Swaffham Newsletter

SWAFFHAM 

newslet ter 

Merle Boddy manager Georgie 

celebrates 30 years at the centre 

February 2019 

Read more in Merle Boddy's column on p.11 

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 

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. 

Contents 

4 Upcoming Events / Regular Events 

8 School Speak 

10 Church News 

11 Merle Boddy Centre 

12 Swaffham & District Lions/ Lionesses 

14 WI/ Swaffham Spiritual Awareness 

16 Age Concern 

17 Town Team/Swaffham Arts 

19 Swaffham Rotary 

20 Swaffham Jazz Club 

21 Swaffham Community Hospital LOFs 

22 Swaffham Camera Club 

24 Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice 

28 Swaffham History Group/U3A 

Iceni Christmas Day Lunch 

Christmas Day 2018 saw 100 local residents coming 

together for a free Christmas lunch in Swaffham 

Assembly Rooms. The annual event, coordinated 

by local charity Iceni Partnership, is now in its fifth 

year and has gone from strength to strength thanks 

to the continued support of local businesses and 

individuals donating their time and produce. 

This year the event received a substantial donation 

from Swaffham Waitrose as part of their ‘community 

matters’ scheme, which was very gratefully received. 

This combined with the donations of independent 

retailers in the town made for a wonderful day. 

As well as receiving a full meal with all the trimmings, 

guests were also treated to a raffle with a large 

variety of donated gifts. Yet again the feedback 

received from guests was extremely positive and 

everyone attending left with a full belly and a smile 

on their face. Well done Swaffham! 

Please telephone Iceni Partnership on 

01760 722 800 to discuss your requirements 

or email swaffhamnewsletter@gmail.com 

Advertisers - We operate an industry standard 

pre-paid system of billing. We have not increased 

our rates in 2019 and our 6 for the price of 5 offer 

will be available to all. 

30 Museum Matters 

33 Mayor's Parlour 

34 Swaffham Town FC 

Community Fridge Success 

Since opening in December 2017 the community 

fridge in Swaffham has been a huge success story. 

Thanks to the support of local businesses in the town 

we receive regular donations of fruit, vegetables 

and baked goods. The primary aim of the fridge is 

to prevent perfectly edible food from being thrown 

away into landfill and we're pleased to annouce that 

so far we have saved a total of 3 tonnes of food from 

being thrown away! As well as this the fridge has also 

helped people to be directed towards other groups 

and organisations in the community centre. 

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. 

1 

SNL Volunteers 

A polite notice to all of our delivery volunteers, if you 

have any of our delivery bags at home, please could 

you return them to the Town Hall as we are starting 

to run low. 

Also, if you know of anyone who might be interested 

in joining our volunteer team, on either a temporary 

or permanent basis, then please spread the worsd.

Upcoming Events 

New Screen Printing Session Fri 1st Feb 10am-2pm. The Old Art 

Room Swaffham. Learn how to design, make and print your own screen 

on many different surfaces. £20 the session additional cost for materials. 

Tel 01760 337181 or email jane on je.clark176@btinternet.com 

New Adults Textiles & Mixed Media First Saturday of the 

month starting Sat 2nd February, 10am-2pm £15 The Old Art Room 

Swaffham. Additional cost for materials.01760 337181 or email jane on 

je.clark176@btinternet.com 

New Textiles Evening Class 1st Wednesday of the month starting 

Feb 6th, 7pm-9pm. From Traditional to Contemporary textiles. The Old 

Art Room, Swaffham £10 the session additional cost for materials.01760 

337181 or email jane on je.clark176@btinternet.com 

An Evening Of Clairvoyance On Friday 8th Feb at 7.30pm Swaffham 

Spiritual Awareness Group are holding an evening of clairvoyance at the 

Community Centre, Swaffham with our popular trance medium Barry 

Potter from Leicester. Tickets £6 on the door. All proceeds will be for our 

nominated charity of the year - Homestart Swaffham. Please note that 

this event is for over 18 years of age 

The Colin Mason Quartet with David Taylor on Saxophone. Tues 

12th February at 7.30 at Swaffham Conservative Club, London Street. 

PE37 7DD. Ticket price will be £8. Happy New Year Everyone! Norman 

01760 722 384 and Geoff 01366 328 730 

Poppy Appeal Coffee Morning Saturday 16th February, Swaffham 

Methodist Church, 9.30am-12noon. 

Elvis Presley Evening 16th February, 7pm, Tutankhamuns, Plowright 

Place, Swaffham. Local impersonator also includes a burger & knicker bocker 

glory. All for £19.95 - limited spaces. Book now by calling Sue on 01760 724396. 

Free Meal Monday Mon 18th Feb, 11am - 1pm, Swaffham Assembly 

Rooms. Join us for a free 2 course vegetarian meal. 

Beauty And The Beast February 21st-23rd, nightly at 7.30pm. Feb 

23rd Matinee 3pm. This year’s traditional pantomime will be performed by 

TOSH at the Nicolas Hamond Academy. Directed by Local Dame Eddie Gee, 

Musical Director Steve Kemp and The Hilgay All Stars Band. This will be our most 

ambitious show to date with some stunning scenes, magical song and dance 

numbers and comedy to suit the whole family! This promises to be the show 

of the year and possibly the best Pantomime Swaffham has ever seen! Tickets 

available from The Arts Lounge 01760 723624. Prices are adults £10, children 

and concessions £8. With a family ticket of two adults and two children @ £30. 

Nar Valley Ornithological Society (NarVOS) Illustrated Talk 

Tuesday 26th February 2019, 7.30pm at the Barn Theatre, Sacred Heart Convent 

School, Swaffham. Access and parking from Sporle Road. 

Please come along to this illustrated talk by Dan Pollard, entitled: 'Managing 

the Denver Complex'. Denver Sluice has played a vital role in the drainage of 

The Fens since the 1600s. And who better to talk about managing the present 

Denver Complex than Dan Pollard from the Environment Agency who own the 

site. Dan lives and works at Denver Sluice dealing with all the responsibilities 

of flood risk, navigation, conservation, water abstraction, land drainage and 

fisheries. Quite a challenge. 

Visitors most welcome. Admission £2 on the night if you are not a NarVOS 

member. For more information about this meeting or NarVOS call Ian Black on 

01760 724092. 

"Women and Words" An evening of readings by Iceni Writers, Friday, 

8th March, venue TBC. 

Live Music with The Strollers Saturday 23rd March, Pentney Village 

Hall PE321JD, 7.30pm - 11.30pm. Tickets cost £8 and can be obtained by 

contacting Janis Bell on 07887 983568. Bring your own food and drink. 

Desert Rats D-Day Dinner & Dance 6th April 2019, 6.30pm for 

7pm, Lynford Hall Hotel, Mundford IP26 5HW. £44 per person (advance 

booking required). Period or smart dress. Includes 3 course meal with 

tea or coffee and entertainment from 1940's Swingtime Sweetheart 

singers, Piper & DJ AndyV8. Carriages at 12.59am. Contact Debbie Wells 

on 01366 347316 or email desert.rats.events@gmail.com. 

Westacre Theatre www.westacretheatre.com 01760 755800 

Fri 8 Feb and Sat 9 Feb: On Stage with the Westacre Theatre Company: A MAN 

OF LETTERS by Tim Firth. 7:30pm. £12 (£8 for under 21s) 

Fri 15 Feb: On Screen with a Valentine’s Special: A STAR IS BORN [15] 2017 

starring Lady Gaga. 7 for 7:30pm. £12 including welcome cocktail and nibbles. 

Sat 16 Feb: On Stage with a Touring Production featuring Ben Watson: THE 

HISTORY OF EVERYTHING IN 60 MINUTES (more or less). 7:30pm. £15 

Wed 20 Feb: Wednesday Film: COCO [PG] 2017 2pm. £8 

Wed 27 Feb: Wednesday Film: THE SQUARE [15] 2017 2pm. £8 

For all of February: THE WORLD THROUGH THE LENS – new photographic 

exhibition from freshly formed collective ‘Decent Exposure’. Free to view at all 

performance times or by prior arrangement on 01760 755007. 

4 

Regular Meetings & Events 

MONDAY 

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

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

Leader Adrian Searle on 07771 603409 or group Secretary Ali Plomer 

on 01760 441175 

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

tutoring and 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 

Free Meal Monday Every 3rd Monday of the month, 11am - 1pm, 

Swaffham Assembly Rooms. Join us for a free 2 course vegetarian meal. 

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 contact John or Nicky on 01760 721568 or email swaffhamplayers@ 

gmail.com 

Swaffham Stroke Support Group meet on the 3rd Monday of the 

month at The Maltings on Cley Road, 10:30am until 12:30pm. Call Sarah Neall 

on 7507 494103 for further details. 

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 7pm - 8.30pm at Great 

Cressingham Village Hall. More details Fiona 07768211087 

Youthie 5.30 - 7pm, age 8 - yr 6. Swaffham Community Centre. 

Contact 01760 722800 for more info. 

