Swaffham Newsletter

newslet ter 

January 2018 

SWAFFHAM 

Community Fridge 

is up and running 

after grand unveiling! 

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. 

Deadline for editorial and advertising is the 

12th day of the previous month. 

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. 

Contents 

4 Upcoming Events / Regular Events 

6 School Speak 

8 Church News 

9 Community Hospital LofF 

11 Green Britain Centre 

12 Rotary & WI 

14 Swaffham Arts 

16 Swaffham & District Lions 

18 Wissey U3A/Merle Boddy Centre 

19 Swaffham Jazz Club/WEA 

21 Age Concern 

22 Ashill & Holme Hale Gardening Club 

25 Silver Social 

27 Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice/Twinning 

30 Swaffham History Group/Rainbow Choir 

31 Mayor’s Parlour 

32 Swaffham Town Council 

34 Mind, Body & Spirit 

Great Get Together 

To celebrate The Great ‘Mince Pie’ Get Together, the 

Iceni Partnership, Swaffham Children’s Centre and 

the Teenie Icenies Nursery promoted a fun activity 

morning in Swaffham Community Centre. 

Attended by parents/carers and dozens of young 

children ranging in age from 12 weeks to a great 

grandfather of 68 years. Play involved colouring, 

sticking, Christmas Tree decorating, singing, banging 

drums and symbols very loudly and generally having 

fun. It is hoped that similar events will be repeated in 

2018 with the three organisations promoting events 

in the Community Centre for those families with a 

child 0 to 8 years of age, all dates and times will be 

published in the Swaffham Newsletter. 

1 

Swaffham Community Fridge 

Swaffham now has its own Community Fridge 

based in Swaffham Community Centre. The 

industrial specification fridge has been purchased 

by Breckland Council 

who are working with 

other agencies to cut 

down on food waste. 

It is estimated the 

UK wastes 15 million 

tonnes in the whole 

food chain each 

year, 60% of which is 

avoidable. 

Swaffham Community 

Fridge is a service 

which tries to avoid 

food waste. The food in the fridge may not be up to a 

retailer’s standard of appearance, may have passed 

stock control, best before date, or may just be surplus 

to requirements. All the food is still nutritious and 

safe to eat. All the food is stored correctly and stock 

control measures are adhered to. 

Swaffham Community Fridge is for all and is not a 

charity; the aim is to lessen costly landfill and help 

the environment. Open Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm. 

SWAFFHAM 

A simple solution to wasting less through 

the sharing of good quality food. 

Iceni Partnership 

Community Centre, The Campingland, 

Swaffham, PE37 7RB

Upcoming Events 

Art Classes 

Arts Lounge Gallery, 15 Market Place, Swaffham 01760 723624 

Full day art class, 10-4pm in the lovely setting of Pentney Lakes in one of the 

lodges starting Saturday 31st March 2018. All materials, equipment, refreshments 

and lunch included in the cost of £80 per person. Bookings now being taken and 

vouchers are also available. Visit the gallery or call to book. 

Acrylic and oil art lessons every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for beginners and 

refreshers. Its up to you when you want to attend, either 9.30-1230 or 1pm-4pm. 

All materials and equipment supplied, also refreshments included. Limited places 

so book early, vouchers also available. 01760 723624 

Breckland Astronomical Society Meeting 

Friday 12th January 2018 from 19:30pm to 21:30pm, Great Ellingham Recreation 

Centre, Watton Road, Great Ellingham, NR17 1HZ, East of England 

Everyone is invited to join members of Breckland Astronomical Society for this one 

of their regular monthly meetings. A varied programme of talks and presentations 

is offered throughout the season with the opportunity to stargaze after the 

meetings if weather permits. 

Breckland Flora Talk 

Wednesday 10 January, 7:30 - 9:30pm, Watton Christian Community Centre, High 

Street, Watton IP25 6AB. Jo Jones will give a talk on the work of the Breckland Flora 

Group, a team who help sustain the unique and nationally important plants of the 

Breckland Area. £2 NWT members, £3 non-members, including refreshments 

East Lexham Snowdrop Walk 

Sunday 11th February 2018 in aid of 2 rural churches, St Andrews, East Lexham 

and All Saints, Litcham. Sunday 18th February 2018 in aid of the Norfolk & Norwich 

Association for the Blind. 11am – 4pm. Adults 6.00 each, children under 16 free. 

Dogs on leads. Homemade refreshments. Plants for sale. 

Nar Valley Ornithological Society (NarVOS) 

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

School Mike Crewe ‘Cape May’. English naturalist having spent six years working at 

the famous New Jersey bird observatory. £2 non-members. 

Contact Ian Black on 01760 724092 

New to Norfolk Exhibition 

Customs House, Purfleet Quay, King’s Lynn PE30 1HP 1 December 2017 to 28 

February 2018. This exhibition represents photographer Simon Bratt’s fresh view of 

Norfolk after living in the county for just one year. 

Simon’s photographs are inspired by the diversity of the countryside. He said: 

“Having lived through one year’s seasons, fully immersed in Norfolk life, it has not 

disappointed one iota, and we love it here. I love the distant views that hedge-free 

arable farming allows and the endless and ever-changing big skies. 

The numerous vast swathes of golden sandy beaches are breathtaking. Each day 

begins with a sense of adventure and impatience as I spend time researching, 

location planning and shortlisting where to explore to best capture the essence 

of Norfolk in photography. I hope my images will do justice to the unique and 

attractive scenery of this beautiful county”. 

Tai Chi Taster Session - free! 

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 

Westacre Theatre 

On Stage Andante Live present BLOWIN’ IN THE WIND: Songs of Peace, Protest 

and Love with talented couple VEE SWEENEY and MARK ROWSON who play 16 

instruments between them! Fri 16 Feb at 7:30pm £16. Optional pre-performance 

Supper £18 available for advance booking. 

On Stage THE GARDEN GATE IS OPEN – 90 years of the National Garden Scheme: 

Julia Stafford Allen presents an illustrated talk on garden visiting, how the NGS was 

formed in 1927 and how it has developed in its 90 years. Concludes with a slide 

show of gardens open in 2018. Wed 28 Feb at 2pm £10 includes tea and cake 

afterwards. 

Live Screening RSC Live! TWELFTH NIGHT by William Shakespeare starring Kara 

Tointon and Adrian Edmondson. Wed 14 Feb at 7pm £15. Optional very special St 

Valentine’s Supper available for pre-booking £25. 

On Screen Wednesday Flicks all at 2pm £8 with optional pre-booked lunch available 

DUNKIRK (PG) starring Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and Mark Rylance on Wed 7 

Feb. GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (15) starring Josh O’Connor, Harry Lister Smith and 

Gemma Jones on Wed 21 Feb. 

www.westacretheatre.com 01760 755800 

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 

Argentine Tango Convent of the Sacred Heart School, 7.30-9.30pm Class and 

Práctica £12 per person. 01760 336410 - 07964 586120 www.navarretango.co.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 

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 

Labour Party - Swaffham & District Branch 

Meeting second Wednesday in January at Community Centre 

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. 

4 

5

For years 6, 7 & 8 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, 

eyes-down 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 

Sacred Heart School 

Prize giving at Sacred Heart School 

The prizegiving was a great success, although not 

without a few mishaps but that is the wonderful 

thing about this school everyone just rises to 

challenges. Someone fainted during the choir’s 

‘Peace Song,’ but they were soon back in the swing 

of their moving piece. Our Head Girl was not well 

just before delivering her meaningful speech but her 

Deputy calmly took over. Congratulations to both 

Aurelia and Emily over such a smooth transition. 

Dame Stella Rimington gave a very moving speech 

reflecting on the difficulties of being a woman in a 

man’s world and how we take so much for granted 

nowadays. She battled from 16 to move out of 

societies’ image of a woman who should only be at 

home with her children, and later in her career, the 

woman who was only allowed to do the secretarial 

work – not the real job of being a spy. She signed 

many of her books, her autobiography and her many 

spy novels. She did comment that she had a really 

interesting and entertaining evening. 

Our prizegiving was not at all stuffy. 

We congratulate all those who were awarded 

trophies and hope that next year others will receive 

them. It was good to see Year 12 and hear of their 

successes. They were all smartly dressed and eager 

to rekindle old friendships with staff, pupils and their 

former peers. The Headteacher’s and Head Girl’s 

thoughts will be posted on the website. 

A special thank you to all the staff who made this a 

very special evening. 

Fight To Save Historic Village Pub 

Beeston locals continue fight to save historic village 

pub from redevelopment. 

Over half the cash needed to buy The Ploughshare 

has now been secured, with a new fundraising drive 

planned for 2018. 

Campaigners in mid-Norfolk have been taking stock of 

their achievements 18 months on from a unanimous 

resolution to save Beeston’s last remaining pub, The 

Ploughshare. More than £150,000 has now been 

raised towards buying the building, which dates 

back to 1620, and re-opening the pub which closed 

its doors in early 2016. 

The Ploughshare’s current owner is pursuing planning 

permission to build three houses on the historic 

village site. The latest application was rejected in 

August, but the pub’s beer garden has already been 

lost to housing. Campaigners have since acquired 

Asset of Community Value status for the building 

from Breckland Council, which puts restrictions on 

further development. 

A group of villagers have formed Beeston Community 

Enterprises as the vehicle to raise money to buy the 

pub and re-open it, along with a café, small shop and 

other services for residents. Last year’s share offer, 

where members of the public could buy a share of the 

pub for as little as £50, raised over £70,000 and the 

efforts of the management committee have secured 

another £80,000 in funding from organisations 

including the Plunkett Foundation. 

