

reading a poem called “Flanders 

Field” followed by a minute’s silence. 

The reports told of a busy year with lots of 

happenings, lots of fun and several new members 

The committee was reelected and also Carolyn 

Vincent our hardworking President. Our Treasurer 

Sylvia Sexton has retired and she has been replaced 

by Mrs Kipping. 

Several members were presented with long service 

awards: 45years - Sheila Kingston Miles. 

25 years - Joan Baker, Felicity Dennis & Carol Pick. 

Kay Tracey was presented with the Mid Hood 

Competition Cup. 

The beading workshop led by Sophie Eyles produced 

some lovely bracelets made by members. 

Next Month - 60‘s Christmas Party with special 

guest Bishop Jonathon and his 60’s Music. Lots of 

fun frolics and food. Date - 19th December 2pm in 

the church. New members: contact Melanie Cousins 

01760 440456. 

Swaffham Evening WI 

The November meeting of Swaffham 

Evening WI took place at the Church 

Rooms on 1st November. 

This is our Annual general meeting where the 

outgoing committee are thanked and a new 

committee is formed. 

A new president is elected along with a Treasurer 

and a Secretary plus general committee members 

who together, ensure the the next year runs as 

smoothly as the previous one. 

Having finished with the business the rest of the 

evening was spent enjoying a Quiz and socialising 

over tea and biscuits, not forgetting the monthly 

birthday gifts and cards. 

Next month we will be having our Christmas 

celebrations ,which will be a lunch prepared by our 

members, and then Christmas is here. 

We welcome new members and visitors so if you 

are interested in learning more please contact our 

secretary on 01760 722879. 

15 

Sporle Afternoon WI 

Our December meeting is a very 

happy occasion with members inviting 

friends to share our Christmas lunch, prepared by the 

committee and served by willing members. “Santa” 

usually leaves a little gift for everyone and all together 

a happy ending to the WI year. 

The New Year starts on 16th January, the 3rd Tuesday 

of the month – the speaker will be talking on the 

subject of Hypnotherapy. We will have the sales table 

with bargains galore, a raffle of course, a poem maybe 

and tea/ coffee with biscuits or maybe cake – that’s the 

surprise! The yearly subscriptions are paid at the start 

of the year – this year £41.50 which may seem a lot but 

members benefit during the coming year with reduced 

costs on coach outings and the like. 

The list of speakers for the year looks very interesting 

with a couple of really new topics. Sporle Afternoon WI 

every 3rd Tuesday of the month 2pm (actually 1.45 to 

sign in and have a chance to check the sales table etc.) 

to 4pm. 

Beachamwell WI 

Our members are now experts in 

Christmas Wreath making after a 

demonstration by Simon White at our November 

meeting. Doubtless some of our efforts will be 

available at our Christmas Fayre on Saturday, 2nd 

December, 12-3pm, along with hand crafted items, 

festive foods and refreshments. 

December’s meeting on the 7th will feature “Merry 

Christmas”- an anthology of prose and poetry 

performed by Three’s Company. 

January sees the start of our new programme and 

there are lots of treats in store in 2018. There will 

be talks on Art Deco, fungi, woodland burials, 

a journey from Arizona to Alaska, Margaret 

Fountaine ( author of “Love among the Butterflies”) 

and one entitled “Know your Shape: enjoy your 

assets”! There will be chance to try out Bollywood 

dancing, and a demonstration of traditional tool 

sharpening. Another highlight is a celebration meal 

which is free to all members. And to celebrate the 

100th anniversary of some women first getting the 

vote, there will be a “Votes for Women” dramatic 

presentation. How is that for variety? We also run 

trips and there is a monthly craft session for those 

who are interested. 

Beachamwell WI always welcomes new members 

to our friendly and informal group. If you think you 

might be interested in joining us why not come 

along to a meeting. There is no charge for visitors. 

We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 

7:30 in Beachamwell village hall. Ring Maggie 

01366 327023 or Helen 01366 328589

Swaffham & District Lions 

Swaffham Lions supported Children 

in Need with their Pudsey’s at 

Swaffham Assembly Rooms and 

Tesco’s Swaffham Store. Pudsey is 

always a big hit with the children, 

although some very young visitors were a little 

frightened, the older generation enjoyed a cuddle 

with the famous bear. The Lions raised £492 for this 

wonderful cause. 

Swaffham Lions and Lionesses took part in the 

parade, marching to the War Memorial where they 

joined hundreds of local people for a Remembrance 

Service in Swaffham. After the parade through the 

streets of the town, Lion President Pam Tallon and 

Lionesses President Christine Haines laid a wreath. 

Following a very successful Lions Variety Show 

produced by Lion Glenda Smeed, held at the Barn 

Theatre, the Lions were able to hand over the 

proceeds of £820 to the fund for Sophie. Sophie 

Burke has a very rare condition called Ehlers Danlos 

Syndrome, which affects the connective tissue in 

the body. Through social media, Sophie has made 

contact with girls in the Midlands and Australia who 

have similar conditions and have some ideas that 

may be helpful. 

Swaffham Lions held their fourth Diabetes Awareness 

and Health Advice day on Thursday, in the Assembly 

Rooms. 

The main aim of the day was to raise public awareness 

of the real health threat that Diabetes poses. 

The Diabetes (and Awareness) Advice was provided 

by Diabetes Educator/Practitioner, Service Lead, Julie 

Widdowson NCH&C, and Anita Murphy, who covered 

a range of health issues and markers, for people living 

with and being concerned about Diabetes. Cardiac 

health was also an important aspect of the event 

and the NHS Team checked a number of people, five 

of whom were recommended to see their GP’s as 

a result. Other advice and help was available from, 

Living Independently in Later Years (LILY), Breathe 

Easy Group, Smoke Free Norfolk, (part of East Coast 

Community Health Care) and the Lions Message in a 

Bottle. 

Diabetes Awareness and help is a major focus for 

Lions Clubs International, which estimates that over 

400million people are affected by Diabetes and 

5million die from it yearly. The next Awareness Day 

will be held on the 14th November, 2018. 

Swaffham Lions teamed up with the Iceni Youth 

16 

Group to have an evening of pumpkin carving at the 

Community Centre. The 26 pumpkins were set out 

on the table for the young people to start carving 

their own design; some wearing their Halloween 

costumes. A group of helpers, under the guidance of 

Sally Palmer, ensured that there were no problems 

with the young people using knives. Lion President 

Pam Tallon had the difficult task of choosing the best 

three carved pumpkins as well as the best Halloween 

costume, the winners were presented with tubs of 

sweets in true Halloween tradition. It is planned 

by the Lions to make this an annual event. All the 

carved pumpkins will form part of the Halloween 

celebrations in Plowright Place. 

Swaffham Lions were invited to attend the Tesco 

Christmas product launch as a thank you for all the 

help and support the Lions gave in raising money for 

the Tesco charities, The 

British Heart Foundation 

and Diabetes UK. During 

the evening the Lions 

presented a cheque for 

£500 proceeds from the 

October Trolley Dash, 

making a total of £2100 

the Lions have raised 

this year for the two 

charities. 

Plowright Place Halloween 

As autumn descends on us and Christmas fast 

approaches, we were very pleased to host this year’s 

children’s Halloween event at Plowright Place. 