TUESDAY 

1st Swaffham Cubs Meet Tuesday 6:30 to 8:00pm at the Scout Hut at 

Cockley Cley. For boys and girls aged 8 to 10 1/2. New members welcome. For 

more information contact Group Scout Leader, Carolyn Cooper 07816 208687 

gsl1stswaffham@gmail.com 

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 £10 Tel.01760 337181 

Holme Hale Whist Club Meets at Tony Evans Centre of Holme Hale 

Village Hall on the First and Third Tuesdays @ 1.30pm. Contact Mrs Sue Ludlow 

on 01760 441660 for more details. 

Jump, Jive & Swing Swaffham Community Centre, 7.45pm. Classes 8pm 

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

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 

Swaffham Voices 7.30-9.30pm. Swaffham Community Centre. 

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

Royal British Legion, Swaffham & District Branch 8pm, 

3rd Tuesday Swaffham Conservative Club. Tel: David Thorogood 

01760622751 

Royal British Legion (Women’s Section) We meet the 2nd 

Tuesday of the month at Valentine Barker Court, Swaffham, from 

2-30pm – 4-30pm. All welcome, you do not have to be ex- service 

personal or have connection with the Armed Forces. Please Contact 

Frances on 01760 724445 or Iris on 01760 721430, 

The Royal Elizabethan Lodge Meets alternate Tuesdays, 8pm in 

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

721760 

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 5.30pm & 7.30pm. Edyta 07428 516814 

SNAP (Safer Neighbourhood Action Partnership) 

Meetings held 3rd Tuesday every other month. Town Hall, 7pm. 

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 11am 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 

Tom’s Kickboxing Academy 6pm - 7pm Juniors, 7pm - 8.15pm 

Seniors (16+) , Holme Hale Village Hall IP25 7DP 

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: Belinda_Bush@ 

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 at Great Dunham Village Hall 10.30am till 12.00pm, £8 per 

session, please contact Jayne on 07544974342 

Yoga at Necton Community Centre 

2pm till 3.30pm, £8 per session, please contact Jayne on 07544974342 

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. 

Conservative Party, Swaffham Branch meets every 3rd 

Wednesday every other month. The next meeting is at the Conservative Club, 

20th February. 10am coffee, 10.30am start. All welcome. 

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

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

01760724617 

5 

Alzheimer`s Society Dementia Café first Weds of month, 

10am-12noon. Swaffham Assembly Rooms. Support, information and social 

activity. Refreshments provided. 01603 763556 

Arts Lounge beginners/refreshers art classes Weds, Thurs & 

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. Assembly Rooms. 01603 763 556 

Swaffham WI Methodist church room on the first Wednesday at 

2pm. 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 Beginners games night. A night of games especially for 

people wanting to give it a try. We'll play a variety games tailored for beginners 

and those wanting to dip their toes in the games pond. Refreshments 

available. From 7pm. 13 Station Street, Swaffham. 01760 788427 

The Swaffham and District Branch of the Labour Party 

meets in the Community Centre at 7.30 pm, last Weds 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 

Acrylic/Oil painting workshops Arts Lounge Gallery Studio, 15 

Market Place Swaffham are on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Two sessions 

each day, 0930-1230 or 1pm-4pm, £30 per session includes all equipment, 

materials and refreshments. Call 01760 723624 to book. 

Baby Signing Classes -Sing and Sign Swaffham Community 

Centre (Dickens Room). Help your baby to communicate before speech with 

our award winning music classes. 10am Stage 2 14mths - 2yrs. 11am Stage 

1 6mths - 14mths. Term time only. Booking is essential as places are limited. 

Contact Andrea 07905 061336 or Email kingslynn@singandsign.co.uk 

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

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

contact John or Nicky on 01760 721568 or email swaffhamplayers@gmail.com 

Swaffham Veterans Snooker Group (60+) 10am-1pm at West Acre 

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

St. John Ambulance - Swaffham (Adults) Every Wednesday 

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

Swaffham VIPs A social club suitable for those with failing sight and 

degenerative medical conditions. Swaffham Community Centre 4th Wed 

(except August) 1.30-3.30pm £4. 01760 722800. 

Tai Chi beginners class 11.30am Swaffham Community Centre 

01760723102 or barbara.smith58@yahoo.co.uk 

http://www.academytaichi.co.uk 

Tom’s Kickboxing Academy 6pm - 7pm Jnrs, 7pm - 8.15pm Seniors 

(16+) , Holme Hale Village Hall IP25 7DP 

TOSH community drama group meets from 7pm to 9pm at the 

Methodist Rooms in Swaffham More details Fiona 07768211087 

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

THURSDAY 

1st Swaffham Beavers Meet Thursday 6 to 7:15 at the Scout Hut 

at Cockley Cley. For boys and girls aged 6 to 8. New members welcome. For 

more information contact Group Scout Leader, Carolyn Cooper 07816 208687 

gsl1stswaffham@gmail.com 




materials and refreshments. Call 01760 723624 

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 £10 Tel.01760 337181 

Great Massingham Film Night Great films every third Thursday of 

the month. 7 for 7.30 at the Village Hall, Station Road. £4 with refreshments. 

Email:massinghamfilmnight@gmail.com or phone 01485 520628. 

Happidojo Marham Judo Club Sandringham Centre 

PE33 9NP Contact Colin McCallum on 07905 278857 or www. 

happidojomarhamjudoclub.btckco.uk for details.

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 

Kirtan for Health Relax and enjoy the meditative benefits whilst 

singing/chanting beautiful songs and ancient mantras. Sessions every 

other Thursday. £6 including refreshments. For details contact Chris on 

07957 405823 or chrissywillis57@yahoo.co.uk 

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 

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

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

Mothers’ Union The Swaffham branch of the Mothers’ Union – the largest 

organisation within the Church of England – usually meets on the 2nd Thursday 

of the month. Enquiries to Julia 720041 

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, 

Salsa 7-9pm Swaffham Assembly Rooms. 07912366661 

Swaffham Sparklers Swaffham branch of the Red Hat Society meets 

2nd Thurs of the month, 7 pm: Jill Neale 01760 723466 

RockaVoX Every Thursday, 7pm - 9pm, Swaffham Community Centre. 

Contact Tiggy on jdtmusic@hotmail.co.uk for more information. 

Tom’s Kickboxing Academy 6pm - 7pm Juniors, 7pm - 8.15pm Seniors 

(16+) , Shipdham Pavillion IP25 7LU 

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

Pavilion, 09.45 - 12 noon. Annual Memb. £10. Contact 01760 721247. 

Weight Watchers 10-11am Swaffham Community Centre. 

Cheryl 07941 319 742 

Youthie Plus 5:30 – 7pm, Swaffham Community Centre. 

For years 6, 7 & 8 Free entry. Contact 01760 722800 for more info. 

Youthie Hub 7.30 - 9pm, Swaffham Community Centre. Age 13 +. Contact 

01760 722800 for more info. 

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: Belinda_Bush@hotmail.com 

FRIDAY 

2nd Swaffham Guides Term time only, 18:30-20:30. Methodist 

Rooms, Swaffham. 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 




materials and refreshments. Call 01760 723624 to book. 

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

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

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

Bingo at Narborough Community Centre Doors 6.30pm, eyesdown 

7.45pm Contact Mrs Hennessy 01760 337540 

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

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

724944/lindaringer0447@gmail.com 

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

Tea & biscuits inc. Call Alan on 01760 723 910 

Coffee Morning At Ashill Community Centre 2nd Friday every 

month, 10am until noon. 01760 441 651 

Country Music Last Friday of each month at the communal lounge at 

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

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

Games Evening & Social 2nd Friday/month Swaffham Baptists Church 

Hall - 7:30. All welcome 

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

Henchmans Early Friday Night Magic at Henchmans, 13 Station Street. 2pm 

6 

to 6pm. Friday Night Magic at Henchmans from 7pm. 01760788427 

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 

Screen Printing Session 10am-2pm. The Old Art Room Swaffham. Learn 

how to design, make and print your own screen on many different surfaces. 

£20 the session additional cost for materials. Tel 01760 337181 or email jane on 

je.clark176@btinternet.com 

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. Swaffham Community Centre. Tel: 01760 

723102 or barbara.smith58@yahoo.co.uk http://www.academytaichi.co.uk 

Yoga at Dunham Village Hall 10.30am till 12.00pm, £8 per session, 

please contact Jayne on 07544974342 

SATURDAY 

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 

Buzzbox A hive of activity for young families, 10am to noon. On the 3rd 

Saturday of each month, in the parish church. Each session has a themed 

‘Sharing Circle’; illustrated and acted stories from the Bible; children’s 

discussions; songs; prayers; and birthday celebrations. All are welcome. 

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

All Equipment, Snack and Drink provided Tel. 01760 337181 

Childrens Sewing and Textile 2nd Saturday Monthly for over 7-14 yrs 

10-1.15pm at The Old Art Room Swaffham. £15 a session addtional cost for 

materials 01760 337181 or email Jane on je.clark176@btinternet.com 

Henchmans Warhammer Day. Join us for a day of playing, painting and 

modelling in store. from 10am to 5pm. £3 for the entire day or part thereof. 

All ages welcome. Customers are welcome to bring their existing models to 

paint and battle with but we do now stock Games Workshop paints, models 

& accessories. Terrain/accessories and rules for in-store battles are provided. 