Members at the group’s AGM in November made it 

clear that support for the campaign is still strong and 

another share offer will be launched in early spring 

2018 to help raise the additional £150,000 required 

to buy the pub. 

Henry Dennett, chair of the management committee 

said, “Village pubs offer a vital focus to rural village 

life and this is the last opportunity to save ours 

before it’s permanently lost. We’ve come a long way 

in a short space of time, but there’s still more to do. 

With the local community’s support, next year’s 

fundraiser will be the final push which allows us to 

buy and re-open the pub for the people of Beeston.” 

Steve Hollis, management committee member, added 

“This project is about bringing everyone together to 

do something amazing for Beeston residents, current 

and future. But, we can only succeed if local people 

get involved by buying shares or helping out with the 

campaign.” 

For more information on the “Save the Ploughshare” 

project or to offer your support, please 

visit our website at www.beestonploughshare.com 

or find us on social media by searching 

@The_Ploughshare. 

Volunteers Needed For Befriending 

Action for children’s norfolk independent visitor 

service is looking for volunteers to befriend 

young people in care to give them a chance to 

learn how to build positive relationships. 

Positive, young-at-heart role model volunteers 

are needed to make a long term difference to 

the lives of young people in care throughout 

Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. 

Tracey Kean, of the charity’s Norfolk 

Independent Visitor Service, said: “These 

children have suffered abuse, neglect and often 

both. 

Our service helps give them the opportunity 

to experience positive relationships which 

hopefully will give them a chance to build a 

positive life for themselves. 

We usually help youngsters up to the age of 22 

but sometimes these friendships can last a lot 

longer. In the case of our most successful story 

the young woman is now 33, with a child of 

her own, and her volunteer, who was teamed 

up with her when she was just 11, is still very 

much in her life. 

Many of these young people have 

understandably learnt to mistrust adults and 

life in general. The Independent Visitor Service 

aims to give them back a sense of trust and also 

learn how to have good relationships for life. 

It can make a really big difference to their 

lives.” 

Volunteers might take them out for trips like 

bowling, cinema, beach trips, dog walks and 

meals and are strictly vetted with police checks 

and a series of interviews. 

• Volunteers must be over the age of 21. 

• Age is not a barrier, the oldest volunteer is 

currently a man in his 60s. It’s more important 

to have a friendly, positive and youthful 

outlook. 

• Volunteers must commit to at least two 

years. 

• Volunteers must be reliable, stable and 

committed. 

•The minimum visiting commitment is once a 

month. 

If you or someone you know are interested in 

becoming a volunteer, please email: 

independentvisitors.norfolk@actionforchildren.org.uk 

or call 01362 697 537. actionforchildren.org.uk 

6 7

Swaffham Methodist Church 

Fri 5th Jan 9.30 am - 10am Power of Prayer. 

Sat 6th Jan 9.30 am - 12noon Coffee Morning. 

Sun 7th Jan - 10.45am Morning Worship followed by 

refreshments. 

Thurs 11th Jan 2.30 pm - 4pm Thursday Group Beetle 

Drive. 

Fri 12th Jan 9.30 am - 10am Power of Prayer. 

Sat 13th Jan 9.30 am - 12noon Coffee Morning. 

Sun 14th Jan 10.45am - Morning Worship followed by 

refreshments. 

Fri 19th Jan 9.30am - 10am Power of Prayer. 

Sat 20th Jan 9.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning. 

Sun 21st Jan 10.45 Morning Worship followed by 

refreshments. 

Thurs 25th Jan 2.30 pm -4pm Thursday Group. A talk by 

Mike Hills on the Bread Riots. 

Frid 26th Jan 9.30 am - 10am Power of Prayer. 

Sat 27th Jan 9.30 - 12noon Coffee Morning. 

Sun 28th Jan 10.45am Morning Worship followed by 

refreshments. 

On behalf of the Swaffham Methodist Church may I 

take this opportunity to wish all your readers a Happy 

and Healthy New Year. 

Our Lady of Pity Catholic Church 

The Holy Scriptures Of The World 

All the great religions of the world have their holy 

books, which are loved and cherished and which 

guide believers, giving inspiration and guidance. One 

has only to think of the Koran of Islam, the Upanishads 

of Hinduism, the Sutras of Buddhism, and the Bible 

of Judaism and Christianity. For millions of people 

these holy books have offered a way to live and a 

way to enlightenment or conversion of heart. This is 

why they are treated with such reverence and given 

places of honour either in the temple, the mosque, 

the synagogue or the church. 

Holy scriptures are also the inspiration of much of 

the world’s greatest art, music and literature. Think 

of the works of art in the National Gallery. Much of 

it inspired by the great Bible stories. Think of the 

music of Handel, especially the great Messiah. Then 

there is the art of the Italian renaissance such as 

Michelangelo. There is no doubt that the Judaeo 

Christian scriptures have given the world some of its 

greatest art and music. 

But this is true of the other great religions of the world 

too. There is great art and music which has grown 

out of India and Asia. The Upanishads represent for 

the Hindu approximately what the new Testament 

represents for Christians and it has brought much 

esoteric art and music to the world expressing the 

spiritual struggles of the human soul. The world 

would be a poorer place without the holy books of 

the world. 

Fr Gordon Williams 

St Peter & St Paul’s Swaffham 

The January Services in Swaffham parish church will 

be as follows:- 

Wednesday 3rd 

10.00am 

Sunday 7th 

8.00am 

9.30am 

3.30pm 

Wednesday 10th 

10.00am 

Sunday 14th 

8.00am 

9.30am 


10.00am 

Sunday 21st 

8.00am 

9.30am 

11.15am 

3.00pm 

Unity 


10.00am 

Holy Communion BCP 

The Epiphany 

Holy Communion 

Sung Eucharist 

Evensong 







Family Service 

Week of Prayer for Christian 


Conversion of St Paul 

Thursday 25th 

10.00am Week of Prayer for Christian 

Unity 

Sunday 28th 

8.00am Holy Communion 

9.30am Sung Eucharist 

Wednesday 31st 

10.00am Holy Communion BCP 

NB 

Sunday 4th Feb Candlemas 

8.00am Holy Communion 

9.30am Sung Eucharist 

3.30pm Evensong 

Iceni Youth Clubs 

Youthie: 

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

Youth Voice: 

Wednesdays 6:00pm – 7:30pm 2nd and 4th 

Wednesdays of each month 

Youthie Plus: 

Years 6, 7 and 8 Thursdays - 5:30pm – 7:00pm 

Youthie Hub: 

13 to 18 years Thursdays - 7:30pm – 9:00pm 

Staff are happy to give information, guidance 

and advice, call Sally for further details on: 

07772 852 284 

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

St Peter & St Paul’s Swaffham 

I wonder what your hopes are for 2018? Maybe 

an addition to the family, or better health, or a 

new job or home? On a national and international 

level there is so much we could wish for – whether 

we voted for Brexit or not, wise discernment as 

to the way forward could transform the current 

uncertainties; and it feels almost too ambitious to 

wish for world peace, when it is so far away for 

many. 

The start of our calendar year is often a time for 

making resolutions – and breaking them within 24 

hours! But it is certainly a useful point at which 

to take stock of our lives and think about future 

direction. 

If we want to make a difference, it gives us the 

impetus to start somewhere. 

I always used to miss the moment – midnight 

would strike at the end of New Year’s Day and no 

resolutions would have been made. 

Then one year I went into work on 2nd January and 

my accounts officer said he was going to follow 

his priest’s suggestion and just take one word to 

focus on for the year ahead. His priest had chosen 

‘attention’, so my accounts officer did too, and so 

did I. 

To cut a long story short, I think we were all glad 

we did so. I found it immeasurably enriching to 

take a simple focus, rather than making elaborate 

and detailed resolutions I would almost certainly 

not manage to keep. 

In my case, after a frantically busy previous year, 

taking time to attend more to my family, to those 

around me, and to God, was transformative. 

So whether you have great or small resolutions for 

the coming year, I hope it will be one of fulfilment 

and joy, and that even small changes will lead to 

great happiness. 

Revd. Janet Allan 

Vicar of Swaffham and Sporle 

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. 

Poppy Appeal Success 

I am thrilled to be able to tell you that at the end 

of November the RBL Poppy 

Appeal for Swaffham stands 

at £18,767.95 with more 

money still coming in. 

Well done everybody. 

Anne Thorp, Hon Poppy Appeal 

Organiser , Swaffham RBL 

Community Hospital LofF 

Hope you are all recovering from an enjoyable 

Xmas and New Year. Of course not everyone stops 

working over this period, including Nurses and 

others at our Hospitals and Care Homes. So special 

thanks to all those in our Community who look 

after others during this time. 

Our Viennese Evening was a great success and 

as before people are already asking “when are 

they back” Sorry if you were disappointed in not 

getting a ticket, but numbers are limited. After all 

expenses we raised just on a £1000 for our Funds 

We participated in the Rotary event during 

November, promoting our Charity. Nice to talk to 

people about what we do. Our Coffee Morning 

at the Methodist Church was well supported, so 

thanks to those who helped and all our customers 

In early Dec we spent time decorating the public 

areas and the main Dining room at the Hospital, to 

brighten up the areas. This included special Xmas 

floral decorations as well as table pieces. 

I hope you took the Opportunity to visit the 

Church to see the Annual Xmas Tree Festival. This 

is a brilliant annual event which we gladly support. 

At the end of the Festival week we take the Tree to 

the Hospital to add to the others. 

Another aspect is that in the past we have provided 

funds to help ensure that all inpatients receive an 

individual present on Xmas Day. 