The children and families of Swaffham turned up in 

force to make this event a great success. 

In attendance was the Swaffham town Mayor Jill Skinner 

who judged the fancy dress competition as well as the 

pumpkin carving competition which was organised 

by Swaffham Lions and the Iceni Partnership. The 

entries being displayed on the night alongside spooky 

interactive tricks & treats in particular “Old Sparky” the 

electric chair which was new for this year and proved 

to be a big hit and a great photo opportunity. 

We would like to take time to thank the business of 

Plowright Place for their continued support and making 

this event happen as well the following Sponsors: 

Andrew Francis, Swaffham Town Council, Avant 

Homes and Swaffham Tescos; without their support 

these events wouldn’t be as successful and continue to 

grow year on year.

01760 

721 230 

Swaffham Museum 

2017 season 

Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. 

Saturdays 10am to 1pm 

Prices: adults £3. Concessions £2.Children 5 

and over £1. Family tickets available. 

Are you one of these fancy dressed 

up kids from 1947 or 48? 

Friends Outings and Events 

Celebrate Christmas with the Friends for Mulled 

Wine Party, Sunday, 10th December at Suffield 

Court. Tel: 01760 722 903. 

The 100 Club 

Run by the Friends - open to ALL 

A yearly subscription of £20 could win a prize of 

£40, £20 or £10 each month with special extra 

prize of £100 in May and November. For more 

information contact Stan Roberts Tel: 07825885254 

or stanroberts4@icloud.com 

Prize winners Oct 

£40 No.107 / £20 No.64 / £10 No.15 

If so, can you tell us about it? Was it a Hospital Week 

Carnival? Do you know any names? 

Christmas is coming to Swaffham 

Museum and Gift Shop 

Don’t forget to include the Museum in your search for 

Christmas presents. Did you know that the Museum 

Shop has lots of Christmas Gift ideas? Books, jewellery, 

jigsaws, games, new and pre-loved items - come and see 

for yourself! Or you could give a family gift card for a one 

off entry to the museum. We have lots for children to do 

Even better value - Enjoy life 

membership of The Friends of the 

Museum giving you access not only 

to free entry to the museum but 

also preferential rates on museum 

trips and events. With the Family 

Membership you, your partner 

and your children up to 16 have 

free entrance. Pick up a form from 

Museum Reception. 

Swaffham Museum, Town Hall, London Street, 

Swaffham PE37 7DQ 

Tel: 01760 721 230 

www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk 

Trending Now - visit us there for 

up-to-date news and events 

17 

Wanted – Volunteers for ‘behind the scenes’ work 

at Swaffham Museum. For more information please 

contact Steve Gregory on 01760 721230 or 755596 

FoSM (Friends of Swaffham Museum) 

We support the Museum financially. 

Our Membership Scheme is a one off Life Membership 

payment of just £10 for an individual and £15 for a 

family. This gives you free access to all the museum 

galleries for life. 

For more information please contact our Hon Chairman 

Stuart Clapton; Tel: or stuartclapton@aol.com. 

Beachamwell Local History Group 

BLHG hosted a talk on Oxburgh Hall by Roger 

Farmer on Thursday, November 9th at 7:30pm. 

Entitled “Oxburgh Hall, Past and Present , the 

talk included a brief history of the house and 

some of the people who lived there, a behind 

the scenes look at the work going on to 

preserve the house today, as well as a guide 

to the “unseen Oxburgh”, the parts visitors 

never see. The venue was Beachamwell Village 

Hall and the cost (payable at the door) was £3 

and included refreshments. This was a unique 

opportunity to find out more about one of our 

local historical gems.

Wissey U3A 

The U3A is an international movement whose aims 

are the education and stimulation of mainly retired 

members of the community or those in their ‘Third 

Age’ of life. 

The Wissey U3A has over 300 members and nearly 

30 interest groups with subjects such as Art and 

Classical Music through to Poetry and Wine 

Appreciation. For those more interested in physical 

pursuits there are activities such as Croquet in the 

Summer and Soft-ball Tennis in the Winter. 

U3A members can also play Table Tennis and Shortmat 

Bowling throughout the year. Membership is 

open to any individual who by definition is not in 

full-time gainful employment, so anyone working 

‘part-time’ can also apply for membership. Leaders 

do not have to have any formal qualifications for 

their interest activity but enthusiasm and drive to 

help and guide others is usually fairly high on their 

agenda. 

November’s speaker talked enthusiastically about 

the history of the only canal in Norfolk and the 

work being done to restore much of it by the North 

Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust. Photos depicted 

a by-gone-age when the windmills along the river 

Ant were served by horse and cart on pathways 

and then by Wherries on the canal. This ended 

when the railways were introduced to the area. 

Past presentations have included ‘Murder, Sex and 

Mayhem in Norfolk Churches’ and ‘Weather Quest’ 

which was presented by weather presenter Chris 

Bell from BBC1’s Look East. Eight members of 

the Wissey U3A recently visited Norwich Castle 

to witness a re-enactment of the ‘Blood or Bread 

Rioters’ trials of 1816. The Science and Technology 

group listened to Dr Alpar Lazer from the UEA who 

gave a fascinating presentation at the Green Britain 

Centre on ‘Sleep, what is it and what does it do?’. 

The U3A table tennis group helped to showcase 

a new table tennis facility as part of the official 

opening of the new ‘Multi-Use-Games-Area’ 

(MUGA) at Swaffham’s recreation ground. On 

18th November U3A members will have visited 

Fakenham for a one day conference on ‘True Crime’ 

when topics were: ‘A History of Poison Murder in 

the 19th Century’ and ‘Re-investigating the Mystery 

of Lord Lucan’. A First Aid course by the Red Cross 

in October which included the use of defibrillators 

there is to be another course early in 2018. For 

more information about the U3A movement, go 

to www.u3a.org.uk. To enquire about Wissey U3A 

Membership contact Ian Clews on 01760 721247. 

For information about group activities in the Wissey 

U3A contact Dave Thorogood on 01760 622751 or 

visit the Wissey Homepage at www.u3asites.org. 

uk/wissey. 

If you are a ‘Third Ager’ and may have just moved 

to the area, come along as a guest to the monthly 

meeting in January which features an interesting 

presentation entitled ‘Beneath London Streets’. 

Meetings are held in the Playing Field Pavilion at 

Holme Hale on the first Thursday of every month. 

Annual memberships cost £10 and renewals are £7 

with a small charge of £1 for admittance to each 

monthly meeting. 

Merle Boddy Centre 

We have had a bit of a change round in the garden. 

The two flower beds from our garden have been made 

into one big planter at the entrance to the building 

and they have been filled with winter pansies and 

primulas. Two of our members, John and Celia, were 

giving it their seal of approval with ideas for what to 

put in it for the summer. 

We had a lovely time sampling some wonderful 

Christmas Fayre, our thanks goes to everyone at Tesco 

for a very enjoyable evening. Tesco is always such a 

fantastic supporter to the Merle Boddy Centre with 

not only with their time and their offers of help with 

our projects. Combined with their enthusiasm and 

appreciation for the continued development of our 

centre we offer many, many thanks to all at Tesco. 