13 Station Street, Swaffham. 01760 788427 

Over 14's Textiles The Old Art Room Swaffham. 10am-2pm £15 a session 

addtional cost for materials 01760 337181 or email Jane on je.clark176@ 

btinternet.com 

Parkrun Every Saturday at 9am on the filed adjacent to the Nicholas Hamond 

Academy, Brandon Rd, Swaffham. For further details contact David Wickerson: 

davidwickerson@btinternet.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. 01553 765870 

SUNDAY 

Henchmans Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game from 12 noon until 4pm. £2.50 per 

person.Regular friendly tournaments. Konami registered store. Henchman’s, 13 

Station Street, Swaffham PE37 7LL. 

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 

Silver Social launch new events 

The Silver Social programme is back in January 

2019 with a host of new events and workshops 

for Breckland residents, including the award 

winning cabaret act Mat Ricardo, plus the fabulous 

Glass House Dance Group and their Hollywood 

musical extravaganza workshop. The project, 

which launched in 2017, offers daytime activities, 

including workshops and performances, aimed at 

older residents in rural communities. 

Following Glass House Dance in January, the worldclass 

juggling, magician and illusionist Matt Ricardo 

will be touring rural venues in Breckland in early 

February. His sleight of hand, knife throwing and 

stand-up comedy will certainly have audiences 

captivated and laughing in the aisles. Matt will 

be showcasing his variety performance show in 

Ashill, East Harling, Attleborough, Shipdham and 

Necton from 4th - 8th February 2019. Tickets for 

Matt’s wonderful show are just £5 and include 

refreshments. 

Paul Claussen, Executive Member of Place 

commented “Silver Social is an award winning 

programme which offers something a little different 

to daily life in Breckland. Not only does it help 

bring people together to socialise in their local 

community, but it’s an excellent opportunity to meet 

new friends and neighbours within their local area. I 

would ask residents and local groups to come along 

to the Silver Social performances and participate in 

the wonderful workshops and see for themselves 

how life changing it can be.” The scheme is funded 

by the National Lottery, The Arts Council, Norfolk 

County Council, Breckland Council and Public Health 

England. For further information on the events or to 

book your place visit www.thesilversocial.com” 

7 

Swaffham Library News 

The Pightle, Swaffham PE37 7DF. Tel: 01760 721513 

The Swaffham Library Friends group hosted a Films 

from the Archive event in December at which 

short films from the East Anglian Film Archive 

on the theme of local railways were shown to an 

appreciative audience of railway and local history 

enthusiasts. Similar evenings on different themes 

are planned in the future with Royalty in Norfolk 

being the next on Friday 25 January, 7.15-8.15pm. 

The library ran a fun-packed Micro:bit Jam session 

toward the end of last year for youngsters to learn 

how to code a microcomputer to make their own 

games. Following from this, a regular Saturday 

afternoon Code Club for children aged 8-12 has 

been introduced to the library’s regular programme 

of activities. Code Club will be running in half-term 

series, with the next starting in early March. 

More fun with technology is planned with a range 

of exciting events involving codable caterpillars, 

robot unicorns, stop motion animation and digital 

music coming to 

Norfolk Libraries 

in February 2019 

as part of DigiFest: 

a celebration of 

digital making. At 

Swaffham Library 

there will be a 

Discover 3D Print 

workshop on Saturday 2 February, 2-4pm, (for 8-11 

yr olds) and a Build Your Own Scribblebot activity 

on Tuesday 26 February 3.45-5.15pm (for 7-11 yr 

olds). For a full list of events go to www.norfolk. 

gov.uk/digifest. Contact Swaffham Library on 

01760 721513 for more information and booking. 

SWAFFHAM 

#COMMUNITY FRIDGE 

270kg

Local Dog Lovers’ Solution to Loneliness 

Volunteer dog cuddling is being offered by Barking 

Mad (North West Norfolk) as an antidote to the 

problem of loneliness in modern society. For those 

who are retired or work from home and are spending 

large chunks of time alone, caring for a waggy-tailed 

companion on a temporary basis and meeting other 

like-minded dog lovers could really help to overcome 

feelings of isolation. 

The perception of loneliness as mainly an issue for 

the older generation is now proving inaccurate, as a 

study from the Office for National Statistics suggests 

that young adults are more likely to feel lonely 

than older age groups. Due to huge advances in 

technology, the number of freelancers and remote 

workers is rising, with an article in Business Leader 

claiming that a ‘third of business owners think that 

workforce will work remotely by 2020.’ 

Tania Stowe of Barking Mad said, 

“Whilst remote working has obvious advantages, 

working alone under pressure and not having the 

physical presence of a team to support you can lead 

to loneliness that can’t be fixed by any kind of app. 

Caring for a friendly dog not only provides canine 

cuddles (far better than any virtual hug) but also 

the motivation to go and take a walk at lunchtime, 

increasing the likelihood of adhering to New Year 

fitness resolutions.” 

The community of Barking Mad host families mainly 

consists of active retired people and those who 

either work from home, or have extended periods 

away from work. It offers the opportunity to care 

for dogs in your own home, while their owners are 

away on holiday. Hosts experience all the benefits of 

dog companionship without any of the emotional or 

financial responsibilities of full time pet ownership 

and they receive 24/7 support from the Barking Mad 

team. 

To find out more about becoming a Barking Mad 

host, you can call Tania Stowe on 01485 205715 or 

visit www.barkingmad.uk.com/local/norfolk/westnorfolk 

Consultation on new primary school 

The Catholic Diocese of East Anglia began a 

consultation on 7th January to open a new Catholic 

primary school in Swaffham. This will be on the site of 

the current Sacred Heart School, a fee-paying school 

that is due to close at the end of the summer term 

2019. The consultation will run until 15th February 

2019 and asks parents, staff and the local community 

for their views about opening a new Catholic primary 

school. 

Helen Bates, Assistant Director for Schools, said: 

“The possibility of opening a non-fee paying Catholic 

primary school in Swaffham is extremely exciting 

and a very rare opportunity. We have not opened 

any new Catholic schools in Norfolk in decades. The 

nearest Catholic schools to Swaffham are in King’s 

Lynn and Costessey in Norwich, which many parents 

feel is too far for primary-aged children to travel. 

If successful, this new school will build on the long 

tradition of excellent education and community 

service at Sacred Heart School. We need to hear from 

as many people as possible during this consultation 

to understand if there is widespread support for the 

new primary school.” 

There is a consultation document that provides more 

details which can be found at www.rcdea.org.uk/ 

sacredheartva. There are also drop-in sessions being 

held at Sacred Heart School where Diocesan officers 

will be available to answer questions and provide 

further information. These are on:- 

• Thursday, 17th January 2019, 3.30pm-5.00pm 

• Wednesday, 6th February 2019, 6.30pm-8.00pm 

Sacred Heart School is also holding an Open Day on 

Saturday, 9th February 2019 between 10.00am and 

12 noon which will provide an opportunity to have 

look around the school’s first-class facilities. 

The final decision on whether to open the new 

Catholic primary school will be made by Norfolk 

County Council and is expected by the end of April 

2019. 

The Nicholas Hamond Academy 

Student Safety In Partnership With Local Police 

Norfolk Constabulary were welcomed into the 

academy to present to students on subjects which 

are so important in today’s world, helping them 

to understand how to keep themselves safe. The 

Safer Schools Partnership aims to build positive 

relationships and to demonstrate a commitment to 

promoting a safe climate of learning and prevention 

of crime. All students involved were able to ask 

questions and are now better informed on topics 

including Child Exploitation, Healthy Relationships 

and Internet Safety. A very worthwhile project. 

Creativity In The Classroom 

There was certainly some creative learning happening 

in one of our classrooms 

as students learned about 

the different religions in 

the world. Students made 

a piñata full of facts, 

cooked various dishes and 

made bunting. What an 

interesting and inspiring 

way to learn! 

Honouring An Incredible Young Man! 

You will remember the fundraising campaign by our 

students earlier in the year for this incredible young 

man and his family. Archie Ramshaw developed a 

very rare form of anaemia and is currently recovering 

after a bone marrow transplant in a London hospital. 

He has stayed strong and despite his ordeal has 

simply never given up! His ready smile and resilience 

in the face of this illness has meant that he has won 

a KLFM 2018 Young Hero Award. Unfortunately, he 

was not well enough to attend in person but the 

radio station was able to ‘FaceTime’ him during the 

ceremony. His friends at the academy have helped 

him stay strong by keeping in touch regularly and 

sending him parcels containing his favourite things 

whilst he has been in hospital which has meant such 

a lot to Archie and his family. Very well done Archie 

for receiving this Award. The students and staff wish 

you well on your road to recovery and are proud that 

you are part of our community. 

Busy Designing 

One particular area of the academy has been buzzing 

with the sound of various tools and equipment as 

students designed and made door signs as part of 

the resistant materials part of their course. There 

really were some great ideas produced. 

A Little Treat 

Hopefully your New Year resolutions are going 

well and you can award 

yourself a little treat. A 

perfect example are some 

chocolate cupcakes made 

in our Food Technology 

area and taken home to 

celebrate a family birthday. 

This quick and easy recipe 

is as follows: 

• 60g good quality (70%) cocoa powder. 

• 4 to 5 tablespoons boiling hot water 

• 175g unsalted butter, softened 

• 175g caster sugar 

• 120g self-raising flour 

• 1 level teaspoon baking powder 

• 3 eggs. (Bake at 150 degrees for 10-15 mins). 