Looking to next year. We are still pressing the 

Hospital Trust to progress plans for a new covered 

entrance to the Hospital. We have reserved funds 

to support this. We also plan to support a major 

revamp of the rear gardens. Given that we are a 

“market town” we have suggested that the Garden 

reflects a Market theme with individual Market 

(floral) stalls. 

We often get asked about access to inpatient beds. 

The bad news is that the Hospital does not just 

serve our immediate local area. The Hospital Trust 

has a much wider catchment area so beds do get 

used by a wide range of people. 

We have recently welcomed some new members 

to our committee. Hope you all enjoy supporting 

the Hospital. 

As usual views, comments or info available. 

colin@houghton789.plus.com 

8 

9

Green Britain Centre 

By the time you read this, our Christmas celebrations 

will be almost over. Did you enjoy the tasty vegan 

food, dance at the Ceilidh, bring your children to 

make tree decorations, scratch your head at the 

monthly quiz, or give thanks for family members and 

friends at the Tree of Lights service ? 

It was a good time to think back to the first Christmas 

when a refugee family welcomed their baby into a 

difficult world. We still have homeless, hungry and 

Swaffham Air Quality 

consultation 

hurting people, even in Britain. Perhaps our New 

Year Resolutions should be to waste less food and 

energy and share our resources. 

The Green Britain Centre wishes all who read this 

magazine a happy and worthwhile 2018. Come and 

visit us from Tuesday January 2nd when we reopen 

after a week’s break. 

On 1 May 2017 Breckland Council declared Swaffham 

town centre as an Air Quality Management Area. 

The council, working with Make your other own recycled organisations, Christmas decorations, has meet the 

Swaffham Home Library Service 

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

produced a draft Air Quality Action Plan focussing 

The Home Library Service delivers books and audio 

books to people who are on unable trafc. to get to This their local draft action plan JOIN US aims FOR to CHRISTMAS improve 

library whether permanently air quality or temporarily. in the Books town and AT THE sets GREEN out a BRITAIN number CENTRE of 

are delivered once a month by friendly volunteers 

measures for further investigation. The council is 

who have been vetted by the Royal Voluntary Service. 

If you live in Swaffham asking or the surrounding local area residents, and businesses and organisations 

would like to use the for Home feedback Library Service on please the draft plan and is holding an open 

contact Swaffham library on 01760 721513. 

event and an online consultation in the new year. 

To nd out more, and to Swaffham comment, Air Quality come to Consultation the open 

Locals donate over 100 units of blood 

event: 

Local donors Lawrence Wright and Kevin Savage 

were awarded certificates of appreciation by NHS 

Blood and Transplant service at a ceremony at 

Carrow Road in October. Both gentlemen have given 

over 100 units of blood. Lawrence first gave blood in 

PE37 7AB 

1964 and Kevin began in 1975. 

11 

CHRISTMAS MENU 

– BOOK IN ADVANCE 

On 1 May 2017 Breckland Council declared Swaffham 

town centre as an Air Quality Management Area. 

The council, working with other organisations, has 

Friday 12 January 2018, 9am – 2pm 

Assembly Rooms, 13 Market Place, Swaffham, 

produced a draft Air Quality Action Plan focussing 

on traffic. This draft action plan aims to improve 

air quality in the town and sets out a number of 

measures for further investigation. The council is 

asking local residents, businesses and organisations 

The consultation will run 12 January – 23 February 

2018. More information, all air quality reports and a 

link to the online consultation will be published on 

the council’s website from 12 January 2018 

www.breckland.gov.uk/air-quality-consultation. 

Air quality reports can be accessed now at 

www.breckland.gov.uk/article/3244/Air-Pollution. 

for feedback on the draft plan and is holding an 

open event and an online consultation in the new 

year. To find out more, and to comment, come to 

the open event: Friday 12 January 2018, 9am – 

2pm, Assembly Rooms, 13 Market Place, Swaffham 

PE37 7AB. 

The consultation will run 12 January – 23 February 

2018. More information, all air quality reports and 

a link to the online consultation will be published 

on the council’s website from 12 January 2018 

www.breckland.gov.uk/ 

air-quality-consultation. 

Air quality reports can be 

accessed now at 

www.breckland.gov.uk/ 

article/3244/ 

Air-Pollution. 

B 

B

Swaffham Rotary Club 

President’s Corner 

I hope you have all had a good 

Christmas, and will have a happy 

2018. This report was written early in 

December, when Christmas was still to 

come. Swaffham Rotary Club Xmas Fayre, held at 

The Assembly Rooms on Saturday 18 November, 

was a great success. The various local organisations 

who took stalls at the Fayre all reported a successful 

day, and the Rotary Cake Stall and the Bottle Raffle 

meant that we covered the costs of organising the 

Fayre and made a small profit that we can apply 

for charitable purposes in coming months. 

Rotary is much more than a local organisation. 

There are Rotary Clubs throughout the world, 

all working on local and international projects. 

Besides the drive to eliminate polio from the world, 

a target which has almost been achieved, with 

help from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 

Rotary Clubs everywhere are involved in all sorts 

of charity work. 

We have had a recent reminder of this. One of 

our members, Cathy Warnock, recently travelled 

to Cambodia to visit relatives. She took the 

opportunity to vist Phnom Penh Rotary Club, 

where she was made very welcome. The picture 

below shows Cathy presenting the Phnom Penh 

Club with a gift from Swaffham Rotary, featuring 

the Swaffham Pedlar. 

While visiting, Cathy learnt of a project that has 

been run by Rotary Clubs in Cambodia with support 

from clubs in Australia, to treat a birth defect which 

affects Cambodian children. Working together 

the Rotary at first arranged corrective treatment 

in Australia, but have now succeeded in making 

it possible for the operations to be carried out in 

Cambodia, reducing the cost of each operation by 

nine-tenths. Cathy will give our Club more details 

of this story when she returns. 

It is accounts like this that remind me how truly 

international Rotary is, and why all our members 

should be proud to be Rotarians. Why not think 

about joining us. For information about Rotary in 

general, and Swaffham Rotary Club in particular, 

contact Claire at Ceres Bookshop or any Rotarian. 

Bill Muir 

Sporle Afternoon WI 

November’s meeting, the club’s AGM 

was a happy occasion – as our October 

meeting had fallen too early for Halloween we 

decided to begin this meeting with our celebrations, 

dressing up being the order of the day! Pumpkin or 

tomato soup with lovely crusty bread followed by 

plum or apple crumble and ice cream – a lunch fit 

for a queen, well our WI Advisor at least! 

Once washing up done and clearing away was 

completed the AGM began. We followed the agenda 

laid down by the WI Federation, well we would 

wouldn’t we! Madam President gave a summary of 

the year’s highs, and there being no lows that didn’t 

take too long, our Secretary read last year’s report, 

the Treasurer completed the formalities with each 

member having a copy of the accounts along with 

a break down of where the money actually came 

from and went – much easier to understand. The 

committee all agreed to stay on for another year, 

no one else volunteered to join them, and our 

President was duly re-elected for another year. 

Our Area Advisor then gave a chat explaining 

the misunderstanding over the “Ball” and told of 

forthcoming events coming up in 2018. She then 

sent a sweet cauldron round which was a nice 

thing to do,(for a witch!) and went down very well. 

The raffle and a poem, of course, rounded off the 

afternoon. 

The carol service held in Necton church was a great 

success, with WI members from a wide area as well 

as ladies from other “ladies groups” all joining in 

with the carols. The committee each gave a reading 

of their choice and the collection was gratefully 

received. Tea/coffee and mince pies completed the 

afternoon. 

Sporle Christmas lunch – on our day in December 

will be another joyful occasion for members and 

friends. We round the year off with a visit to Kings 

Lynn theatre for the panto - 0oh no we won’t – oh 

yes we will! We then look forward to another year 

with speakers on topics of interest and varied events 

at Sporle Afternoon WI each 3rd Tuesday of the 

month 2pm-4pm. Happy New Year to all. 

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. 

Create your perfect space this year... 

Made to Measure Curtains, Fabrics from leading brands 

Roller Blinds, Vertical Blinds, Woodslat Blinds & More 

Curtain poles & Tracks 

FREE Measuring Service & Professional Fitting 

19 Market Place Swaffham PE37 7LA 

Tel 01760 722541 

www.poppiinteriors.co.uk 

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 

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 

12 

13

Swaffham Arts 

Sefo Kanuteh and his band Meriyah brought something 

new to Swaffham, some beautiful instruments and 

a wonderful mesmerising, soothing sound that 

intrigued and calmed at the same time. In the first 

part of the programme he played solo on the stringed 

kora, and then on the balafon which resembled a 

large xylophone, making beautiful evocative sounds. 

After the interval the whole band assembled: Sefo 

accompanied by guitars, drums and trumpet, playing 

a variety of styles which got people dancing. It was a 

lovely evening. 

Our Happy New Year January event is for children – a 

return visit of Garlic Theatre puppets with their show, 

‘Little Red Robin Hood’. “There’s a merry mix up in the 

forest when Little Red Riding Hood cannot be found. 

Luckily Robin Hood agrees to go on a quest to take 

some cakes and flowers to Grandma. Will he stay on 

the path or will he discover the big bad wolf who looks 

a bit like the Sheriff of Nottingham? 

This will take place at the Community Centre on 

Sunday January 21st at 3pm. Tickets for adults are on 

sale, priced at £5 members, £8 non-members, from 

Ceres Bookshop and The Green Parrot, and on the 

door. Admission FREE for children. We hope to see 

you there! 

Friendly woman in 30’s requires PA 

For care, housework inc cooking, dog walking, 

shopping, other outings, other tasks as required. 

