Swaffham Newsletter

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
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