8 

9

Swaffham Methodist Church 

Fri 1st Feb 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

Sat 2nd Feb 9.30am -12noon. Coffee Morning. 

Sun 3rd Feb 10.45am. Morning Worship followed by 

refreshments. 

Thurs 7th Feb 2.30pm. Bible study led by Revd.Liz Jolly. 

Third of a series of five. 

Fri 8th Feb 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

Sat 9th Feb 9.30am -12noon Coffee Morning. 

Sun 10th Feb 10.45am. Morning Worship followed by 

refreshments. 

Thurs 14th Feb 2.30pm. Thursday Group. Talk by Tony 

Pearce about the Falklands. 

Fri 15th Feb 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

Sat 16th Feb 9.30am -12noon. Coffee Morning. 


refreshments. 

Thurs 21st Feb 2.30pm. Bible Study led by Revd.Liz Jolly. 

Fourth of a series of five. 

Fri 22nd Feb 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

Sat 23rd Feb 9.30am -12noon. Coffee Morning. 


refreshments. 

Thurs 28th Feb 2.30pm. Thursday Group. 

Churches Together 

Can you spare some time to co-ordinate Christian Aid 

collection and information in Swaffham? Churches 

Together in Swaffham and District is looking to find 

someone who would be able to co-ordinate the 

street collection for Christian Aid Week. This involves 

arranging collectors from the four churches to cover 

4-6 "stations" in either 1 or 2 hour slots from 9am to 

1pm. There are other duties involved and for more 

information please contact Martin Burton on 720205 

who will be able to give you more details. Hopefully 

there will be someone who feels able to take this on 

to continue Swaffham's involvement with Christian Aid. 

St Peter & St Paul’s Swaffham 

The February services in Swaffham parish church will 

be as follows:- 

Sunday 3rd 

8.00am Holy Communion 

9.30am Sung Eucharist for Candlemas 

3.30pm Evensong (BCP) 

Wednesday 6th 

10.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 

Sunday 10th 


9.30am Sung Eucharist 

Wednesday 13th 


10 

Sunday 17th 



11.15am Family Service 



Sunday 24th 





NB 

Sunday 3rd March 



3.30pm Evensong (BCP) 

Mothers’ Union 

The Swaffham branch of the MU usually meets on 

the 2nd Thursday of the month and the next meeting 

will on Thursday 14th February in the Baptist Church 

Room (please note the venue). Coffee/tea is served 

from 9.30am and the meeting proper starts at 

10.00am. This month’s speaker will be Mrs Jenny Bell, 

on “My journey to becoming a published author”. 

Enquiries to Julia on 720041 

Buzzbox 

A hive of activity for young families at 10.00 am to 

12.00 noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month, in the 

parish church. Each session has a themed ‘Sharing 

Circle’; illustrated and acted stories from the Bible; 

children’s discussions; songs; prayers; and birthday 

celebrations. The next meeting will be in church at 

10.00am on 16th February. All parents and children 

are most welcome. 

Christmas Bazaar – Thank You – Oops! 

Last month, in the Christmas Bazaar “Thank You” 

the parish church reported on the very excellent 

result. Unfortunately, in doing so it was stated that 

the revenue would “go some way to meet the Parish 

Church’s regular expenditure of £1700 per month.” 

In fact that should have read “….£1700 per week”. 

Advance Notice: Women’s World Day Of Prayer 

The 2019 Women’s World Day of Prayer will be held at 

2.00pm on Friday 1st March when those present will 

be part of a great wave of prayer encircling the globe 

– starting as the sun rises over Samoa and ending 

many hours later, back in the Pacific at sunset. We 

will be praying and sharing with people in over 120 

countries and islands around the world. It is literally a 

world-wide event that has been held for many years. 

The service is the responsibility of a different country 

every year, and this year it has been prepared by a 

group of Christian women in Slovenia. The WWDoP 

service in Swaffham is a Churches Together event, 

and this year it will be held in the parish church. 

Please note, men are also most welcome! 

Merle Boddy Centre 

Before Christmas several businesses in the town had 

hampers and other goodies to sell squares for our 

charity. Each board had 90 squares and every one was 

sold, so the biggest of thank yous go to Hair Unique, 

Teapot Cafe, Red Lion, White Hart, Ceres book shop 

and Swaffham Bingo. You are all awesome! 

When I first came through the doors I knew this is 

where I wanted be, it just felt so right. I can honestly 

tell you everyday has been a joy. I have been so 

lucky to have met some fantastic people: Clients, 

volunteers, staff and people from many organisations 

in Swaffham and further a field. Without the help from 

these people and the 

Swaffham community 

it would have been so 

much tougher, I may 

not have another 30 

years, but boy will I 

try, so please come 

with me on my next 

part of this adventure. 

Day centres are a 

much needed part of 

keeping well, to both 

clients and loved ones, 

so let's keep reminding 

the powers that be. We 

have a voice and we 

can use it. My love and 

thanks goes to everyone who makes me what I am. 

Swaffham Christmas Tree Festival just keeps getting 

better, again there was such a selection of beautiful 

trees in the church. My thanks goes to Jill and all 

who helped her over the week. All of our clients got 

involved with doing the decorations and very much 

enjoyed this activity. We're already thinking of this 

year's theme. 

11 

Over the month of December we really got in to 

the Christmas spirit: From making wreaths and 

flower arrangements, to singing carols and making 

Christmas cards and decorations. We also had the 

pleasure of Senor Momento coming in to entertain 

us, as well as Christmas lunches - that's a lot of turkey 

and trimmings for anyone, but we managed it! If it's 

not too late, happy new year to you all. If you have 

any unloved presents we would be happy to receive 

them to help with our fundraising. Thank you. 

These are two of the 

winners from the 

squares, which were 

sold at Tesco. Ray 

won the leaf blower 

and Wendy won the 

doll's house. Well 

done and thank you 

for taking the time to 

participate. Thanks 

also to Tesco for 

letting me have the 

space in their store.

Swaffham & District Lions 

Swaffham had a wonderful evening 

touring the married quarters at 

RAF Marham with Santa in his 

sleigh. The Lions had notified 

Marham of the route the sleigh would take, which 

enabled the families to come out with their children. 

With cameras flashing it was difficult to see who 

were more excited, mums and dads or the children. 

Santa’s Marham tour is one of the most rewarding 

events that Swaffham Lions do in the community, 

especially when you see the joy and smiling faces of 

the children. 

Following a very successful variety show, held in 

November, Swaffham Lions were able to hand over 

a cheque for £1500 to Brendan Holmes of Scotty’s 

Little Soldiers, the charity that helps children who 

have lost a parent whilst serving in the military. 

Calling all 

budding artists 

Gallery Iceni 

needs you! 

Swaffham Lions held their annual Seniors Christmas 

Lunch at the Sacred Heart Convent School; the 

seventy guests enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner 

with all the trimmings. The vegetables were prepared 

by the Lions, who are now experts at peeling and 

chopping. Most of the food was bought with a 

donation from the Swaffham Tesco Store. It was all 

systems go on the morning with the chef being one of 

the teaching staff from the Sacred Heart School with 

her band of Lion helpers. The guests were welcomed 

with a glass of sherry by Lion President, John Collins, 

with a response by Swaffham Town Mayor, Colin 

Houghton, who praised the Lions for their work in 

the community and said that this was the 34th year 

that the Lions had provided a Christmas Lunch for 

the seniors. The Lionesses acted as waiting staff with 

the help of the Mayor. After the meal the guests 

were entertained with bingo provided by councillor 

Paul Darby and Christmas carols led by Sue Rogers. 

Swaffham Lionesses 

The Lionesses worked hard over the Christmas 

period: Having our tree in the Church Festival, our 

Christmas tombola at the Rotary Fayre and helping 

the Lions with the Pensioners Christmas Party, 

which was a happy and successful occasion as usual. 

We chilled out by having a lovely Christmas meal 

together at The Station pub. 

For our January meeting we got together at President 

Anne’s home where we had a short business meeting 

planning our future activities and events for later in 

the year, including our Annual Lioness Conference 

coming up in February. The meeting was followed by 

a delicious buffet and social – a great way to start the 

New Year off! 

At the Iceni Partnership, we are always looking 

for new art groups, or individuals who would 

like to showcase their work in our 

gallery in the community centre. 

If you or someone you know would be 

interested, then please call us on 

01760 722 800 or pop into the office and speak 

to our gallery co-ordinator Jelena 

EAST ANGLIA’S PREMIER GROUNDS CARE EQUIPMENT RETAILER 

Pick up your 

clothing & 

tools today! 

Chains made to pattern for 

most brands of chainsaw 

For portable 

& domestic 

heating 

Chainsaws 

from 

£179 

(inc. VAT) 

free meal Mondays 

Join us for a free vegetarian meal on the third Monday of the 

month. Lunch is served from 11am till 1pm in Swaffham Assembly 

Rooms. Please call 01760 722800 if you’d like to attend, 

• mon 21st Jan 

• mon 18th feb 

• mon 18th march 

• mon 15th april 

• mon 20th may 

• mon 17th june 

dates for 2019: 

• mon 15th july 

• mon 19th aug 

• mon 16th sept 

• mon 21st oct 

• mon 18th nov 

• mon 16th dec 

12 

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 

meals cooked with ingredients donated to swaffham community 

fridge. we look forward to dining with you!