8 - 16 Hours per week to be discussed and to cover 

one week day and one weekend day @£7.50 P/H 

CLOSING DATE: 26th January 2018 For details: Job 

Reference: 5395 Telephone (01508) 491220 

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 

Swaffham Town FC 

First Team: The first team have stormed into 

December with 9 wins on the bounce in the league. 

Some impressive performances with score lines 

to reflect; have put us 2nd in the table (with a +53 

GD) and 2 points behind unbeaten Thurlow Nunn 

Division 1 league leaders Woodbridge Town. In 

comparison with all Step 6 Clubs within the country 

for most goals scored we are currently sitting 5th 

within an impressive 75 league goals to date. With 29 

& 26 goals respectively, Joe Jackson and Alex Vincent 

also currently top the table as leading goal scorers 

throughout Thurlow Nunn League Division 1. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 09/12/17 Halstead (A) 15:00, 

16/12/17 Debenham LC (H) 15:00, 23/12/17 Holland 

FC (A) 15:00, 26/12/17 Downham Market (A) 11:00, 

30/12/17 AFC Sudbury (A) 15:00, 06/01/18 Needham 

Market Res (A) 15:00. 

Reserves: The reserves have also seen off the last 6 

games unbeaten, bringing them to 4th in the Hadley 

and Ottaway Anglian Combination Division 3. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 09/12/17 Beccles Caxton (H) 

14:30, 16/12/17 Redgate Rangers (A) 14:00 

U18’s: The U18s continue their incredible run in 

the Thurlow Nunn U18 North Division remaining 

unbeaten; with a +58 GD they sit pretty at the top. 

The club see 5 of our young players sitting within the 

top goal scorers of the division, more than any other 

club. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 14/12/17 Aylsham (A) 19:45, 

21/12/17 North Walsham (A) 19:45 

Veterans: The Vets have had a difficult start to the 

season, having only won 2 of their 5 league games so 

far. They currently sit 2nd from bottom in The Leathes 

Veterans League 1, however, they go into December 

having won their last game and we hope they can 

have a winning streak as seen by our other teams. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 10/12/17 Costessy Sports (A) 

14:00 

Youth Section: U14s: The U14s have also had a 

fantastic start to the year being unbeaten in the 

league, again with some incredible score lines. Their 

season has been unfortunately tinged with injury, 

with James Bunting suffering a broken leg, in a freak 

accident, a 50/50 challenge against the opposing 

keeper. We wish James a speedy recovery and hope 

to see him back at the lane soon. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 10/12/17 Dersingham (H) 10:30, 

17/10/17 Clenchwarton Navy (H) 10:30. 

U9s: The U9s have had a brilliant start to the season 

in both the league and the cup. The score lines have 

shown for some thrilling games recently, just what 

youth football should be about. 

Upcoming Fixtures: 09/12/17 Tydd St Mary (H) 10:30 

We have yet again had some fantastic support from 

our sponsors over recent weeks; with Monument 

Cleaning providing the Man of the Match award, 

Ed Colman with match ball sponsorship, Mother 

Hubbards and The Handmade Doughnut Company 

providing match and match ball sponsorship and 

some extremely tasty samples of their fantastic 

doughnuts. Thank you to them and to all our sponsors 

who continue to support the club in varying roles. 

The club would like to take the opportunity to wish 

all our players, sponsors and supporters a very Merry 

Christmas and best wishes for a healthy and happy 

2018. We look forward to your ongoing support 

down The Lane. 

For upcoming news and events please keep an eye 

on our website and social media: 

www.swaffhamtownfc.co.uk 

Facebook: Swaffham Town FC 

Twitter: @Swaffham_TownFC 

Instagram: @swaffhamtownfc 

Christmas Lights Event 

At 06.30 on Friday 1st December it was still dark 

and raining but the road closure signs were up, 

the town centre car park was blocked off and 

the electrics were being checked. There was still 

plenty to do before the stallholders and the fun fair 

arrived, but thank goodness the rain had stopped 

by 0800. The road sweeper tried to disperse the 

puddles which helped when we made a start 

marking the pitches up on the car park. With the 

help from Rob of the Red Lion and Colin from the 

Arts Lounge Gallery, the pitches were all marked 

up and stallholders and the fun fair started to 

arrive by 08.30. Security supplied by Kurt of The 

White Hart was soon on site and all seemed to be 

running smoothly. 

By 2pm the stallholders were all set up and ready, 

the steam organ was playing, and the programme 

of entertainment was underway. Unfortunately 

the heavens opened more than once during the 

course of the afternoon, but Santa was already in 

14 15 

his grotto in the Arts Lounge Gallery seeing lots 

of young children with their parents, and the live 

reindeer were in their pen in Plowright Place. By 

the end of the evening Santa had seen 223 children, 

including a 3 day old baby from Downham Market 

and two 15 day old babies. By 7.30pm every child 

had been seen, but the musical entertainment and 

fun fair was still going strong. 

At 6pm the Christmas lights were switched on by 

Mr. Tony Abel and Mr. Paul LeGrice, and the raffle 

was drawn by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Houghton. 

Despite the weather, the event was a successful 

one and thanks must go to all those who helped 

to organise the event and also to those who 

participated. George Cushing’s steam organ, choirs 

from Swaffham Junior and Sacred Heart School, 

Ian Clews (Senor Momento), Oasis Church band 

and singers, Fakenham Town Band, Rob from the 

Red Lion, Colin & Elizabeth from the Arts Lounge 

Gallery, Kurt’s security, Poppi Interiors, St. Johns 

Ambulance, Fire crew, the Town Council staff, 

Councillors who did a stirling job selling raffle 

tickets, Debbie & Stuart Bell for organising the 

fun fair, Arnies Attic characters,Drakes electrical, 

Hayden Eagle, Susi, Brenda & Chas and of course 

we cannot forget the 35 outside stallholders, 30 

stallholders in the Assembly Rooms and Santa with 

his senior elf Andrew. It was a long day but worth 

it to see the smiles on the children’s faces. Well 

done everyone and thank you. 

Merry Christmas. 

Elizabeth Mason( assistant to Santa!)

Swaffham & District Lions 

Swaffham Lions had the pleasure of 

handing over a £310 cheque to the 

Merle Boddy Centre. The money 

was from donations received at 

the Service of Thanksgiving held 

recently to mark the Centennial of Lions International. 

Swaffham Lions are helping collect food at the 

Swaffham Tesco Store for FoodShare over a four day 

period. Food collected will be topped up by Tesco with 

a 20% monetary donation. Last year nationally food 

collected enough for 28.6 million meals. 

Swaffham Lions welcomed a new member to the club; 

Lion President, Pam Tallon, inducted Joy Williams as 

the 28th member and the 3rd lady Lion member. 

At the same meeting the former Maltese Ambassador 

to Libya, George Cassar, was presented with his ten 

year service chevron, having been a Lion in Malta for 

eight years. 

Swaffham Lions held their annual Seniors Christmas 

lunch at the Sacred Heart School. 

Despite the wintery conditions eighty guests sat 

down to a traditional Christmas dinner prepared by 

international chief John Hornsby, who flew in from 

the Canary Islands for the occasion. A team of Lions 

prepared the vegetable that were supplied free of 

charge by Tesco, as one member said “I don’t wish to 

see another sprout this year after preparing a bucket 

full”. After the meal the guests enjoyed a table quiz, 

bingo, songs from the sixties and carols. 

Liz Truss MP, Jill Skinner Mayor of Swaffham and Lion 

President Pam Tallon mingled with guests during the 

afternoon and were pleased to hear that the guests 

had nothing but praise for a wonderful party. The Lions 

put on this annual event recognising that the invitees 

enjoy the company and meet up with old friends. 

Rescue : Wooden : Boats 

Lucy Lavers at Wells 

Wells Lifeboat and Dunkirk Little Ship Lucy 

Lavers was busy giving very popular trips afloat 

from Wells all of last year. She is having some 

maintenance over the winter months and will be 

ready to set sail again at Easter. 

Local Maritime History Talk 

We had 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. 

Maritime Heritage Centre Stiffkey NR23 1QF 

The Maritime Heritage Centre in Stiffkey alongside 

the working boatyard where wooden boats are 

being restored has been enjoyed by visitors 

“great treasure of a place” and “fascinating 

insight into our maritime heritage”. Do contact us 

if you might be interested in joining the friendly 

Volunteer Team – no experience needed. 

If you have a Group that would like to combine a 

visit to the Centre with a Lucy Lavers trip this year, 

do contact us, or if your Group would like to use 

the Centre let us know – a walking group stopped 

off the other week for a break and coffee! 

Wells Whelker Bessie 

Wells whelker Bessie is our next project. 

She also has some fascinating Dunkirk history (see 

website). We are fundraising now to raise money 

for the work - do be part of the story by becoming 

a “Bessie Benefactor”! We have already ordered 

an 18ft larch tree so it can dry before it is needed 

for her planks that need replacing. 

Events 

We will be present at, or hosting many events 

in 2018 – watch out for publicity on facebook, 

Twitter and in the press. 

www.rescuewoodenboats.com 

info@rescuewoodenboats.com 07920 760238 

Marathon Fundraisers 

As last year came to an end, so too did our 

fundraising for the Norfolk Renal Trust. Last year 

saw us complete some amazing personal goals; we 

all did 10 marathons in 10 days at the Great Barrow 

Challenge. Lloyd completed 52 marathons in 52 

weeks. Jackie completed the Norfolk Coastal Path 

100km and the positive steps grand slam of ultras. 