I was invited to talk to the gentlemen at the Probus 

lunch about the day service and the effects of 

dementia on the family, my thanks to everyone who 

attended and also for your kind donation. 

On the 18th November we had a cake stall at the 

Rotary Christmas Fayre, thankyou to everyone who 

made us cakes and to everyone who purchased from 

us we made the sum of £230. All of us enjoyed the 

day such a lovely atmosphere in the room, well done 

Rotary. 

Candy and Kerry from Tesco back again for one of 

our very favourite taster days, we had a wonderful 

array of cheeses much enjoyed by clients and staff. 

This day is always really looked forward to as there 

is always a new cheese to try and of course some 

all-time favourites, taste buds were really awakened 

with some of the great flavours that were on offer. 

I would like to say many thanks for inviting me to 

have a stand at the Plowright surgery it was a very 

enjoyable Saturday morning, I had some lovely 

conversations with some really nice people and to the 

lady who donated the wine, a big thank you it will be 

used for several events, also to Jane who presented 

me with a cheque for £183.26, such a great surprise. 

When the Sahara decided to play havoc with the 

weather I had the misfortune to get a puncture, 

but I then had the good fortune to meet Charlie 

Orr who stopped to help me. He changed my wheel 

and offered to buy me coffee as I had gotten really 

cold in the windy weather. This young man works 

at Swaffham Waitrose, I informed the manager to 

promote Charlie’s kindness as I know they are proud 

of their young staff. I feel in these times of hearing 

so much negative press on the young I wanted to say 

there are some very kind, caring young people as 

well. Thankyou you for taking the time to help me 

Charlie. 

Georgie Manager 

18

Abel Homes are currently working 

with an existing Swaffham Doctors 

Surgery and NHS England to deliver a 

New Medical Centre 

in Swaffham 

Target build date is 2019 and we seek expressions of interest 

for additional private rental space in the new centre. 

Typical uses could be: 

• Dental Surgery 

• Physiotherapist 

• Chiropractor 

• Chiropodist 

• Private GP 

• Osteopath 

• Optician 

• Massage Therapist 

• Orthodontist 

For further information or to express interest in leasing private space in the 

proposed new building, please contact medical@abelhomes.co.uk 

Swaffham Jazz Club 

For November we had the largest, and probably 

loudest, band yet - Swing That Thing - plus vocalist. 

A newly formed group led by trumpeter Chris Kirk 

it included alto sax, trombone (our first), keyboard, 

bass and drums. This combination produced the 

depth of a mini ‘big band’, especially with Mark 

Ferguson on keyboard providing full harmonic 

backing. Unfortunately, it rather overwhelmed 

the vocalist in the first half, but some tweaking of 

amplifiers during the break improved the balance for 

the second half. 

The highlight for me was A Foggy Day in London 

Town when trombonist, Alan Crosthwaite played 

a beautiful solo inspiring firstly Andrew Goring on 

sax, then Mark Hayes on bass to follow with two 

great solos themselves. For me, the best of Melody 

Brooker’s excellent vocals was How High the Moon. 

The ensemble finally peaked with a brilliant 

performance of Woody Herman’s At the 

Woodchopers Ball. A great evening. 

Next up is The Colin Mason Quartet with Eleanora, 

vocals and keyboard and Tap Robinson, guitar, 

Tuesday 12th December at 7.30. Swaffham 

Conservative Club, London Road. Entry £6 

Nothing in January, but we’re back in 2018 with The 

Ed Reed Trio - Guitar, Bass and Vocals, on Tuesday 

13th February, same time, same place. 

More information from Norman 01760 722384 or 

Geoff 01366 328730 

2017 Poppy Appeal 

As Poppy Appeal Organiser I would like to express 

my gratitude to anyone who helped in any way 

whatsoever with the 2017 Poppy Appeal. Let’s hope 

we can beat the 2016 total which was an incredible 

£18,533.25 for Swaffham & District. I am deeply 

grateful for your generosity. 

Our annual Remembrance Concert was very well 

attended and I think that you will agree with me that 

it was a very enjoyable evening. 

Also an excellent turnout for the Remembrance 

Day Parade and service at the War Memorial. Well 

done everybody. This was followed by an excellent 

service in the Parish Church. Our special thanks to 

Rev John Hanley for 

stepping in at very 

short notice and our 

very best wishes for 

a speedy recovery to 

Rev Janet Allan who 

had a very nasty fall 

prior to the concert. 

Anne Thorp 

Hon Poppy Appeal 

Organiser 

19

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Age Concern Swaffham & District 

As in previous years, we are decorating a tree in the Parish Church for the Christmas Tree Festival so please call 

in and take a look – from December 2nd until the 9th. There will also be an opportunity to make a donation to 

support our work! 

Our popular Hospital Buddy Service means that would still like to recruit more drivers. For those who are unaware 

about this project we aim to help those in our community who find it particularly difficult to get to medical 

appointments by providing a subsidised car service. Our volunteer drivers also when requested accompany 

clients to their appointments and ensure they understand the outcome. This service covers trips to GP Surgeries 

or to hospital. 

For those lonely people at home we also provide a Befriending Service and again if you would like to consider 

volunteering to help visit, you would be most welcome. If you live in Swaffham and don’t have a car that’s 

OK as we are able to organise local visits, which can also fit in with your own availability. Our office in the 

Campingland Community Centre is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 am to 4 pm from where 

an Information Pack for both Buddying and Befriending can be obtained. Apart from Pam on the office phone 

(07393 981 295), Barbara Lock, our Manager and our Buddy Coordinator, Clair Ensom can be contacted on 07412 

775 574 and 07393 981 290 respectively. 

Age Concern also has a regular entertainment event for our members on the last Tuesday 

each month, at 2 pm in the Assembly Rooms (in house), unless otherwise shown. Everyone 

is welcome, so just turn up. We also have a membership scheme which costs £5 per year so 

if you are interested in joining please contact our Membership Secretary, Vicky (see below). 

Upcoming events are: December 7th Thursford Spectacular, (trip out, matinee) 

January 30th, 2018 New Year Party (in house) 

Please contact John Clarke, Outings Organiser (see details below) regarding trips out. 

Chair, Diane Sanderson, 725715; Treasurer, James Dean, 720756; Trips Organiser, John 

Clarke, 720140; Membership Secretary, Vicky Slater, 627031. 

Merry Christmas 

And Best Wishes for 2018 

to all our Befriending Clients, Hospital Buddy Clients & Volunteers 

Office Hours 

9am – 4pm Monday, 

Wednesday & Friday 

07393 981295 

Email 

swaffhamsss16@ 

outlook.com

Ashill Holme Hale Gardening Club 

David Boulton says he is not a photographer but a 

naturalist with an interest in nature photography. 

Nevertheless, the photographs which supported his 

talk on ‘Wildlife in our Gardens’ were amazing. 

Despite living on a housing estate in Sprowston near 

Norwich David has planted his garden specifically 

to attract wildlife. Buddleia, Marsh Marigolds and 

Purple Loosestrife are favourites of butterflies, 

especially the handsome Peacock butterfly, while 

hoverflies enjoy French Marigolds. Single open 

flowers attract numerous insects including bees who 

love Ornamental Poppies and Cosmos in particular. 