Sporle Afternoon WI 

Sporle afternoon WI members and 

their guests rounded off 2018 with a 

Christmas lunch. That “man in red” 

paid us a visit with gifts for the ladies a sporting 

chance card for the gentlemen guests, one of which 

did have a winner! A raffle completed the afternoon 

and everyone went home in a happy mood ready 

for the seasonal festivities. January 15th kicked off 

2019 with a Beetle Drive – always a fun event to 

mix members up and give us all a chance to catch 

up with friends not seen since “last year”. The new 

membership cards will be available and we can 

see how varied the New Year’s speakers will be 

from charity fund raisers to a member's personal 

memories of her life which is very varied – and so 

interesting!! 2019 is going to be a big year for the 

WI as it celebrates its 100 years – so bound to be lots 

of “extra” events. Whoops! I forgot to mention the 

tea and cake – a must for any meeting! 

The title of our speaker in February is “Service with a 

smile”, a talk on tourism. 

Sporle Afternoon WI each 3rd Tuesday of the month 

l.45pm – 4pm – Guests welcome £3.50 per person 

Beachamwell WI 

In December, Beachamwell WI 

celebrated Christmas with musical 

and humorous entertainment from 

the West End Waiters, a group that supports Motor 

Neurone Disease Research. We were delighted to 

welcome lots of visitors, and we hope they enjoyed 

the evening as much as the members did. 

We started the new year, as usual, with our Resolutions 

Evening where we discussed the proposals for this 

year’s national WI campaign focus. In this year’s 

shortlist, three of the proposals concerned women’s 

health issues; “Ending the taboo around menstrual 

health”, “Pelvic floor education”, and “Don’t fear the 

smear”. Two proposals had an environmental theme; 

“Improving plant biosecurity” and “Trees – improving 

the natural landscape”. Lastly, there was “A call 

against the decline in local bus services”. Lively and 

frank discussions ensued, and members will now vote 

for the resolution they wish to be taken forward at a 

national level. The evening finished with a quiz. 

At February’s meeting there will be a talk by Penelope 

Watkins on “Know your shape, enjoy your assets.” It 

promises to be an uplifting evening! In March, local 

writer, Jackie Bennett will give us an illustrated talk 

on the subject of her latest book, “Britain’s Island 

Gardens”. 

Beachamwell WI meets at 7.30 on the first Thursday 

evening of each month in Beachamwell Village Hall. 

The group is friendly and informal, prospective new 

members and visitors are very welcome to join us. 

Just turn up on the night, or phone Leah Spencer 

(01366 328536) or Helen Ranger (01366 328589) 

Maggie Mackenzie 

14 

Swaffham W.I. 

Our New Year's meeting on 2nd 

January was a Social Gathering with a 

couple of changes included. 

The two Swaffham W.I. groups have now joined 

into one. We have also changed venues & now 

meet together in the Methodist Church Rooms on 

London Street. Our President opened the meeting 

and gave us an update on the business involved. We 

started with a lovely poem on friendship and then 

had snacks of fruit punch and shortbread. There was 

then a discussion on the six resolution choices put 

forward for the Annual W.I. & Federations meeting 

to be held in June 2019. There were also some light 

hearted quizzes which certainly kept us guessing! It 

was a great start for our monthly meetings which 

are held on each first Wednesday. The next is on 

6th February with Tina Birchett speaking on EACH 

Childrens Hospice starting at 2pm. 

Do come for a visit to see if you would like to join 

us, you will be very welcome. For more information 

phone our secretary Fiona Walker on 01760 722879. 

The Pickenhams WI 

For our December Meeting members 

were entertained by the fascinating 

“Magic Lantern Show” by Richard and 

Jan Rigby. We also enjoyed a delicious Christmas Tea 

and members kindly donated £75 in lieu of a secret 

Santa towards the Leeway Trust, a local charity. 

In January Carolyn welcomed us to the first meeting 

of the New Year and introduced our speaker Iris 

Saxon. Iris told us about her exciting time on the 

TV programme “Bargain Hunt” with Timothy 

Wonnacott. Iris then showed us a few of her own 

interesting collectables. After a welcome tea and 

biscuits, Carolyn took us through some various 

happenings with our busy W.I. 

Next meeting is at 2pm, 12th February in St.Andrews 

Church. Speaker— Melanie Hilton, talking about 

“Jane Austen's London” 

Competition- A copy of your favourite novel and a 

paragraph about why! 

If you would like to give us a go please contact.- 

Carolyn Vincent- 01760 755089 or Melanie Cousins 

- 01760 440456 

Swaffham Spiritual Awareness Group 

Meets in the Community Centre, 

Beech Close, Campingland, Swaffham 

at 6.30pm. 

3 February, Sue Hind, King's Lynn. 

17 February, 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 

Iceni Youth Clubs 

Youthie: 

8 years to year 6 Mondays 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: 

Year 9 to 19 years Thursdays - 7:30pm – 9:00pm 

Staff are happy to give information, guidance and 

advice. Call us for further details on: 07772 852 284 

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

FREE drink at The Red Lion with 

any main meal 

when you show this voucher! 

87 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7AQ 01760 721022 

87 Market Place, Swaffham, Norfolk. PE37 7AQ Tel:01760721022 

EAT 

come and enjoy our fresh homemade 

food using local produce also 

see our specials boards for more 

Swaffham Counselling choice. Please and book for Psychotherapy 

evening 

UKCP Registered 

meals with our delicious menus 

Barbara O'Hanlon BA is now working from her 

private Have a warm practice relaxing and restful in Swaffham. For more 

SLEEP 

information 

sleep in one of our newly completely 

or an initial consultation contact Barbara on: 

refitted and refurbished rooms 

choice of Doubles, Twins or Family. 

07516 917171 / barbarann688@gmail.com 

Come and go as you please. 

www.swaffhamtherapy.co.uk 

DRINK 

made food using local produce also 

home- 

fresh our enjoy and come 

choice. Please book for evening 

more for boards specials our see 

great choice of draught beers and 

a with drink cool refreshing a Enjoy 

large choice of spirits and mixers. 

a and ales real our try also lagers 


restful and relaxing warm a Have 


rooms 

refurbished and refitted 

Enjoy a refreshing cool drink with a 


lagers also try our real ales and a 


www.redlionswaffham.co.uk E-Mail: redlionswaffham@gmail.com 

PLEASE SEE OUR SPECIAL VOUCHER SOMEWHERE IN THIS EDITION 


EAT 


SLEEP 

SWAFFHAM FLYER 

A regular, fully accessible, 

service for the Swaffham area. 

DIAL-A-BUS 

A fully accessible, door to door 

service for the rural communities. 

The @LITTLE_BIG_BUS service you can trust 


DRINK 

15 



Offering a wide variety of affordable transport to get you on the move. 

Please call 01760 720906, 

email enquiries@wnct.co.uk 

or visit www.wnct.co.uk 

for all your transport needs! 

The Charity is currently inviting applications from 

individuals under the age of 21, living in the 

Breckland District Council area, seeking financial 

assistance in cases of need for such items as 

books, tools, equipment, instruments, outfits plus 

educational trips; including assistance for those 

leaving school, in preparation for taking up further 

education or apprenticeships. 

The Trustees will review and consider all 

applications received. Application forms can be 

found on our webise: 

www.hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk. 

If further information is required please contact 

the Clerk via email at: 

contact@hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk 

GO TO TOWN 

A regular, local bus service, 

operating in multiple locations. 

reg no: 277789 

VOLUNTEERS 

A door to door service provided 

by our volunteer drivers. Covering all kinds of 

transport from GP, Hospital and Dental 

appointments to social trips. 

Registered Charity Number: 1069180

Age Concern Swaffham & District 

Just before Christmas, almost a full coach of our members went to the Christmas 

Spectacular Show at Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome Theatre and a great time was 

had by all. If you would like to join our Group (a registered charity) and are over 55, 

please come along to one of our free entertainment afternoons, usually on the last 

Tuesday in each month, 2 pm in the Assembly Rooms (in house) and join there. You 

can also contact our Membership Secretary Vicky, see details below. The annual 

membership subscription is £5. 

We also organise trips out by coach, three or four per year, John Clarke (see below) 

is the contact. Upcoming events are: 

• February 26th – Protecting the Royal Family – talk (in house) 

• March 19th – Talk on Oxburgh Hall (in house) 

• End April – Possible trip out / Theatre Show 

• May 28th AGM (in house) 

For Swaffham Support Services, please see our advert below. 

Our office in the Community Centre 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. Please contact Lorraine 

in the office, phone 07393 981 295. 

For trips out, our contact is John Clarke. Acting Chair, Barbara White, 720756, Deputy Chair, Barbara 

Clarke, 720140, Treasurer, Keith Nash, 724801 ; Trips Organiser, John Clarke, 720140; Membership 

Secretary, Vicky Slater, 627031. 

Age Concern Swaffham 

and District 

We need Volunteer Hospital 

Buddies 

Do you have 1-2 hours free a week? 

Do you enjoy driving? 