Myself, I completed a 100mile event at Endurman, 

and reached 100 marathons. We had the pleasure 

of running not only around the UK, but also much 

of Europe (Cyprus, Oslo, Venice, Porto) at the same 

time as promoting the year’s charity. 

Our Race night at Swaffham Golf Club as always was 

well supported by the community and raised £1000, 

raffle tickets, leg waxing, the most painful of all 

having 17 inches of my hair cut off. All of this saw us 

hit around £2000 in 2017. 

As well as personal achievements we have witnessed 

some amazing world records. Nick Nicholson 

completing over 200 marathons in one year. Dan 

Micola achieving an amazing 52 marathons in 52 

weeks in 52 countries and they are both still going. 

Finally Sophie Goodwin who in December became 

the youngest person ever to run 100 marathons. 

To run with these people and to become friends 

with people that inspire and encourage has been 

our greatest achievement in 2017. We would like 

to thank everyone for your continued support. This 

year’s charity will be annouced shortly. 

Charlie Harwood & friends 

The Iceni Partnership would like 

to wish all our readers 

a very happy new year. 

We look forward to lots 

more community 

achievements in 2018! 

16 17

Merle Boddy Centre 

On the 25th November it was just like going to Fakenham 

races; the spectators enclosure was full to the brim; the 

winners came thick and fast and the betting furious. 

The amount made on the night came to a staggering 

£1007. My thanks goes to all my girls who helped on the 

night and before with all the organising running up to 

the evening. Also, thank you to all owners of the horses; 

the sponsers of the races and to all who gave me wine 

and raffle prizes. 

My thanks also to Woody, Kim, Janet, Alan and Shep 

for the big part you played on making the evening so 

enjoyable. The room at the Conservative Club was 

generously given by Paul and the bread and cheese 

was donated by Tesco and of course a big thank you to 

everyone who supported us on the night, we hope to 

see you at our event in the new year. 

Norman gave us a lovely surprise when he popped in for 

a quick visit, as a member of Swaffham Bingo Club along 

with Ian and Linda, he presented us with £500. I can’t 

tell you how thankful we are for the continuing support 

they show us. 

Surprises can come in different guises, but when it is from 

one of our armed forces associations the feeling is always 

very special. Our thanks goes to all of you belonging to 

the Naval Association for your kind donation of £100. 

The church service held in St Peter & St Paul’s was enjoyed 

by all who attended. The collection of £310 has been 

generously donated to us. It is with many thanks to all 

who gave and to the Lions for their kindness of thinking 

of us we feel very blessed with the Lions continuing 

support of our centre. 

A dull morning outside was made to feel like a sunny day 

when we were presented with a cheque for £380 from 

Swaffham Baptist Church. Thank you to all who attend 

the church and for your continuing support of our work. 

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. 

The table tennis group meets weekly in the 

Community Centre and also invites other U3A 

table tennis groups to play against them in friendly 

tournaments at home and away. U3A membership is 

open to any individual who by definition is not in fulltime 

gainful employment, so anyone working ‘parttime’ 

can also apply for membership. Leaders of 

groups 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. 

There was no Speaker arranged for the monthly 

meeting in December, instead, Committee Members 

organised the annual Christmas Party when fizzy 

wine, sausage rolls and mince pies were the order of 

the day. Christmas background music was provided 

by Karl’s ‘KSD Disco’ from Watton and members tested 

their general knowledge by answering questions in a 

conventional quiz and a ‘Pointless’ quiz. The Speaker 

on Thursday 4th January is Peter Lawrence, Peter’s 

talk is entitled ‘Beneath London Streets’. 

There is to be a First Aid course by the Red Cross in 

January which will include training in the use of a 

defibrillator. 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 on Thursday 

4th January. 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. 

Swaffham WEA 

The first of this year’s courses looks at the history 

of schools and education in England. A Little 

Learning … Educating the People 1700 – 1914 

covers a period of great change in both attitudes 

to teaching and the provision of schools. 

Tutor Rosemary Steer presents this course, 

illustrated throughout with images, quotations 

and examples. In addition Rosemary will provide 

guidance to sources for the history of schools 

to help students find out more about their local 

schools. 

Beginning in February aviation historian Ian 

McLachlan takes us on a flight of fact and fancy 

exploring the development of aviation through 

centuries of myth, legend and reality. His course 

Airs and Graces spans the period from Icarus and 

Daedalus through to the Wright Brothers and 

beyond. Fascinating human-interest accounts and 

episodes from regional aviation history enhance 

this course. 

Both courses run for 7 weeks; the cost for each 

is £51. You are welcome to attend the first 

session as a ‘taster’ for £7 with no obligation to 

continue. Fees may be waived for those in receipt 

of benefits. Courses are held at the Community 

Centre, Campingland, Swaffham. Information 

about courses is available online at www.wea.org. 

uk where you can also sign up to attend. However 

there is no requirement to book in advance: just 

come along and you will be very welcome. 

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) is 

a charity and the UK’s largest voluntary sector 

provider of adult education. Although originally 

aimed at workers, as the name suggests, nowadays 

all are welcome. Courses are informal and friendly. 

There are no tests or exams and you don’t need 

previous knowledge of the subject, so there’s no 

pressure to achieve a particular standard – just 

the pleasure of increasing your knowledge and 

experience, and the opportunity to meet new 

people. 

• A Little Learning … Educating the People 1700 – 

1914 – Fridays 10am to 12 noon from 19 January 

2018 

• Airs and Graces – Mondays 7.30pm to 9.30pm 

from 5 February 2018 

Further information: Tel 01760 723558 

Details of all WEA courses at www.wea.org.uk 

Swaffham Jazz Club 

A Happy New Year to you all, from Geoff and 

Norman! Looking back over 2017, I think every 

session had something memorable, but for me 

there were three particular highlights. 

First there was the sheer exhilaration in March of 

Eleanora and Mark Ferguson playing four hands on 

one keyboard in a frantic boogie woogie number. 

Second was the evening in June when seventeen 

year old music student, Kayleigh Robinson, turned 

up with her saxophone and sat in with the band. 

Originally intending to play just two numbers, 

given the support and encouragement of the 

highly experienced, Myke Clifford on sax and Chris 

Kirk on trumpet, she played virtually the whole of 

the second set as well. 

Third was the second appearance in four months 

of guitarist Lee Vasey in August. We expected our 

lowest turnout of the year, assuming many of our 

supporters would be on holiday. Instead, so many 

turned up that we ran out of chairs! (By contrast, 

the lowest turnout was in September. I expect 

many regulars prefer to wait to go away when it is 

less crowded and less expensive!) 

We are taking a break in January but will be back in 

February on Tuesday 13th at 7.30pm, with the Ed 

Reed (guitar) Trio. Swaffham Conservative Social 

Club, 23 London Street, PE37 7DD £7 on the door. 

Geoff 01366 328730 or Norman 01760722384 

special educational needs 

information day for parents 

Come along and learn more about Education, Health and Care plans, 

annual reviews and SEN support. If you wish to discuss your childs needs 

on a personal basis we will be joined by: 

• Victoria Federico, SEN specialist, Access Legal solicitors 

• Dawn Stilwell, Parent Adviser at Contact 

• Natalie Webb, Family Action Health Champions project 

• PLUS representatives from Norfolk services. 

Refreshments and light lunch provided 

Tuesday 30 January, 9.45am-2pm 

Venue: The Assembly rooms, Market Place, Swaffam PE37 7QH 

to book your place please contact: 

Dawn 01733 811 993 eastofengland@contact.org.uk 

Natalie 01760 7203 02 Natalie.Webb@family-action.org.uk 

Contact is a trading name of Contact a Family. Charity registered in England and Wales (284912) and Scotland (SC039169). 

18 19

B 

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Andrew Francis Funeral Service 

Swaffham and District 

Independant Family Funeral Directors 

01760 720200 (24 hours) 

afrancisfunerals.co.uk 

Pre-paid and pre-arranged Funeral Plans available 

The Old Post OfÞce, Market Place, Swaffham, PE37 7LA 

Age Concern Swaffham & District 

In November we had a most interesting talk by Cllr Colin Houghton (Deputy Mayor), with subsequent discussion, 

on “The future of Swaffham”. This was based on the current work on the Neighbourhood Plan which is attempting 

to look forward 20 + years to try and decide the sort of town we would like Swaffham to become. Not easy! Then 

just before this newsletter was published we visited Thursford for the annual Christmas Spectacular - always a 

good show. 

Regarding our popular Hospital Buddy Service we still need 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. Our office is open 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. 

Our regular events are on the last Tuesday each month, at 2pm 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: 

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

February 27th - Oxburgh Hall talk (In house) 

March 14th – Princess Theatre Hunstanton (trip out, note date) 

March 27th – The Raising of the Mary Rose – Malcolm Cockell, talk (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. 

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Driving Volunteers 

to visit on a regular basis 

Providing safe, timely & comfortable 

transport to and from clinic appointments 

Expenses Paid - Request an application pack today 

07393 981 295 

Email: swaffhamsss16@outlook.com 

20

Ashill Holme Hale Gardening Club 

Barry Gayton made a return visit to the 

Garden Club in November. Barry’s Desert 

World Gardens are in Santon Downham where 

he specialises in tropical and arid tolerant 

plants. His love of growing plants began at the 

age of seven when he surprised his parents by 

asking for a greenhouse for Christmas. Sixtyone 

years later, having spent thirty-eight of 

them as Head Gardener for Thetford Parks 

Department, he still enjoys growing plants 

from seed and cuttings. During this time he 

has encountered many weird and wonderful 

aspects of plants. These could be due to 

attacks by outside influences or coping with 

climatic conditions or simply nature ‘going 

wrong’. For example, we saw photographs of 

trees with strange twisted trunks formed as 

the tree continues to grow around a damaged 

part of bark, possibly caused by a vehicle. 