In addition to the traditional bird feeders Pyracantha 

produces tasty berries loved by a variety of birds. 

In his front garden David has created a pond 20 

feet in diameter which at one point was home 

to 230 frogs. Where they all come from in the 

middle of a housing estate is a mystery. This in turn 

attracts the common newt which likes to dine on 

frog spawn. However, David’s main interest in the 

pond is the dragonflies and damselflies. There are 

dozens of native species including the rare Norfolk 

Hawker which David has been fortunate enough to 

photograph in his garden. But some of the most 

fascinating photographs in the presentation were 

those taken by David one night over a period of 

several hours. These were of an Emperor dragonfly, 

which was up to 3-4 inches long, emerging from the 

larva stage. Quite extraordinary! 

Finally, just to prove that you don’t have to live in the 

open countryside to witness wildlife, a beautiful fox 

posed in the garden for his (or her) photograph. 

What’s on in the next 3 months: 

Thursday 7th December - Christmas Party (Members 

only - please pre-book) 

Thursday 25th January - Ian Roofe 

‘Spring Garden Flowers’ 

Thursday 22nd February - Kathy Gray ‘Plant Hunters’ 

Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year. 

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Your local country hardware & garden store 

Open 8am - 6pm Monday - Friday & 8am - 12pm Saturday

Quality Legal Services in Swaffham 

Ward Gethin Archer offer a friendly and efficient 

service for all legal services from our long established 

offices in town 

Please contact: 

Jill Wheeler for Property Matters 

Diane Hewitt for Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers 

of Attorney 

Swaffham (01760) 721992 

We also specialise in: Personal Injury Claims, 

Company Commercial, Employment, Family 

Offices also in Chatteris, Dereham, Ely, Heacham, King’s Lynn and Watton 

01760 336029 

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CARPET 

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Looking for respite care at Christmas? 

If you’re a full-time carer, or spend a lot of time caring for 

someone, it’s important to make time for yourself, too – both 

for the sake of your own health and wellbeing and to give you 

the energy to carry on caring. 

That’s where respite care can help, particularly at times like 

Christmas. Spending time in a caring and warm environment, 

with dedicated helpers on hand can be the answer, and a way 

to give a carer that break. 

Age UK Norfolk can meet such demands with its 20-bed 

respite unit at the Grays Fair Court (GFC) centre in Norwich. 

Each comfortable apartment has en-suite facilities and its 

own 32 inch television. 

The path to respite care can be taken in two ways. First, 

through the social services system via Norfolk County Council, 

and care packages taken this way will be funded if the patient 

meets the necessary criteria. Or there is a self-funding option. 

Doris Baker, 85, of North Walsham, has been visiting the 

respite centre at Grays Fair Court in Costessey since it opened 

in 2008 after being referred by social services. Doris visits the 

respite centre regularly and spends most Christmas’ with the 

team at Grays Fair Court. “I just love it; I would be on my own 

at Christmas if I didn’t come here”.Grays Fair Court runs a 

special programme over the holiday period, with entertainers 

coming in and special Christmas meals being served. Visitors 

are welcome. There are no restrictions over the Christmas 

and New Year period. The regular GFC facilities – such as 

hairdressing salon, foot care, computer with internet access 

and library – are all available. 

To find out more about respite care at Christmas, or any other time, 

then contact Age UK Norfolk’s Grays Fair Court on 01603 594747; or 

contact Norfolk County Council on 0344 800 8020 

Free Tai Chi Taster Session 

Friday 5th January 10am at Swaffham Community Centre. 

The way we move and breath stand and walk, and even 

sit can have a positive effect on our general heath. There 

are very few of us today who do not spend much of our 

time feeling tense. The hectic pace of modern living and 

lack of exercise leaves us tired and exhausted. You need 

some form of exercise that gently and steadily relaxes 

the body, and most importantly refreshes the mind! 

Tai chi is an exercise that develops both the physical, 

mental, external and internal health of the body; it also 

achieves well-being and balance in your life! 

Call or email to save your space: academytaichi@yahoo.co.uk 

01760 723102 07587 567406 

24 

Arts Lounge Gallery & Studio 

Arts Lounge Gallery & Studio 

15 Market Place, Swaffham 01760 723624 

15 Market Place, Swaffham 01760 723624 

Acrylic & oil art lessons 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30-12.30 or 

Acrylic & oil art lessons 

1pm-4pm including all materials and equipment 

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9.30-12.30 or 

£25.00 

1pm-4pm including all materials and equipment 

£25.00 

Art workshops starting in 2018 

at Pentney Lakes, 

Art workshops starting in 2018 

once a month 10 - 4pm. 

at Pentney Lakes, 

All equipment, refreshments and lunch 

once a month 10 - 4pm. 

included. Please call to register your interest. 

All equipment, refreshments and lunch 

included. Please call to register your interest. 

Pot of Gold : Swaffham Shanty Crew 

An exciting new Swaffham based group has formed 

singing a variety of sea shanties and folk songs. 

We meet weekly to rehearse, have already built 

up a song book of over 30 titles, and so far we have 

entertained in a care home and sung to friends and family. 

If you are interested in joining us you should get in 

touch with Steve in the first instance ~ stevecprice@ 

hotmail.com. We meet Monday afternoons and look 

forward to perhaps singing with you? 

3 TOWER MEADOWS, SWAFFHAM PE37 7LT 

The team at Swaffham are 

pleased to offer: 

• Appointments to suit you 

• Cutting edge diagnostics 

• Full operating facilities 

• Emergency out of hours 

care at the premises 

• Nurse preventative 

health clinics 

• Accessible parking 

Please contact us by 

phone or email for 

more information: 

Phone: 

01760 722054 

www.swaffhamvets.co.uk 

info@swaffhamvets.co.uk 

Like us on 

Facebook for 

updates and news 

A47 

SWAFFHAM 

W Acre Rd 

OPENING HOURS: 

Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6.30pm 

Sat 9.00am - 12pm 

We provide our own out of hours 

service where you will be seen by one 

of our vets at the practice in Swaffham. 

Please phone the normal practice 

number in an emergency. 

Bear’s Lane 

Brocks Rd 

A1065 

A1065 

New Sporle Rd 

WE ARE HERE 

Tower 

Meadows 

Sporle Rd 

A47 

rd 

Orford 

r 

Rd

25 

Swaffham Lionesses - Pride Of Swaffham 

We recently had a really enjoyable social evening at 

Rasputin’s Russian Restaurant in Swaffham and had a 

lovely meal. 

Downham Grange 

State of the art, loving care in Downham Market 

Welcome to Downham Grange Care Home, a striking new 

purpose-built development in Downham Market. 

We provide meaningful person-centred exceptional care for those in 

need of residential, respite, nursing or dementia care. 

November of course means Remembrance Sunday, and 

our President Christine Haines laid the Lioness wreath at 

the War Memorial. 

We are celebrating the Lions Centennial Year this year and 

joining in the Lions Service of Thanksgiving in St. Peter & 

Paul’s Church on 26th November. 

November also means we held our Prize Bingo Night where 

we raised funds for Children in Need, and we also ran our 

Christmas Tombola Stall at the Rotary Club’s Christmas 

Fayre in the Assembly Rooms. 