Are you caring, compassionate and a good listener? 

If you answered ‘YES’ We need you!! 

You could help local, older people attend essential 

medical appointments that they otherwise would not 

be able to attend…….. 

Please call, email or drop in for a chat at The Community 

Centre, Swaffham (Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am to 4pm) 

16 

Swaffham Town Team Update 

All of a sudden 2019 is upon us! 2018 was a very 

busy year for your Town Team with several initiatives 

being started and working together with various 

organisations in Swaffham and beyond to meet our 

objectives of improving the quality of life in our town. 

One of those initiatives was our Community Garden 

project which saw individual volunteers together with 

participation from the Nicholas Hamond Academy, 

the Sacred Heart Convent and the Iceni Partnership 

work towards creating an area on the Campingland 

that will hopefully be enjoyed by residents and visitors 

alike whilst encouraging local wildlife as the year 

progresses. With much appreciated support from the 

ESCAPE Project at Tumbler Hill and Swaffham Rotary 

we are now planning our final planting session of 

trees and hedging on February 4th. In addition we 

are very grateful to Laserfast, a local business located 

on the Eco Tech site, for providing us with signage for 

the garden, which will hopefully be unveiled during 

the planting session. Do come and join us on the 

4th, you will all be very welcome!! 

Our Swaffham parkrun continues to flourish with 

over 100 participants for the last two weeks. At 

9.00am every Saturday morning the Nicholas 

Hamond Academy playing field on Brandon Road is a 

hive of activity for those of all ages and abilities who 

either run, jog or walk the 5km course. Parkrun has 

recently established a new initiative for GP practices 

to encourage patients to take more exercise as a 

possible alternative to medication and we are pleased 

that our three practices in town have indicated their 

willingness to be part of this programme. Please 

come along and enjoy the company and add parkrun 

to your list of New Year resolutions for 2019!! You 

can register for free at www.parkrun.org.uk 

17 

Looking ahead we have now been entrusted by 

our Town Council to take the lead on several of the 

Community Action Projects which resulted from the 

public consultation aspect of our Neighbourhood 

Plan. Watch this space for details of new initiatives 

from your Town Team in our regular Newsletter 

updates as we move forward into the New Year. These 

include improving access to, and public awareness 

of, walking and cycling opportunities in and around 

Swaffham; looking at the concept of “greening” and 

pedestrianisation of the Market Place; encouraging 

more niche market retailers to take up shop premises 

in the town; and creating and supporting initiatives 

for a cleaner Swaffham. Finally, we are establishing 

a Town Team Facebook page and a new Swaffham 

website so please watch out for news of further 

progress on all of the above in the Newsletter. 

Any comments or offers of help are always 

appreciated and should be directed in the first 

instance to davidwickerson@btinternet.com. 

Thank you. 

Swaffham Arts 

It was great to hear The Swaffham Shanty Crew at 

our members’ gathering in December where they 

entertained us with their cheery songs and goodhumoured 

leg-pulling. Their buoyancy is guaranteed! 

Often the writers and poets who come to Swaffham 

are well established and widely known. This month 

we welcome a young poet, Lewis Buxton, who is 

already making a mark, and whose enthusiasm for 

words takes him all over the country, performing 

his own work and encouraging others in schools 

and at poetry workshops. He will be accompanied 

by some of his poet friends. Lewis Buxton studied 

English Literature and graduated from the University 

of East Anglia in 2014. He has had poems published 

in Ambit magazine, Oxford Poetry and Ink, Sweat 

and Tears. In 2016 Lewis and his colleague Harriet 

Creelman founded TOAST, a poetry organisation 

dedicated to encouraging emerging poets. He 

has worked extensively with the Writers Centre 

in Norwich, and has headlined stages at The 

Roundhouse in London, The Olympic Park, The Royal 

Festi va l H a l l , a n d l o ca l l y at th e No r wi ch Arts C entre. 

If you look up Lewis on the internet, you find a young, 

energetic, thoughtful, passionate and very engaging 

performer. 

Lewis and Friends will be at Swaffham Assembly 

Rooms on Sunday February 24th at 3pm. Tickets, 

priced at £9 for members and £12 for non-members, 

are available from Ceres Bookshop 01760 722504 

and The Green Parrot 01760 724704, and on the 

door. We hope to see you there. All welcome!

Welcome to Swaffham 

Community Centre 

Feel free to pop in and admire our 

gallery of work by local artists 

and then treat yourself to tea and 

home made cake in Patisserie Iceni. 

GALLERY 

ICENI 

OPEN WEEKDAYS 9AM - 5PM 

www.iceni.info 01760 722800 

The Campingland, Swaffham PE37 7RB 

PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING 

Qualified and Insured 

For appointments and enquires 

contact Donna Smith on 

01760-336527 or 07905825333 

9 Swaffham Road, Cockley Cley PE37 8AW 


EAT 

Have a warm relaxing and restful 


refitted and refurbished rooms 



DRINK 

come and enjoy our fresh homemade 

food using local produce also 

see our specials boards for more 

choice. Please book for evening 


SLEEP 

Enjoy a refreshing cool drink with a 


lagers also try our real ales and a 




SSAFA in NORFOLK seeks VOLUNTEERS 

to assist our work with Armed 

Forces Veterans and their Families, 

across the County. 

We have vacancies for Case Workers, 

Fund Raisers and other supportive 

roles. 

If you have time and interest to 

spare, please contact: 

SSAFA Norfolk on 01760 724261 

ssafa.org.uk Registered Charity No.210760 

Established 1885 

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association 

CELEBRATING 

President’s Corner 

Swaffham 5 

After our Christmas and New Year break we started 

our 50th Anniversary year long celebrations with 

the launch of “Capture Swaffham" quarterly 

photographic competition as I have described in the 

last issue. This took place at the Town Museum on 

the 18th January. 

The application forms are available from Ceres 

Bookshop, Swaffham Town Museum and the Rotary 

Club website and were included in last month’s 

Centre pages of the Swaffham Newsletter . The first 

winners will be announced at the end of March 2019 

and further application forms will appear in the 

Swaffham Newsletter in March, June and September. 

As I have said before the competition is open to all 

and there are separate sections for young people 

who we do hope will join in. 

The age groups (based on 30th June 2018) 

1. + 18 

YEARS 

2. Less than 18 years and older than 11 years. 

3. Younger than 11 years old. 

You are asked to ring the appropriate age when 

submitting the form. 

As part of our plant 50 Trees for Swaffham & District 

initiative we have consulted The Woodland Trust 

who pointed out that hedges as well as trees are 

a very important part of this contribution to the 

Environment. Accordingly we have had a meeting with 

the Swaffham Town Clerk who was very supportive 

and our ideas that we discussed have been passed to 

the Council’s Open Spaces Committee for discussion. 

We now await their advice and opinion before we 

can take it further. 

At the time of writing this report we are planning 

to plant (with the help of ESCAPE!) a Prunus Snow 

Goose in the Community Garden in Campingland as 

part of our tree programme and this is scheduled for 

the 4th February 2019. 

I enclose our Club’s recent Press release giving a 

short history of some of our past achievements over 

the past few years and the programme of events 

relating to our 50 th Anniversary Celebrations. 

Press Release 

The Rotary Club of Swaffham is celebrating 50 years 

serving the community of Swaffham & District. 

Formed in 1969, a group of local people held an 

inaugural meeting on the 9th June 1969 followed by 

a Charter dinner and dance on the 19th November 

1969. 

The members soon began to arrange events to raise 

funds for chosen local, national and international 

charities. 

Other significant events since 1969 include:- 

• In 1972 support for Swaffham Round Table in 

running the Town Carnival. 

• Twinning with French Rotary Club of Rue Baie de 

Somme, France in 1975 

• In 1976 the Rotary Club formed the PROBUS Club 

which still thrives today. 

• November 1980 three Swaffham Rotary members 

delivered a caravan to the Southern Italy Earthquake 

disaster area 

• Founding a Rotaract Club for young people in 1980 

• 1992/96 hosting overseas students, Chika from 

Japan and Pollyanna from Brazil 

• Supported and hosted I week of the European 

Youth Camp 

• In 1996 the Club held its first Charity Art Exhibition 

in the village hall at Mundford. Over the past 22 

years the event has developed into the successful 

Swaffham Rotary Visual Arts Festival, one of the 

Clubs main fund raising events. 

• In 1997 a club member Michael Cornwell lead a 

team of young professionals to East Africa on a Group 

Study Exchange 

• 2003/04 Malcolm Whittley became first Club 

member to become Rotary District 1080 District 

Governor 

• Formed separate company to produce, manage and 

market Rotary Centennial Steiff Bears to celebrate 

100 years of Rotary International. 

• The first lady to become Rotary District 1080 

District Governor Dorothy Pulsford-Harris was also a 

member of Swaffham Rotary Club. 

• In 2005 the Club celebrated the Centenary of 

Rotary International and in the same year welcomed 

lady members into the Swaffham Rotary Club. 

• In 2013 the Club presented its first Annual Charity 

Golf Day with the support of Swaffham Golf Club. 

It is now a feature of the Club's charity fund raising 

activities. 

Malcolm Whittley 

President 

19

Swaffham Jazz Club - Review of 2018 

Looking back over 2018, I think that the year 

was particularly memorable for the number of 

outstanding female vocalists who appeared. 