Barry also brought along physical examples, 

such as a large hard ball from the root of a 

conifer. This is caused by a specific wasp 

which injects saliva into the tree’s surface 

roots before laying eggs. 

In order to ensure the correct climatic 

conditions for seed germination, Strelitzia 

Nicolai, also known as the Bird of Paradise 

Plant, produces seeds with strange orange 

tufts on top. These are germinating inhibitors 

as the seed will only germinate when the 

ground is moist enough for the tufts to rot 

away. 

Like humans, every plant of a particular variety 

is slightly different. Sometimes a rogue gene 

or simply confusion due to over-hybriding will 

produce a flower in a different colour. If that 

stem is removed and rooted a new variety can 

be created naturally. 

Barry’s talk was supported by some amazingly 

clear close up photographs, including the 

amusing ‘pregnant potatoes’. These were 

discovered by accident when some old 

potatoes were left in the sack. New potatoes 

grew from inside the old ones! An extremely 

interesting talk which confirmed how little we 

know about the strange world of plants. 

MACROMETALS 

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Chains made to pattern for 

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For portable 

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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 

Traditional Values Local Service 

www.wardgethinarcher.co.uk 

TCT Plumbing and Electrical is a small local 

company based in Swaffham 

From replacing a wall socket to fitting a whole 

new kitchen or bathroom 

Contact Tristan Tomlinson 

01760 709 299 07976 329 509 

www.tctpe.co.uk 

01760 336029 

What’s on in the next 3 months: 

25th January Ian Roofe ‘Spring Garden Flowers’ 

22nd February Kathy Gray ‘Plant Hunters’ 

22nd March Graham Benefer ‘Bonsai’ 

22 

Dereham Road, Beeston (nr Dereham) PE32 2LE 

01328 701347 | www.benburgess.co.uk 

Your local country hardware & garden store 

Open 8am-5pm Monday - Friday & 8am - 12pm Saturday

Volunteer Befrienders Needed 

Action for Children’s NORFOLK INDEPENDENT VISITOR 

SERVICE is looking for volunteers to befriend young 

people in care to give them a chance to learn how to 

build positive relationships. We usually help youngsters 

up to the age of 22 but sometimes these friendships can 

last a lot longer. In the case of our most successful story 

the young woman is now 33, with a child of her own, 

and her volunteer, who was teamed up with her when 

she was just 11, is still very much in her life. 

Many of these young people have understandably learnt 

to mistrust adults and life in general. The Independent 

Visitor Service aims to give them back a sense of trust 

and also learn how to have good relationships for life. It 

can make a really big difference to their lives.” 

Volunteers might take them out for trips like bowling, 

cinema, beach trips, dog walks and meals and are strictly 

vetted with police checks and a series of interviews. 

• Volunteers must be over the age of 21. 

• Age is not a barrier, the oldest volunteer is currently 

a man in his 60s. It’s more important to have a friendly, 

positive and youthful outlook. 

• Volunteers must commit to at least two years. 

• Volunteers must be reliable, stable and committed. 

• The minimum visiting commitment is once a month. 

If you or someone you know are interested in becoming 

a volunteer, please email: independentvisitors.norfolk@ 

actionforchildren.org.uk or call 01362 697 537. 

GARDENER / ESTATE WORKER / 

HANDY PERSON 

This is a full time position for an applicant 

who is energetic, enthusiastic 

self motivated, and able to drive tractors. 

The position would include many 

varied tasks such as gardening and 

property maintenance. 

Apply by email with CV to - cfountaine89@gmail.com 

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, 

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Call or email to save your space: academytaichi@ 

yahoo.co.uk 01760 723102 07587 567406 

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Orford Rd 

What is the Silver Social? 

A daytime events programme for older people in 

familiar community venues across Breckland. The 

Project promotes participation and independent 

living though an ambitious programme of 

workshops and performances, encouraging 

community engagement and wellbeing through 

the arts. 

The Silver Social is touring Breckland’s Libraries 

this January. We are delighted to announce 

that internationally acclaimed artist and singing 

daughter of Britain's broadcasting family of 

voices, Kate Dimbleby, is scheduled as the next 

artist to deliver a fantastic new workshop, ‘Sing 

Your Song,’ as part of our continuing Silver Social 

programme. 

This January, Kate will tour Breckland's libraries 

with her unique workshop, inviting residents 

from the 5 market towns to explore their voice, 

listen and remember the songs that inspire them. 

For those out of town, Kate will be returning with 

‘Sing Your Song,’ to select villages in February. 

No previous experience is required and everyone 

is welcome to join in or just sit and enjoy the 

company. Visitors can make a voluntary donation 

towards the cost of the workshop and anyone 

needing assistance with transport should let me 

know. Please do share details of these events 

with any friends, family or neighbours who would 

benefit from trying ‘something a little different.’ 

Making a difference: 

Many towns and villages already have 

an impressive range of established local 

organisations, but data suggests that areas 

targeted by the Silver Social Project are home to 

the highest number of older residents and those 

living alone - many of whom do not currently 

engage in any arts activities. Running for the next 

2 years, the Silver Social Project aims to work 

alongside and strengthen existing community 

provision, through a varied programme of 

daytime events that sample different artistic 

disciplines. Hoping to generate discussion, spark 

ideas and encourage engagement, Silver Social 

can also signpost participants to existing groups 

and create cross-promotional opportunities for 

local organisations and their events. By working 

together, we can help promote community 

participation and begin to tackle the issues of 

isolation within rural communities. 

Contact: 

For more information about the Project or upcoming 

events, please visit our website: www.thesilversocial. 

com or email sophie.soto@breckland.gov.uk 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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 

24 25

1170-98-2SN 

LOCAL EDUCATION CHARITY SEEKS A CLERK. 

Hamond Educational Charity (charity no 277789) is 

a long established charity that has been supporting 

education and training in the Breckland area (with a 

special focus on Swaffham) for many years by way of 

grants and bursaries to young persons. It also supports 

local schools and academies and other bodies involved 

in the social and physical training of young people 

locally. The trustees meet 2 to 3 times a year to 

consider grant applications, to review investments and 

to conduct other essential business. The applicant may 

expect to apply some 20 hours annually to the role. The 

clerk’s duties primarily will be to: 

• Arrange and attend trustee meetings, take minutes, 

maintain minute book and charity records 

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements 

(records, annual reports and returns) 

• Administer applications for grants and make payments 

• Maintain charity web-site and domain name registration 

• Maintain ICO registration and data protection compliance 

• Maintaining charity insurances 

• Liaise from time to time with the charity’s accountants and 

financial advisers 

• Generally be a point of contact for third party 

communication with the charity. 

Interested persons are asked initially to contact Mr David 

Wickerson by email at clerk@hamondeducationalcharity. 

org.uk with a brief CV highlighting experience relevant to 

the role. A stipend, reviewed annually, will be granted to 

the successful applicant dependent upon the extent of 

duties undertaken. 

The People Driven Business 

Dereham 

Westfield Road, East Dereham, 

Norfolk NR 19 1DG 

01362 700 592 

www.thurlownunn.co.uk 

* 

Cars shown for illustration purposes only. Subject to availability. 

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 

24/7 for £2.88 per week 

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 

guarantee 

Please contact 

the Careline 

Community Service 

team today on 

01553 616200 or visit 

our website www. 

careline-cs.org.uk 

Diamonds are Forever 

67 Plate Delivery Mileage 

Vauxhall CORSA Diamond 

FROM 

ONLY£11,999 * 

Specification includes: 

• Winter Pack including Heated Seats, 

Steering Wheel & Windscreen 

• Climate Control 

• 17 Inch Upgraded Bi Colour Alloys 

• Apple and Android Car Play 

• Front and rear Parking Sensors 

• Reversing Camera 

140 

YEARS 

TRUSTED 

SINCE 1875 

Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice Support 

On behalf of your Hospice editor, a slight glitch 

occurred which prevented last month’s article 

being printed, to which I apologise profusely. 

Quite rightly we should start with a huge thank 

you to Peter Harris and his epic undertaking 

in walking 136 miles in aid of the Hospice and 

Rugby Club. Peter averaged eighteen miles a 

day and with the help of voluntary drivers was 

delivered and picked up each day, completing 

his walk in eight days. He started from the Rugby 

Club and took in the Peddars Way to Holme next 

the Sea, along the Coastal Path finally joining 

the Weavers Way near Felbrigg and ending 

at the Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth. Peter 

raised a total of £1,500.00, which was divided 

between the two Organisations. This is a 

phenomenal amount and we must congratulate 

Peter in completing this mammoth event and 

importantly all those who came forward to 

support him with their donations. 

The race Night in September organised by The 

Rotary, The Lions and Home Hospice raised a 

grand total of £1,500.00, each of them receiving 

£500.00. 

The Concert of Choirs staged in the Assembly 

Rooms with The Marham Bluebirds and 

the King’s Lynn Male Voice Choir, who were 

accompanied in one of their songs by the 

talented local girl, Amber Battem. Singing to a 

very appreciative audience the evening proved 

to be an enormous success for the Charity, 

raising a total of £1.200.00. Thanks must be 

directed to those who organised the evening. 

Once again one of our supporters Julia Willis 

along with her family and friends staged a 

Craft Fair at her home, and raised £230.65. The 

Home Hospice pass on their thanks to all those 

involved over the two days that the event was 

held, well done. If you would like to organise 

an event for us we will always assist you with 

advice. Just give us a ring on 01760 722937 

where one of the office staff will be only too 

happy to answers any queries you may have. 