Lioness Nicola Claxton will be hosting another lovely Harvest 

Supper for us at her home where we will be treated to a 4 

course meal made by Nicola using produce she has grown 

on her allotment. 

Our Christmas Tree will be in St. Peter & Paul’s Church in 

December, and as usual we will be helping the Lions with 

the Pensioners Christmas Party. We hope you all have a 

lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Swaffham Lionesses. 

BK Property Maintenance 

& Handyman Service 

Joinery & Building Works / Renovation Works 

Boasting 62 en-suite bedrooms, the home has 

been finished to the most luxurious standards, 

with extra-wide corridors, a variety of large 

spacious and comfortable lounges and dining 

rooms with kitchenette areas that help to promote 

independence and social inclusion. 

The home has been designed to meet the needs 

of people who require nursing and dementia 

care. This exciting new development meets our 

Kingsley care ethos, responding to individual 

needs and providing the highest standards of care. 

Like all Kingsley Healthcare Homes, our care is 

focused around each person’s individual needs and 

wishes. We value and respect how each person 

chooses to spend their day. 

We really want to make a difference 

to the lives of the people we care for. 

With this in mind we have built the 

home to the highest specifications, 

giving particular consideration 

to making the design and layout 

suitable for people living with a 

dementia. 

This new home will enable us to 

continue to provide high-quality 

surroundings and environment. It 

will ensure our staff deliver quality 

of service and improve the quality of 

life of our residents every day. 

Facias & Guttering / Windows & Doors 

Kitchens & Bathrooms 

Sheds, Garden Buildings & Fencing 

Log Stores & Planters / Paving & Decking 

Pressure Washer Service /Furniture Repairs 

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For a fast, friendly, reliable service please call 

Brian, today, for a no obligation quote 

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01760 723 864 

07717 337 060 

bjkhandyman@gmail.com 

Our strong ethos of person-centred care runs 

through everything we do. Our staff are all highly 

experienced and receive on-going training to make 

sure that we deliver only the very best quality care. 

The staff at Downham Grange go 

that extra mile to make the home 

feel comfortable and relaxed. We 

like Downham Grange to feel like 

a ‘home from home’. We encourage 

people to take part in the daily living 

activities as well as other ongoing 

activities that take place throughout 

the day. 

“It took me just a few 

days to feel at home 

because the staff are 

so welcoming and 

caring” 

Downham Grange Care Home 

Clackclose Road, Downham Market, 

Norfolk PE38 9PA 

Tel 01366 387054 Fax 01366 385861 

downham.manager@kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk 

www.kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk

1170-98-2SN 

The Hamond Educational Charity 

reg no: 277789 

The charity invites applications for 

financial assistance from individuals 

under the age of 21 years, living in 

the Breckland DC area particularly 

those living in or near Swaffham. 

The charity can provide assistance 

in cases of need for such things 

as books, tools, equipment, 

instruments, ouits and educational 

trips, including assistance for those 

leaving school, in preparation for 

taking up an apprenticeship or 

further education. The trustees meet 

twice a year in April and October. 

For further information 

contact the clerk by email: 

contact@hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk 

www.hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk 

DO YOU FEEL VULNERABLE OR 

ISOLATED? 

DO YOU HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES OR 

ARE YOU PRONE TO FALLS? 

DO YOU FEEL SAFE & SECURE IN 

YOUR OWN HOME? 

• Personal Alarms monitored 

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plus installation 

• Pendants can be 

worn either around 

the neck or wrist 

• Keysafes allowing 

relatives & emergency 

services access 

to your home 

• Assistive 

Technology - 

including falls 

pendants and 

smoke detectors 

Please contact 

the Careline 

Community Service 

team today on 

01553 616200 or visit 

our website www. 

careline-cs.org.uk 

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7PM, WEDNESDAY 13 TH DECEMBER 

Followed by seasonal refreshments 

CHRISTMAS EVE 

St Peter & St Paul, Swaffham 

8.00am Holy Communion 

9.30am Sung Eucharist 

4.00pm Christingle 

11.30pm Midnight Mass 

St Mary’s, Sporle 


3.30pm Carol Service 

Baptist Church, Swaffham 

10.30am Advent Service 

6.00pm Carols by Candlelight 

Methodist Church, Swaffham 

10.45am Morning Service 

4.00pm Communion Service 

Our Lady of Pity, Catholic Church, Swaffham 

8.30am Mass 

10.30am Mass 

11.30pm Midnight Mass with Carols 

CHRISTMAS DAY 

St Peter & St Paul, Swaffham 

10.00am Sung Eucharist 

St Mary’s, Sporle 


Baptist Church, Swaffham 

10.00am Morning Service 

Methodist Church, Swaffham 

9.30am Family Carol Service 

Our Lady of Pity, Catholic Church, Swaffham 

9.30am Morning Mass 

Methodist Church, Sporle 

Joining the Methodists at Swaffham 

Methodist Church, Sporle 

11.00am Carols and Communion Service

Fund Raising Walk 

I have no way of getting in touch with all those good 

people who contributed to the good causes who 

were benefiting from my walk to Gt. Yarmouth from 

Swaffham. However, I would like to let you know that 

you topped £1500! What a wonderful response, far 

more than I had envisaged. 

Most sincerely from myself and The Litcham and 

Swaffham Hospice and The Rugby Club. Thank you 

from the chap who likes walking, 

Peter Harris. 

Swaffham Camera Club 

New Members Welcome. Swaffham Camera Club 

is a thriving and growing community. Unlike 

other clubs we meet to learn from eminent 

speakers from the world of photography and to 

share our love for this growing field of interest 

both in camera and in editing. 

In November Richard Coles, r.coles1@me.com, 

presented his talk of ‘In flight’; a photographers’ 

paradise of puffins, gannets, black headed 

gulls and many other birds taken around the 

British Isles. Richard explained how he took the 

photograph, what was the best ISO, aperture, 

shutter speed, lens and position on the cliff top 

to get an amazing picture. It was such a great 

talk we hope to have him back next year to give 

us more hints and tips. 

Up until now new members with limited camera 

skills have found it difficult to understand the 

lingo of photography during our meetings. 

The lingo is a whole new world and just as 

complicated to understand! As a club we realise 

this is daunting for some. In a bid to make this 

jargon less daunting Swaffham Camera Club is 

offering a ‘how to session’ from 6:30 - 7:15 on 

the first Wednesday of the month. This will 

begin February 2018. If you are interested in 

attending please see contact details below as 

space is limited. 

Swaffham Camera Club meets the first and third 

Wednesday of each month. The first Wednesday 

of the month is a speaker or a hints and tips 

evening and the third Wednesday is competition 

night. Scary as it sounds its a fab evening with 

great photographs and sharing in how to improve 

our photographs or not! Cost is £20/year (possible 

to change at the next AGM in March) with a £3 

members fee each Wednesday we attend. We 

look forward to meeting new members in the New 

Year. For further information please contact: Susi 

Hancock at thereflexologystudio@hotmail.co.uk 

28 

building better families 

Living Independently 

in Later Years 

Information for Older People 

Living in West Norfolk 

Telephone information line 

LILY Advisor Home visits 

Swaffham 

Branch 

01760 

725801 

http://www.family-action.org.uk 

Online directory 

Community locations 

Available online at www.asklily.org.uk 

or by calling 01553 616200 

2049-5-1C

Beachamwell WI 

Christmas 

Fayre 

The Peddars Inn 

70 The Street, 

Sporle PE32 2DR 

01760 788 101 

Saturday 2 nd December 

12 noon – 3pm 

Beachamwell Village Hall 

Crafts, gifts, festive foods 

Pop up café 

Come for lunch ! 