In May we had Melody Brooker with Swing That 

Thing, returning in August with her own trio. Also 

in May we were lucky enough to have Helen Welch 

who had flown in from the States for a brief visit to 

see her family in Norwich. (Helen has appeared on 

Broadway and has her own TV show over there.) 

In June, Club favourite Eileanora cheered us all up 

with her usual sparkling brand of entertainment. 

Can anyone play The Entertainer better than her? 

For July we welcomed Stella Goody in what was 

the most extraordinary evening we have ever 

had at the Club. It was the night when England 

beat Columbia and got through to the K.O. stage 

of the World Cup. Stella managed to incorporate 

England’s progress in the penalty shoot-out by 

singing the scores as she went along. Then the 

Club joined in the celebrations, along with those 

watching the match on the TV in the bar. 

In September Kari Hewett from Canada appeared 

with her pianist husband Roger, plus a backing 

group led by Lee Vasey. Kari and Roger are both 

members of Cirque du Soleil and visited us during 

a short break during their UK tour. 

In November Laura was the featured vocalist, with 

a backing group led by Ed Reed on guitar. The two 

demonstrated what a great understanding there is 

between the two of them. 

Our visitors from overseas, Helen, Kari and 

Roger, all stressed at the end of the evening, how 

great it was to perform to such an attentive and 

appreciative audience in a real jazz club. 

Next up: The Colin Mason Quartet with Dave 

Taylor on Sax. Tuesday 12th February, 7.30pm at 

the Conservative Club, London Street. PE37 7DD. 

£8 on the door. 

Happy New Year from Norman and Geoff. 

New fund to support innovative 

community-led wellbeing projects 

Do you belong to a group that 

wants to make major changes to the 

health and well-being of your local 

community? Maybe you have a BIG 

idea, but need seed funding to test 

drive it with local residents? Whether it’s to make 

a radical change or you are simply looking to make 

life healthier and more fulfilling for your community, 

Breckland Council is inviting residents, charities and 

community groups to apply for an exciting new fund, 

targeted at nurturing and developing innovative 

projects which will help improve the health and wellbeing 

of Breckland’s residents. 

Being delivered in partnership with Norfolk County 

Council Public Health, the fund is seeking to support 

projects which tackle three key well-being themes: 

loneliness, increasing physical activity and improving 

the health of children and young people. Groups can 

apply for funding of up to £3000 to help develop 

creative and innovative projects which have never 

been tried before in Breckland or are even UK firsts. 

The fund can also be used to help support existing 

projects to diversify and increase their scope, 

making them become fully established, successful 

and widespread across Breckland. 

Cllr Paul Claussen, Breckland’s Executive Member 

for Place, commented: “This innovative funding 

project is looking to inspire and nurture dynamic and 

ground-breaking projects that will see local solutions 

put in place to tackle local issues and make a real 

difference to Breckland residents. I’m excited to see 

what life-changing ideas our local groups can deliver.” 

For further information on the Healthy Communities 

Fund and to download an application pack visit 

https://www.breckland.gov.uk/community-funding. 

The deadline for applications is 22 February 2019. 

For further information contact community@ 

breckland.gov.uk or 01362 656870. 

Swaffham Community Hospital LOFs 

I hope the new year has started well for you. It's always 

sad to have to take down Christmas decorations etc, 

but this is all done and packed away for another year. 

The feedback we have received from staff, patients 

and relatives about Christmas arrangements at 

the hospital has all been positive and it is nice to 

think that the “Friends” have helped make being in 

hospital at that time of year that bit more pleasant. 

Not too long to Spring and we are awaiting to see 

how our bulbs etc in the new garden come through. 

We will also do some additional Spring/Summer 

planting. As already indicated, one of our main 

projects this year is to purchase some specially 

designed bedside chairs for patient use. These are 

latest 'state of the art' and are much more flexible in 

use than what we have at present. 

An opportunity to thank again all of you who 

purchased our Christmas cards. Also the donations 

we receive from all sorts of fundraisers and families. 

These are much appreciated. 

If any of you have a special interest or desire to 

support our work, then please do contact me for 

an informal chat on 01760 336025 or email colin@ 

houghton789.plus.com. 

Colin Houghton (Chairman) 

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 began 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. 

20 21 

Big Lottery Funding Opportunities 

If you would like to apply 

for funding between £300 

and £10,000 you can apply 

online for our Awards for 

All Grants. See our website 

for more details:- https:// 

www.biglotteryfund.org. 

uk/funding/under10k 

If you are looking for 

funding for over £10,000 and your project helps to:- 

• Shape the spaces and places in your local community. 

• Strengthen relationships and bring people together. 

• Enable people to work together to address issues at 

the earliest possible stage 

Then did you know that the Big Lottery Fund has a 

new way of working? 

In order to make its funding more accessible than 

ever before, to as many community groups as 

possible, we no longer expect groups to fill out an 

application form. You can speak directly about your 

project to your local funding team. 

Funding Manager for Norfolk and Suffolk is Rachael 

Luckin, contactable via email on Rachael.Luckin@ 

biglotteryfund.org.uk 

It will help us to have a greater understanding of 

your project proposal if you could provide us, in 

the first instance, with the answers to the following 

questions:- 

• What is your organisational history and track record 

of service delivery? 

• Who are your beneficiaries and what challenges do 

they face? 

•What does your project involve? 

• How have you and your beneficiaries established the 

need for your project? 

• How have your beneficiaries been involved in the 

design and potential delivery of your project? 

• Where, geographically, will your project be delivered? 

• How much funding do you need, what for and over 

what period of time? 

• What difference will your project make? 

• How will you measure these differences? 

• Finally, what will happen to your project at the end of 

the lifecycle of potential funding? 

If you can answer all of these questions, then why 

not contact your local funding team to talk about the 

opportunity to apply for Big Lottery Funding for your 

local organisation. The team look forward to hearing 

from you very soon!!

£180 

£5,980 25 

Deposit Month 

Term 

£8,119 

Optional 

Final Payment 

BRITISH BRAND SINCE 1903 

Westfield Vaux999 Road adr1 

Vauxhall Thurlow Retailer Nunn Dereham 1 

East 

Vaux999 

Dereham 

city 

NR19 1DG 

v9999 

www.google.com www.thurlownunn.co.uk 

01362 01234 700587 567890 

Official Government Test Environmental Data. Fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100km) and CO 2 

emissions (g/km). Astra SRi range: Urban: 37.7 (7.5) – 72.4 (3.9), Extra-urban: 61.4 (4.6) – 88.3 (3.2), Combined: 

50.4 (5.6) – 83.1 (3.4). CO 2 emissions: 130 – 91g/km. # 

3 trading as Vauxhall Retailer 1 are acting as a credit broker and not a lender . We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders. Commission may be received. 

The January meeting was the first of 2019, and saw members having a chance 

to reprise their favourite images produced in 2018. 

Offer subject to availability, on selected models at participating Retailers only. Personal Contract Purchase. Finance subject to status. Ts&Cs apply. Applicants must be 18+. Finance by 

Vauxhall Finance, CF15 7YT. 25 month term. Monthly payment has been calculated using a price which includes Vauxhall and/or Retailer contribution where applicable. At the end of the 

agreement there are three options: i) Retain: Pay the optional final payment to own the vehicle, ii) Return the vehicle, or iii) Replace: Part Exchange the vehicle, where equity is available. 

Offer applies to private individuals, Vauxhall Partners and small businesses 1-24 units. Orders or registrations from 3 April to 2 July 2018. #Fuel consumption information is official 

government environmental data, tested in accordance with the relevant EU directive. Official EU regulated test data is provided for comparison purposes and actual performance will 

depend on driving style, road conditions and other non-technical factors. Vauxhall Motors Limited reserves the right to change, amend or withdraw this offer at any point in time. Correct 

at time of going to print. 

Icenima - You decide 

For those of you who don’t already know, we 

show a film in the Community Centre on the third 

Wednesday of each month at 2pm. We try to select 

a varied choice of films to cater for all tastes, but 

realise we might not always get it right. Therefore, 

we want to ask for your suggestions, would you like 

more comedy, drama or documentaries? 

You can send in suggestions to swaffhamnewsletter@ 

gmail.com or contact us on Facebook, just search for 

‘Iceni Partnership’. We may even set up an online 

poll so you can vote for your favourite from the ideas 

sent in. It would be great to widen our audience, so 

please get in touch. 

22 

Swaffham Camera Club 

The January meeting was the first 

of 2019, and saw members having 

a chance to reprise their favourite 

images produced in 2018. 

Background discussions concerned the latest bit of kit 

Background discussions concerned the latest bit of kit acquired during the 

acquired during the festive season and preparation 

festive 

for its use 

season, 

to capture 

and preparation 

winning images 

for its 

for 

use 

the 

to 

diverse 

capture winning images for the 

diverse range of range competition of competition subjects subjects found found in the in club's the club's 2019 programme. 

2019 programme. 