The annual Charity’s Raffle which is held leading 

up to the festive period was staged in the Town 

and Tesco culminating in it being drawn at the 

Store. We are once again indebted to you all 

for purchasing tickets in support of our work 

and early figures indicate we are on course 

to match last year’s total. The total will be in 

February’s edition of the Newsletter We would 

like to take this opportunity in thanking Tesco 

27 

and their staff for their continual commitment 

in allowing us to sell tickets within the Store. 

We are once again represented with the 

Charity’s Christmas tree in St Peter St Paul 

Church, Festival of Trees. The ever popular 

event has witnessed many visitors enjoying the 

spectacular show that Organisations put up 

during the course of a week.Our ever popular 

Quiz is being staged on March 2nd at the 

Conservative Club, 7.30pm start with teams of 

up to 6 people at £5.00 per head. For further 

information please contact Adrian Adcock on 

01760 724304 or adrian.adcock@talktalk.net 

to enter a team. 

The Fundraising Committee of the Charity is in 

the early stages of planning a major event next 

year; in fact June has been earmarked. We hope 

to announce what this entails in the New Year. 

‘Have you ever thought of volunteering? Do you 

have some free time? If so we are looking for 

volunteer drivers, to take patients to hospital 

appointments or small trips. If you would like to 

find out how you may be able to help, give Wendy 

a call on 01760 336645. Why not visit our website 

www.swaffhamandlitchamhomehospice.co.uk 

for further information. 

Our Coordinator, Wendy Martin, Staff and 

Volunteers wish to thank all their supporters for 

their continual monetary support during 2017. 

We look forward to another year in carrying 

out the work we so passionately do, but rely 

on your generous donations in allowing us to 

continue. 

Finally, a Prosperous New Year to you all. 

Swaffham Twinning Association 

On Saturday evening December the twinning 

held a christmas Social with entertainment 

by Senore Momento - a most enjoyable 

evening . Our AGM is on 23rd February at 

7pm in the community centre.

For more information contact: 

Bridget Plowright 

bridget.plowright@parkrun.com 

Or 

David Wickerson 

davidwick@btinternet.com 

Swaffham 

Branch 

01760 

725801 

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

building better families 

Thank You Swaffham 

Mary Bortkiewicz came to live in 

Swaffham in April 2016 after her 

third stroke. She sadly passed 

away on 10th November 2017. 

During her time in Swaffham 

she was made very welcome 

and was touched by people’s 

thoughtfulness and kindness. In 

particular, we would like to thank 

all the team at The Paddocks 

Care Home (past and present), 

where mum passed away for all 

the care given not only to mum, 

but to us especially during those last days and nights. 

A big thank you also to Father Gordon, Lissa and the 

sisters, who visited mum and brought her a lot of spiritual 

comfort. Thank you to the congregation at Our Lady of 

Pity RC Church for making mum so welcome and all your 

help getting mum in and out of the church. 

Thank you to Georgie and the team at the Merle Boddy 

Day Centre for making Tuesdays such a lot of fun. Mum 

never laughed so much. 

Thank you to Dr Lawrence and the Campingland Surgery 

and, of course, our kind neighbours. 

A fond thank you also to Darren and Dean at The Fox and 

Hounds in Weasenham and the many others, who would 

always go out of their way to make mum feel welcome. 

It is typical of Swaffham, but nonetheless much 

appreciated. Thank you and wish you all a happy 2018, 

Kiki & Simon 

The Peddars Inn 

What’s On In January 

70 The Street, 

Sporle PE32 2DR 

01760 788 101 

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 log fire Locally sourced food 

19th January - Raising funds for PACT Animal Charity 

15% off all meals during January (Wednesday - Sunday) 

- excluding pie day and steak day 

Pie Day: Every Wednesday £7.95 

Steak Day: Every Thursday £9.95 

SWAFFHAM CONSERVATIVE CLUB 

The place to be: 

Crack the Safe –you have to 

be in it to win It. 

Its been won -£2,450.00 

Function Room For Hire 

(with Kitchen) 

Available for parties, family 

celebrations and work occasions. 

Receptions, Christenings & Wakes. 

(no 18 th Birthday parties) 

Why not book our 

Resident Party DJ 

Steve Greensides 

specializing in 

60’s 70’s 

Soul Disco & Motown. 

or 

Visit our Garden Room 

for a quiet drink or two 

Re-newels 

due 

1 st January 

2018 

Membership 

Fees 

If required 

Inter- 

Affiliation 

Card 

£2.50 

1st Year Initial 

Joining Fee 

1st Year 

Association 

Joining Fee 

Annual Full 

Membership 

UNDER 

PENSION 

AGE SINGLE 

It could have been you. 

OVER PENSION 

AGE SINGLE 

UNDER 

PENSION AGE 

JOINT 

OVER PENSION 

AGE JOINT 

£5.00 £5.00 £10.00 £10.00 

£2.00 £2.00 £4.00 £4.00 

£17.00 £15.00 £28.00 £24.00 

Total Due 

£24.00 £22.00 £42.00 £38.00 

Join us on face book and get up to date information on events: 

Swaffham connie club 

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 

The start of another New Year and it would be good 

to see some of Swaffham’s eyesores disappear in 

2018. One of these, next door to the museum, is 

the boarded up former Co-op supermarket, which 

closed last year, 130 years after the Co-op was 

established in the town. This picture shows the 

thriving departmental store which was still going 

strong in 1956 and with its modern shop front 

installed in 1953. 

Fortunately one blot on the landscape, on the other 

side of the Museum, was finally revealed in its new 

splendour just in time for the Christmas lights turn 

on at the beginning of December - namely the newly 

refurbished White Hart - congratulations to all 

concerned. 

However, as you walk round the town it is apparent 

that there are still areas which need attention for 

example the former bookmaker’s shop (once The 

Grapes public house) further along the road, with 

its whitened windows looking appalling. The historic 

former grammar school, near to the junction with 

the A47, is another building in need of TLC, since the 

antique centre there closed. And of course there 

are several shops which have remained empty for a 

long time, whilst others are snapped up as yet more 

charity shops. 

The History Group will be meeting on Monday 8th 

January, from 2pm/4pm at the Museum and will 

welcome new members. 

Rainbow Community Choir 

New Year ~ new hobby or an old one the needs 

re-visiting? Come and join us this year. Our 

new term starts on Tuesday, 2 January 2018 ~ 

right at the beginning of the year so there’s no 

time for resolutions to be forgotten or ignored. 

We often hear people say “joining the choir 

is the best thing they’ve ever done. It’s so 

much fun and it’s boosted their confidence”, 

and “singing in our friendly and relaxed choir 

is good for the soul. 

Our musical director is encouraging and 

supportive. We sing a wide range of songs, 

African, Georgian, Corsican, English. 

You can tell how much we all enjoy singing 

by the smiles at the end of the session.” We 

are very lucky to have a number of men in our 

choir who really add to the depth of the music. 

Singing in four parts gives an opportunity to 

harmonise with all sections and allows us to 

tune into others and learn from each other. 

Another bonus is that it sounds really good 

when we’re on form! So come and give it a go. 

Your confidence will grow and nobody is singled 

out to sing alone. 

We sing unaccompanied in four parts: soprano, 

alto, tenor and bass. 

We practise together by just singing. No 

auditions, no music and great guidance from 

our musical director, Linda Roast.We meet 

term time at 7.30 pm 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 Anthea : 01760 336313 

Benefits for the elderly 

Many older people are entitled to claim benefits – 

but not everyone is aware of what their entitlements 

are, and how to claim. Age UK Norfolk is working 

hard to raise awareness so that those in later life, 

and their carers, can claim; and helping them along 

the way to make those claims. 

The awareness campaign begins in January and the 

charity is aiming to ensure that the people concerned: 

• Will be better informed 

• Know their rights 

• Are claiming their entitlements 

• Are fully informed about attendance allowance, 

pension credit, council tax benefit etc 

• Get the help and assistance they need to claim 

those benefits. 

Age UK Norfolk hopes to achieve this by offering: 

• Benefit entitlement checks. 

• Free and confidential advice about home safety, 

housing, care issues etc. 

• Providing this service in a place of a claimant’s 

choice, either in their own homes, at Age UK 

Norfolk’s premises, in a care home, or any other 

venue that is deemed suitable. 

To find out more about 

benefit checks, call the Age 

UK Norfolk advice line on 

0300 500 1217, 

Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. 

From the Mayor’s Parlour 

It’s difficult to know where time 

has gone, I’m half way through my 

year as Mayor. During November I 

attended the Escape project to see 

awards presented. 

What a happy inspiring place this is, pizzas 

were being cooked by Katy in the clay oven and 

a massive pot of homemade soup made from 

vegetables grown at the allotment bubbled 

away, absolutely delicious. I’m so pleased that 

a bid for a grant has been successful to continue 

this work, it’s so well deserved, thanks to all 

those who work and volunteer there. 

The British legion Concert was a lovely 

thought provoking event with contributions 

from the Convent School, Swaffham Players 

and Dereham Brass Band. When they play the 

regimental themes it’s always a proud moment 

to see those who are or have been involved 

stand up, one of them being our own Honorary 

citizen Mrs Toni Groom. 

We have now formed a Steering Group for 

the Neighbourhood Plan and appointed a new 

consultant with lots of ideas and practical 

experience to carry us through. There had 

been some frustrations with the plan not 

progressing, and many people involved in the 

process did not feel there was a clear direction 

of how this would go forward. A lot of work 

had been done by volunteers, giving their time 

gathering evidence and working on reports, 

all of this work is valuable thank you for your 

input, it will now be taken forward by the 

steering group. 