Open for lunches, dinners & Sunday Roast 

in our conservatory and dining room. 

Visit our website to see our menus: 

www.thepeddarsinn.com 

email: info@thepeddarsinn.com 

facebook.com/thepeddarsinn 

Family (& dog) friendly Welcoming free wi-fi log welcoming fire Locally open sourced log food 

fire 

What’s On In December 

Friday 11th April - 8.30pm - Live Music 

Sat 9th Dec - Christmas light switch on at Priory Cottage with music 

‘Vicky’ singing with Ed 60’s & Laura to From the 6pmcurrent day 

Fri 15th Dec - Grand Christmas Quiz - 7.30pm start - 

teams 

Friday 

of up 

18th 

to 6 people. 

April 

Raising 

- 7.30pm 

funds for a 

- 

village 

Quiz 

defibrillator 

Night 

Christmas Eve - Candlelit supper from 6pm - 

Raising funds 

pre booking 

for The 

with pre 

Benjamin 

order required 

Foundation 

New Years Eve - Party night! - Pre-booked meals from 6pm - 9pm 

Friday 25th 

followed 

April 

by 

- 

a 

7.30pm 

disco to see in 

- 

the 

Disco 

New Year! 

& Barbecue 

Peddars Inn - 2 course £16.95, 3 courses £19.95. 

60’s, Motown, Soul 

There is still time to host your Christmas meal for friends and family at The 

(From 1st Dec - 23rd Dec - pre booking only) 

Wood Burners & Multi Fuel Stoves 

Professional HETAS Registered Installers 

Chimney Liners & Fireplace Re-construction 

Tel: 01760 788 407 

info@stovesman.co.uk 

www.stovesman.co.uk

Swaffham History Group 

As the card says, season’s greetings to all readers 

of the Newsletter. 

This particular card (purchased via a well known 

auction site) does have a special link with Swaffham 

- and was advertised as “Roses in Swaffham”. 

It has a very clear postmark on the rear, showing 

it was posted in the town at 6.45pm on the 23rd 

December 1909. 

The message, addressed to someone in Bury 

St.Edmunds reads ‘hope to be home tomorrow by 

normal train”. Obviously the sender was confident 

that it would be delivered by the following morning! 

Our researches into post office services in the 

town show that there was a regular collection 

at 7pm each evening so obviously people moved 

faster those days than our present system! 

Our December meeting will be restricted to 

present members of the Group and we hope to 

welcome new members from January 1918. 

Have a pleasant festive season, however it is spent. 

Rainbow Community Choir 

On Saturday, 16 December 2017 we will be joining in 

a concert with Downham Market’s community choir, 

Singers Inspired, and Barton Mills ladies chorus 

Anglian Accents. We will be singing a selection of 

festive numbers and songs of differing styles from 

around the world. 

We’ll be at the Methodist Church, Paradise Road, 

Downham Market, PE38 9JE from 4.30--6.30 pm. 

There’s plenty of parking so come and join us. 

Maybe even take in a bit of Christmas shopping in 

Downham beforehand. 

Tickets are £6.00 which includes mince pies and 

refreshments. All proceeds to Big C, Norfolk’s cancer 

charity since 1980. 

Talking of charity, we recently had fun raising money 

for Children in Need and have now donated £56.62 

by choosing our favourite songs. Thanks for Joyce 

providing the raffle and others for donations of cup 

cakes and chocolates. 

We meet term time on a Thursday at 7.30pm at 

Swaffham Community Centre and we’d love you to 

join us. If you’re interested you should have a look 

at our website www.rainbowcommunitychoir.org.uk 

where we have recordings of some of our music or 

visit our Facebook page, you can also contact: 

Alan: 01760 724308 or Anthea : 01760 336313 

Playing Field Calls Out For Votes 

Myers Playing Field Trust is bidding to bag a massive 

cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative. 

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its 

community funding scheme, which sees grants of 

£4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 – raised from carrier 

bag sales in Tesco stores - being awarded to local 

community projects. 

Three groups in every Tesco region have been 

shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers 

are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote 

for who they think should take away the top grant. 

Myers Playing Field Trust is one of the groups on this 

months shortlist. 

Myers Playing Field is a 6 acre site situated along 

Shoemakers Lane, adjoining Swaffham Football Club. 

It was donated to the Town by Frederick Myers in 

1952 for the “health, well-being and recreation of the 

inhabitants of the Parish of Swaffham” and since then 

has been used by various sporting groups including 

Cricket, Hockey, Football and Bowls. Much of the daily 

maintenance is carried out by the three groups who 

still use it on a regular basis but the Trust is responsible 

for major expenses and has to charge these Sports 

Clubs for the use of the field. With increasing annual 

costs, the Trust has struggled to raise the funds for 

some major boundary works requiring over £2000, 

and are always looking for sponsors and grants to 

help to pay for the upkeep of the site. 

Eric Nye, a current Trustee said “Over the last 65 

years there must have been thousands of Swaffham 

residents who have used the field, and all we ask 

is that some of them go to Tesco and vote for our 

scheme over the Christmas period. This is a chance to 

raise some much needed funds which will help keep 

the Myers Playing Field in good condition for many 

years.” 

Voting is open in Swaffham’s Tesco store throughout 

November and December. Customers will cast their 

vote using a token given to them at the check-out in 

store each time they shop. 

Tesco’s Bags of Help initiative is supported by money 

raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores and has 

already delivered over £36 million to nearly 8,000 

projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get 

the chance to vote for one of three different groups 

every time they shop. A good result in the Swaffham 

vote would mean that the hedge on the boundary 

can be reduced by a significant amount which will 

reduce the future maintenance costs and release 

funds for other important improvements. The field is 

currently used by over 300 people on a regular basis 

throughout the year with ages ranging from 6 to 80! 

As one of a few open spaces available to residents of 

Swaffham to use throughout the year, the field is not 

only used by the three Sports Clubs, but also by local 

schools as well as personnel and their families from 

RAF Marham. 

30


2nd December – 9th December 

St. Peter & St. Paul Church, Swaffham 

The countdown is on for our seventh 


Starting on Saturday 2nd December 

and ending on Saturday 9th December 

Refreshments will be served every day 

With 29 trees decorated by 

local charities and schools 

Please come along to visit 

our wonderful Church and 

see all the lovely trees 

Open every day 10am – 4pm 

Sunday 11am – 4pm 

ADMISSION FREE 

Everyone very welcome including dogs 

For more details call 

Gill Creed on 

01760 721237/724559 

From the Mayor’s Parlour 

What a busy but enjoyable month October has 

been. It was a privilege to open the Arts Festival 

organised by Swaffham Rotary Club and attend some of 

their events. 

Rotary to me signifies people who give of their time to help 

the town and other outside charities whilst at the same 

time enjoying themselves; many thanks to you all! 

The problem with pollution and traffic is ongoing and will 

be until investigations are completed. The County Council 

and Breckland are taking the lead on this although they 

have requested input from the town. I am on the traffic 

group and will make sure our views are taken forward. 

We have also made inroads into combining and considering 

shared concerns with Watton, Swaffham and the Iceni and 

Wayland Partnerships. It is hoped by doing this we can take 

forward ideas to enhance both towns, we are of a similar 

size and it was felt that by working together our voice would 

be greater. The first project which is being looked at this 

week is to apply for a grant to improve the Peddars Way 

and hence make it more of a tourist attraction. Another 

thought was for a shared project manager but that would 

have to be discussed by both councils. 

A night out to enjoy was The Swaffham Players. This was a 

difficult play to perform but done with its usual aplomb and 

plenty of laughs. It would be wonderful if these events were 

enjoyed by more. 

Halloween in the precinct was a lovely event. It was 

wonderful to see both adults and children dressed up 

and having a really fun time. Thank you to all those who 

contributed. 

Now the festive season is upon us, I do hope that you 

enjoyed the Christmas switch on and life isn’t too hectic! 

Best wishes, Jill 

Christmas Lights & Market Event 

Friday 1st December 2017 

The Market Place, Swaffham 

Craft and food stalls and indoor market, fun fair, 

Santa and his real reindeer, children’s choir from 

Swaffham Junior and Sacred Heart Schools, steam 

organ, Oasis Church Band & Singers, songs by Ian 

Clews and The Fakenham Town Band. 

Christmas Market and music starts at 2pm - 8pm. 

Christmas Lights Switch-On at 6pm. Santa will be 

in his grotto for 

children to visit 

from 2.30pm 

in Arts Lounge 

Gallery. 

31

In Touch With Your Town 

‘In Touch with your Town’ is 

put together by the Town Clerk 

Richard Bishop or occasionally 

by the Deputy Town Clerk 

Claire Smith. It deals with some 

of the most topical items of the day 

and the odd item where the Council want to share 

information with the Town. 

Footpath Registration 

Thank you to all who have helped the Town Council 

to start the process of registering part of a disused 

railway track from Sporle Road through to Norwich 

Road, as a Public Footpath. Your evidence forms will 

be invaluable. The situation is on-going, as stated 

previous the process won’t be quick, but we will keep 

you informed through the Swaffham Newsletter. 

The registration process will take many months, 

sometimes more than a year, depending on whether 

matters are disputed or not. This one does not look 

to be straight forward, but the Town Council really do 

appreciate the support that they have had to date. 

Ducks – Update… 

The Town Council are employing the services of 

contractors to reduce the numbers of ducks in 

the town and taking advice from Natural England 

who are the regulators. This has never been about 

removing all the ducks, just about controlling the 

numbers, particularly in the nesting season. This 

subject continues to produce correspondence for and 

against the ducks, with the most common reaction 

being to accuse the Town Council of doing nothing, 

from both sides of the fence. It is always going to 

be one of those issues where the Council will be 

damned if they do, and damned if they don’t. In the 

meantime, the message remains the same from the 

Town Council on behalf of the residents plagued by 

‘duck poo’ on pavements and in gardens, please don’t 

feed the ducks around the town, as this is making the 

problem worse. It is not fair that resident’s lives are 

being made a misery by those people who choose to 

feed the ducks. 

Neighbourhood Plan 

There have been some changes since last month that 

will hopefully move the Neighbourhood Plan process 

forwards in the coming months, with the aim of 

completion at some point in 2018. The Town Council 

have decided to change their consultants, which 

has caused a little disruption and delay, whilst our 

new consultant Rachel Leggett gets up to date, and 

works out a way to Project Manage the last leg of our 

Neighbourhood Plan. The planned plenary meeting 

32 

for 23rd November was cancelled at short notice, 

and there will be a revised schedule published early 

in the new-year, as soon as this is agreed. There is a 

review going on at present, as it is important to draw 

together all the issues and data collected to date 

within the five Working Groups as each group have 

produced their report, from the General Survey and 

from Workshops held in the Summer. The next part 

of the process will be driven forward by a Steering 

Group, where representatives of each Group have 

come together for the final push through to the end. 

A final draft will not be ready before the middle of 

2018, there will be an independent examination and 

after that a Town referendum. As only a majority 

vote endorsing the Neighbourhood Plan will give 

it the legal clout it needs, as it will become part of 

Planning Policy for our Planning authority Breckland 

Council to adhere to. 

Breckland Market Towns Initiative 

The Town Council have received a briefing on the 

Breckland Market Towns Initiative and what this 

can mean for the town. At present there is further 

discussion to take place on which type of projects 

would fit their criteria, and how best Breckland can 

work with each of the five Market Towns, not just 

Swaffham. The scheme will be delivered over a threeyear 

period. 

Swaffham Network Improvement 

Strategy & Air Quality 

The start of our Highway ‘Network Improvement 

Strategy’ from our County Council, has been delayed 

while meetings for the Air Quality Management 

Area are concluded, as there will be a consultation 

event in mid-January which will look at 20+ potential 

policies designed to improve air quality. Many of 

the potential solutions identified to date, could 

form the majority of what may be achieved as part 

of the Network Improvement Strategy. The strategy 

is to look carefully at how Swaffham is growing, 

with development in the pipeline and to see if the 

road network is fit for purpose. There will be a local 

workshop, and the date has not yet been confirmed, 

but do keep an eye out for this event. 

Swaffham In Bloom 

Well Deserved Recognition For Swaffham’s ESCAPE 

Project. Family Action’s ESCAPE Project has been 

awarded Best Garden for Special Needs in the six 

counties Anglia in Bloom region covers: Bedfordshire, 

Cambridgeshire, Essex, Herordshire, Norfolk and 

Suffolk. Swaffham Town Councillor Brenda Bowler 

and Town Council Works Manager Graham West 

attended the ceremony in Gorleston-on-Sea last 

month. Cllr Bowler said, “I was trembling with

pride when I went up to accept the award bowl on 

behalf of the project”. Handing over the bowl to 

project leaders Karen Bek and Katy Fullilove at the 

Tumbler Hill allotment where the ESCAPE Project is 

based, Cllr Bowler added “Swaffham is leading the 

way in promoting well-being for all our community 

whatever their background or ability”. Handing over 

a certificate for the Garden for Special Needs, Iceni 

Partnership’s Community Liaison Officer commented 

“The judges were not only impressed with the work 

at the Tumbler Hill site but with the collaborative 

work done at the Green Britain Centre and the wider 

community. The project is very resourceful at not 

only getting funding but getting best value for money 

out of the money they do have”. Interested in joining 

in at the ESCAPE project or volunteering to help? 

Telephone Karen or Katy on 01760 725 801. 

The Town itself received a Silver Gilt Award for their 

collective effort in the 6,001 – 12,000 Town category, 

and Suffield Court received a Commendation on 

their entry in the Sheltered Housing/Care Home 

Garden section. All in all, the entries from Swaffham 

did us proud once more, well done to the Town 

Team for putting together the entry porolio and coordinating 

the volunteers. 