The Christmas Lights was a great success so I 

am told, unfortunately I was unable to attend 

as I had a family funeral in Leeds that day. A big 

thank you to all who helped put this together, 

it’s not just the day but all the organising that 

goes with it done by the Town Council, Trade 

Association and Volunteers. Lights aren’t cheap 

unfortunately, the Town Council and Swaffham 

Trade Association put in £6, 000 each for the 

lights installation, and the Town Council also 

set aside £2500 to provide a free switch on 

event. This does mean to maintain this event 

volunteers are needed and of course support 

for fundraising events, just a thought for the 

New Year. 

On that note and realising that Christmas has 

come and gone I’d like to wish you all a Happy 

and Peaceful New Year 

Every good wish Jill 

30 

31

In Touch With Your Town 

Christmas Lights Switch on 

Event 2017 

What another successful 

event for the town. There was 

something for everyone: Santa 

in his Grotto at the Arts Lounge, 

Reindeers in Plowright Place, a thriving Indoor market 

at the Assembly Rooms, Entertainment all afternoon 

and early evening under the Buttercross, Funfair in 

and around the Market Place, over 35 food and craft 

stalls and entertainment throughout the event. 

The rain and cold didn’t deter the brave and the town 

turned out in great numbers once more, to see the 

lights being switched on at 6pm from the Buttercross. 

It’s hard not to be captivated by the lights in the town 

this year, from the Buttercross to the trees and the 

wonderful lampposts. 

A huge thank you goes out to all the sponsors, 

volunteers and participants who all helped with the 

preparation and delivery of a great event. Work has 

already started on next year’s event, you can put 

Sunday 2nd December 2018 in your diary, this date 

has just been changed from what we previously 

agreed, moving from the Friday back to a Sunday 

event in 2018. Watch this space for more information. 

PLANNING APPLICATIONS 

There is always a lot of interest in planning applications, 

particularly when something is happening on your 

doorstep or in your street. New developments are 

probably the most contentious, as they often stretch 

the town boundaries, as they are known today. But if 

you stop and think about how the town of Swaffham 

has evolved over the years, most of the town would 

not be here, if it wasn’t for developers chancing their 

arm and investing in the town. Opinions on planning 

are always to the extreme, as you are either for or 

against a development, or an application, very rarely 

do people sit on the fence in planning affairs. Council’s 

are accused or siding with either the developer or the 

residents or Breckland Council, so somewhere along 

the lines, someone is not going to be happy, as very 

rarely do they all agree. Well that is the myth, as the 

common public opinion in reality of course things are 

very different, as 90% of all applications, residents, 

applicants, developers, Town and District Council’s 

all agree. It is only those 10%, that are contentious, it 

is just that these take up 90% of the time… 

Two current applications by Abel Homes for an 

example, are amongst the 10% that could be classed 

as contentious. Just recently, we have the application 

for Phase 3 of Swan’s Nest, which has resulted in 

representations being made by local residents to 

the Town Council and to Breckland who are the 

planning authority (making the final decision). The 

detailed design has changed somewhat since the 

outline planning permission was granted, and the 

reasons for this have been explained to the Town 

and Breckland Council. It doesn’t mean though that 

residents are entirely happy, and this matter is yet to 

be determined by Breckland Council (a final decision 

is awaited in the new-year). It is an important 

process though, that all interested parties express 

themselves clearly while they have the chance, that 

they have the opportunity to have their say, as part of 

the decision-making process, whether they agree or 

not in the final decision, is of course another matter. 

Equally, there is much interest in the recently 

received Outline application from Abel Homes for 

the erection of up to 64 bed care home, up to 40 

assisted living dwellings, a Medical Centre, 650 sqm 

retail use, up to 160 dwellings with Open Space, 

associated infrastructure and detailed means of 

access. By the time you are reading through your 

newsletter, your Town Councillors will have already 

given their comments back to Breckland Council. Abel 

Homes have conducted pre-application discussions 

with the Town Council and had a public consultation 

day at the George Hotel a couple of months ago. 

The application, if successful, will be followed by a 

more detailed application, before anything is finally 

built. The current application is contentious because 

it is currently outside of the emerging Local Plan 

allocated sites for development. It was put forward 

as an alternative site, and if the planning permission 

is granted, it will change elements of both the Local 

Plan and the Neighbourhood Plan. 

The Town Council operate an e-mail alert 

service, if you sign up to it on our website www. 

swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk as planning applications 

are made, you can receive an e-mail direct to your 

inbox automatically, it might be worth doing this, if 

you want to keep an eye on how the town develops. 

We also advertise community events in the same 

way, so please consider signing up. All you have to do 

is enter your e-mail address at the relevant section of 

the home page, and press the button… 

GRIT BINS, LITTER BINS & DOG BINS 

We have many queries every year about Grit Bins, 

Litter Bins and Dog Bins, particularly on new estates 

in the Town. The problem with new estates, is that 

we have new residents long before the public areas 

get handed over to the local authorities, whether it 

be County Council, Breckland Council or your Town 

Council. So, we get this transitional period where 

it appears as if nothing is being done. The reality is 

much different, as the three authorities are usually 

preparing the ground for the transfer to happen, 

what is often not clear is the timetable and this is 

down to the developer, and how fast the houses are 

built and sold. In general, the Town Council welcome 

thoughts from all parts of the Town for suggestions 

of bins, for grit, litter and dogs. It is better to know 

where there is a problem, than not, but we have 

quite a few outstanding issues already in various 

parts of the town. Then it is down to whether there 

is a budget and whether permission can be granted 

at the locations suggested, all these things and the 

red tape associated with it, take far too long, but rest 

assured, we are on the case behind the scenes, it is 

what we must do to make it happen. 

Please consider signing up for our gritting scheme 

as a volunteer, thank you to all who have so far. At 

the time of writing the forecast for the next 10 days 

is very grim, so the snow may have already been 

and gone. It could return with a vengeance though 

in January or February, as we have a good part of 

the Winter months still to come. Please contact 

us at the Town Hall 01760 722922 enquiries@ 

swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk 

‘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. 

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 10th - Full Town Council meeting 

6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Council Chamber, Town Hall. 

Monday 15th – Relief in Need 6.45 - 7.15pm 

Monday 22nd - Full Council Finance 

6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Council Chamber, Town Hall. 

Tuesday 30th – N Plan -Steering Group. 12noon 

Planning committee - 1.30pm Council Chamber, 

Town Hall. 

Wednesday 31st – Open Spaces 6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m 

Council Chamber, Town Hall. 

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. 

32 

33

Mind, Body & Spirit 

With Christmas behind us and a new year beginning, I felt 

this to be a good time to announce something very new 

that may be of benefit to all those that work in the holistic 

and complementary arena. 

For some time I wrestled with the idea, the concept that 

sharing further across the network would as a result 

increase the interest. Well here goes, after nine months of 

development, yes it took nine months, we have created 

the possibility that for everyone who wishes to promote 

themselves as a practitioner, everyone who organises 

spiritual events and for all the venue stakeholders to place 

their details, their spiritual event and their venue on a 

brand new website. The website is headed up as www. 

spiritualflow.com, and is free to all those seeking to share 

their information. 

The hardest aspect when organising such a complex site 

is to populate the site with valued content. The new year 

will therefore bring some new challenges forward that will 

enable a fully automated newsletter service that would 

enhance our own local newsletter as well as introducing 

new ideas and new ways forward. 

I know I would welcome any useful comments with ways 

forward, seen by our readers. I would of course initially 

welcome their input by logging into the site as a new user 

and registering with the relevant content. In this way we 

can get the site moving in an upwardly mobile way. I hope, 

by the time this drops on your mat to have populated some 

of the more local Norfolk and surrounding counties events, 

venues and practitioners. It’s a work in progress and will 

during the course of 2018, become a huge successful way 

to ‘Shout out’ the Spiritual Flow within us. 

So what delights might we expect in the early part of the 

year. Well we have a few little gems to offer, whilst the fires 

burn strong and bright, the Kirtan for health with Chrissy 

and her follows continues to shine strong. Her group gather 

once a fortnight in Sporle and sing Mantras, the group has 

been expanding its wonderful skills and understanding and 

has now gone into playing percussion instruments. These 

sessions start up from Thursday 4th January and run every 

other week starting at 7.30pm. More info can be sort by 

contacting Christine on 07957 405823. 

It is well over a year ago when we first started our Gong 

Bath sessions and I’m delighted to say they continue to go 

well. They are held at ‘The Assembly’ an amazing place for 

these beautiful instruments. Each gong bath is a unique 

event and the next uniqueness will be on Wednesday 17th 

January starting promptly at 7.30pm. More info can be 

found on our website. 

Finally, we have arranged a special weekend retreat, the 

first weekend in February in West Lexham, it’s being run 

at cost, in other words for less than two hundred pounds 

you get full board in amazing rooms as well as all the 

workshops. This is an amazing location for something so 

special, there will be five tutors running various spiritual 

workshops and once again that information can also be 

found on our website. 

I wish you all a wonderful, loving experience throughout 

2018. 

Steve at Spiritual Flow 

Swaffham Spiritual Awareness Group 

Meets in the Community Centre, 

Beech Close, Campingland, Swaffham 

at 6.30pm. 

7th January, Wendy Thompson, Swaffham 

21st January, Linda Rae, Ashill 

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 

Linda White (chair) was proud to present a cheque 

for £500 on behalf of Swaffham Spitual Awareness 

Group to James Dean (treasurer) Age Concern 

Swaffham and District . 

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 

34

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