Sheep Fair – save the date 

The Town Council are looking to have a Sheep Fair 

in 2018, with May 27th as the possible date. The 

Council are in discussion with Fabian Eagle and more 

details will be released in the new-year. 

Highway problems 

Highway problems should be reported to Norfolk 

County Council: Tel. 0344 800 8020. 

Give the location of the problem and a telephone 

number where further information can be obtained. 

Faulty street lights can be reported at the Town Hall 

during office hours or by telephoning Norfolk County 

Council 0344 800 8020. 

Reports should give a precise location of the light 

and the number on the column. 

Alternatively visit www.norfolk.gov.uk. 

Search: Street Lights/Pot Holes 

Town Council Dates 

Wednesday 13th - Full Town Council meeting 

6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. 

Monday 18th – Market Committee 

6.30pm 8.30pm 

Tuesday 19th - Planning Committee 

12 noon 

All at Council Chamber, Town Hall 

33 

The Town Council 

Mayor – Cllr Jill Skinner 01760 336 121 

Deputy Mayor – Cllr Colin Houghton 01760 336 025 

Cllr Steven Allen 

Cllr Terry Jennison 

07825 801 605 

01760 720 608 

Cllr Robert Bartram 

Cllr Sheila Lister 

01760 721 022 

01760 720 114 

Cllr Wendy Bensley 

Cllr Shirley Matthews 

01760 722 524 

01760 723 205 

Cllr Brenda Bowler 

Cllr Les Scott 

01760 788 519 

01760 720 465 

Cllr Jan Buckley-Stevens 

Cll Anne Thorp 

01760 722 604 

01760 722 611 

Cllr Paul Darby 

01760 622725 

Breckland Councillors: 

Cllr Paul Darby, Cllr Shirley Matthews and 

Cllr Ian Sherwood 01760 725 550 

twitter@ CllrIanSherwood (your.cllr@breckland.gov.uk) 

Your County Councillor is Cllr Ed Colman 

01362 697 397 / email ed.colman.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk 

Officers 

Richard Bishop – Town Clerk 

townclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk 

Twitter - @SwaffhamClerk 

Claire Smith - Deputy Town Clerk 

deputyclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk 

Hannah Duggan – Office Administrator 

administrator@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk 

Swaffham Town Council 

Tel: 01760 722 922 

www.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk 

Town Hall Opening Times 

Monday 9.30am-1pm and 1.30pm-4pm 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday : 9:30am-1pm 

Swaffham Relief in Need Charity 

Registered Charity No. 1072912 

Relief in Need is a Registered Charity which meets 6 

times a year, offering grants for a specific purpose for 

the relief of persons resident in the area of benefit 

(i.e. Swaffham) who are in need, hardship or distress. 

Application Forms are available from the Town Hall 

or reliefinneed@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk 

Agencies at Swaffham Town Hall 

Swaffham Museum Gift Shop & Tourist 

Information Centre Open: Mon-Fri, 10am – 4pm 

& Sat 10am - 1pm 01760 721230 

Breckland Council Room 1: Open 9am – 1pm & 1:30pm 

- 4pm every Monday. 9:30am – 1pm every Tuesday, 

Thursday & Friday. Council Tax & benefit enquires.

Mind, Body & Spirit 

Well December is now well and truly here and 

the usual rush for those that can afford it to 

spend lots of money on Christmas presents, 

send cards and buy vast quantities of foods is in 

full flight! 

I would like to say a few things about a subject 

I’m currently studying with ‘Landmark’, it’s 

called Mindfulness. To pay attention….. 

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in 

the moment. The opposite of mindfulness is 

unconsciousness; living life without realising and 

being unaware of responding to the surrounding 

environment. 

One of the primary aims of Yoga is to restore 

the mind to peace, presence and simplicity, thus 

freeing ourselves from confusion and distress. 

The act of practising yoga, while being mindful 

of what’s happening right now, can help us 

physiologically, energetically, mentally and 

emotionally. Our stress begins to evaporate as 

soon as we pay attention to our breath and allow 

it to slow down. Let’s take your yoga off the mat 

and into our life outside the yoga studio. 

There is so much we can do to practice 

mindfulness in our everyday life. We can, do very 

much the same things we always do; walking, 

sitting, working, waiting and eating, except we 

learn to do them with the awareness of what 

we are doing. Next time you go for a walk try to 

synchronise your breathing with your footsteps. 

Exhale for four. Inhale for four. While eating, 

slow down. Taste and chew each mouthful after 

putting your cutlery down. A few times during 

dinner, ask yourself “Am I full”? “Do I need more 

or am I just eating because it’s on my plate”? 

When reading a book, stop at the end of the 

page and ask yourself. “What did I just read”? 

Can you remember? 

Did you smell the flowers today? How good is 

it to stop and pick up that beautiful bloom and 

sniff it. When I’m walking with Gran she would 

often say, how beautiful the blossoms were and 

how they had this amazing aroma, that we could 

always smell when walking passed. 

Multitasking has influence on your mind too; 

instead try to do one task at a time. Do that one 

task super good and move on to the next. 

Working at keeping the mind positive can help 

you see the beauty that surrounds you; replace 

negative thoughts with positive thoughts, hatred 

with love, greed with generosity. Replace a 

frown with a smile. If you don’t feel like smiling, 

“fake it, until you make it”. It really works, try it! 

How unconscious are you of what’s going on, 

as you move through your life’s daily tasks and 

routines. 

At one stage I became so unconscious, I would 

come in from work, sit down put the television 

on and be drawn into a fictional soap drama that 

had absolutely no reality whatsoever. It became 

a routine I unconsciously did without hesitation. 

Today I live my life, incidentally without a 

television, and enjoy it to the full. Ever mindful 

of my surroundings and enjoying the now. 

Thank you everyone for reading and attending 

our various events and have a December. 

Swaffham Spiritual Awareness Group 

Steve at Spiritual Flow 

Meets in the Community Centre, 

Beech Close, Campingland, Swaffham 

at 6.30pm. 

10th December, Penny Francis, Saham Hills 

We offer healing from 5.30pm prior to our Sunday services 

Our trained healers can help with various types of pain and tension from 

stress. This service is free although donations are gratefully received 

34

Even ironing! 

Tracy 01362 820 966 

Caroline 01953 882 154 

Mobile 07849 652 713 

PAWSOUTDOORS 

Qualified Animal Behaviourist & Dog Walker 

Elizabeth Devery AHCP IAABC CAPBT 

Professional treatment 

for animals suffering from 

separation anxiety, dominance, 

nervousness and aggression. 

Dog walking provided whilst 

owners at work. 

ARDEN GRANGE pet food supplied 

and free delivery to your door. 

01366 328 780 

07767 708 933 

pawsoutdoors42@outlook.com

Make more of 

your visit and enjoy 

delicious home-made 

delights in our 

Downham Market 

Homestore Café 

From gifts to toys, furniture to finishing touches, you’ll find 

everything you and your home needs at Reeds. 

reedshomestore.co.uk | find us on facebook 

Reeds Homestore | Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS | 01366 382213 

Reeds Furniture & Bed Centre | Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX | 01353 669754 

Reeds Toy Store | Unit 7 Wales Court, Downham Market PE38 9JZ | 01366 383429

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