Our first Meeting during February is an illustrated talk which will give members 

Our first Meeting during February is an illustrated 

an insight into "An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer's Year", 

talk which will give members an insight into "An 

East Anglian Our Wildlife second February meeting is a 

Photographer's Year". print Our competition themed as "Frame 

second February meeting 

within Frame". The club's new 

is a print competition 

judging regime will also be 

themed as "Frame within 

Frame". The club's 

introduced 

new 

for the first time at this 

judging regime will meeting. also be 

The introduced club meets for the on first the time first and at this third meeting. Wednesday of each month. And is rightly 

proud The club of its meets established, on the first ongoing, and third reputation Wednesday catering of for, and assisting 

photographers 

each month and 

of 

is 

all 

rightly 

abilities 

proud 

within 

of 

its 

its 

convivial 

established, 

environs. 

ongoing reputation catering for and assisting 

For photographers further information of all abilities please visit within the Clubs its convivial website 

www.swaffhamcameraclub.com environs. 

. 

For further information please visit the club's 

website: www.swaffhamcameraclub.com. 

The 5th of December saw members and their guests enjoying a festive meal 

in the Green Room of the towns George Hotel for an evening with surprisingly 

few camera's in evidence 

This dinner event was the last meeting for the club in 2018 allowing members 

time to plan, possibly capture and prepare their competition entries around 

their other seasonal commitments, in readiness for our first meeting of 2019 

on the 16th January, with images reflecting favourite shots of 2018 

The club which meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month has a 

full program of events, speakers, exhibitions and internal and inter-club 

competitions planned. It is also pleased to offer tutorials at all levels, 

concerning the many aspects of photography and its associated equipment. 

For further information please visit the Clubs website 

www.swaffhamcameraclub.com .

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 

Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice 

We were unable to hold our annual Tree of Lights event in 

December due to the closure of the Green Britain Centre 

earlier in the year. We therefore had to rethink what we 

could do to remember those who are no longer with 

us. We decided to have a new Memory Tree which was 

created in our meeting room at 17 Brocks Road by 2 very 

talented people. The Memory Tree is pictured below. 

Matt Colman of Green Man Woodlands designed and 

produced the tree trunk and the amazing owl which sits 

proudly on the tree top. The rope design of the tree was 

created by one of our Assistant Co-ordinators, Georgie 

Roberts, an accomplished artist, assisted by Linda Lines, 

one of our volunteers. This wonderful tree was adorned 

with hundreds of dedications from relatives remembering 

their loved ones. Although we very much missed our 

evening service, the new arrangements were very well 

received. The Memory Tree will now be left in place all 

year and will be available for relatives for dedications for 

birthdays, anniversaries and other remembrance days. 

As we have done for many years, we organised a Xmas 

Draw with 3 cash prizes of £250, £150 and £100. Tesco 

allowed us to be instore selling tickets for a 5 day period 

prior to the draw. The lucky winners were drawn by Candy 

Chapman from Tesco at 5pm on the 8th December. After 

printing costs and prize monies, we raised over £1000. 

We also took part in the Xmas Tree Festival at St Peter and 

St Paul Parish Church. Our thanks to David and Kay Gulliver 

for all their work in decorating the tree prior to the event 

and for stewarding on our behalf during the event. 

Our fundraising team will shortly be meeting to finalise 

our fundraising programme for the next 12 months or so. 

There are some events already organised. On the 22nd 

March we are holding a Quiz at Swaffham Conservative 

Club starting at 7.30pm. To enter teams (up to 6 persons), 

contact Adrian Adcock on 01760 724304 or 07741418781 

or by e-mail – adrian.adcock@talktalk.net. The cost is £5 

per head. 

On the 11th May, we will be holding our annual Street 

Collection in Swaffham. We still need volunteers – if you 

are interested then please ring our Co-ordinator, Wendy 

Martin on 01760 722937 or call in at our office at 17-19 

Brocks Road (just up the road from Tesco). 

Relax Kids classes in Swaffham 

Relax kids is a new venture in Swaffham Community 

Centre. It's an international franchise used in 

numerous countries specialising in relaxation and 

mindfulness for children of all ages. The classes 

teach children to understand how they can calm 

their bodies and minds down. The children learn 

a series of skills such as breathing, massage, 

stretching and positive self talk. At present we are 

starting young with our little starz classes aimed 

from 2.5 upwards. These classes aid sleep, reduce 

tantrums and support emotional development. 

Classes for older children are presently focusing 

on aiding calm and relaxation whilst inspiring 

confidence and self belief, and are rightly described 

as a kid's Confidence Bootcamp. 

Studies in schools using relax kids methods have 

noted an improvement in child understanding, 

controlling emotions, confidence and positive 

behaviour. 

Relax kids is used nationally by a number of CAHMS 

providers. The sessions are play based with an 

emphasis on fun. 

To book a class or ask any questions please contact 

Deb, your relax kids coach at relaxkidsnorfolk@ 

outlook.com 

1st year initial 

joining fees 

1st year initial 

Association 

joining fees 

Under 65 yrs 

Single 


Branch 

01760 

725801 

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

building better families 

Over 65 yrs 

Single 

Under 65 yrs 

Joint 

Join us on face book for up to 

date information on events 

Over 65 yrs 

Joint 

£5.00 £5.00 £10.00 £10.00 

£2.00 £2.00 £4.00 £4.00 

Total 1st Year £24.00 £22.00 £42.00 £38.0 

Thereafter 

Annual full 

membership 

Tai Chi for health 

Tai Chi has been found to be beneficial for: 

• Helping relieve arthritis 

• Improving balance & posture 

• Toning muscles 

• Improving mobility 

• Promoting good health 

• Physical & mental wellbeing 

Our classes are relaxed, friendly, fun, 

& a good way of meeting new friends. 

01760 723102 or 07587 567406 

e:academytaichi@yahoo.co.uk 

East Dereham 

Tuesday 11am 


Wednesday 10am 

Friday 10am 

www.academytaichi.co.uk 

£17.00 £15.00 £28.00 £24.00 

24 25

W. Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group 

Hello from West Norfolk CCG...I imagine your first 

thought on reading this was who are West Norfolk 

CCG? Well, the fact that most of you had this thought 

was the reason I decided to reach out to you. West 

Norfolk CCG is the NHS organisation which buys, 

or as we call it commissions, the NHS services you 

use every day. We pay for GP and hospital services, 

mental health services, the ambulance service, the 

community nursing service. In fact, the only NHS 

services that we don’t buy are pharmacies, opticians 

and dental services. 

I am Paul Williams, the chairman of the CCG, and I 

was a full time GP in Upwell for 30 years until I took 

partial retirement last summer, I still do one session 

a month in Upwell and spend a lot of time working 

at the CCG. For some time I have been writing a 

blog on our CCG website and you can read previous 

entries here www.westnorfolkccg.nhs.uk. Recently, 

however, I became aware that my words were only 

reaching a small proportion of the people we serve 

and I am keen to reach as many local people as 

possible. I want local people to understand what we 

are doing to provide healthcare, what problems we 

have and I want to give you advice about how you 

can best access our services and stay healthy. 

As you probably know the trusts who run the Queen 

Elizabeth Hospital and the area’s mental health 

services are both in special measures at the moment. 

That means they have extra scrutiny and help to 

reorganise themselves to ensure the service you, 

the patient, experience in the short time you have 

contact with the health services gets better. We are 

doing what we can to support them to deliver those 

improvements and I think we will all see significant 

changes in how those services are delivered in the 

coming year or two. 

There have been stories in the media recently raising 

the fear of losing services at the Queen Elizabeth 

Hospital. In truth there have been no decisions taken 

to do anything to threaten the future of the hospital 

and I want to assure you the CCG understands that 

we need a hospital in King’s Lynn and we will be 

doing all we can to ensure its continuation. 

So what changes are going to happen? The key 

theme to all the plans in place is integration, which 

essentially means working more closely together. 

At the moment there is an enormous amount of 

money spent on health and social care but those two 

broad areas are funded separately and by different 

organisations. Communication and seamless working 

is difficult when the services are fragmented in 

this way. In an effort to improve this and get better 

integration the government formed STPs - yes more 

confusing abbreviations. STP stands for Sustainability 

and Transformation Partnership. They are essentially 

a way to bring together all the organisations who 

are involved in delivering health and social care to 

enable more seamless working which should reduce 

waste and improve the patient experience. 

In our area the STP covers Norfolk and Waveney, an 

area which includes 5 CCGs, three large hospitals, and 

is mostly covered by Norfolk County Council. There 

is one provider of community health care and one of 

mental health services and there are many district 

councils and even more voluntary organisations 

involved in delivering health and social care in this 

large area. In order to make things more manageable 

the area is sub divided and we have a west division 

within the STP which is focused on delivering that 

improved integrated care to you. 

I chair the Local delivery Group in the West which 

is the group where all the organisations I have 

mentioned above come together to plan how we 

can work more smartly and more closely together to 

improve services. I will go into more detail about this 

in future issues, but already we have seen practical 

improvements as a result of that closer working. 

We now have what we call West Norfolk escalation 

avoidance team (West NEAT) where a group of NHS 

and social care professionals drawn from a range of 

different disciplines and based at St James’ Hospital in 

King’s Lynn act as a single point of contact for health 

and care professionals such as GPs, community 

nurses, mental health workers, paramedics from the 

ambulance service, social workers or therapists. 

The aim of the NEAT is to make sure the patient gets 

the help and support they require. If they really do 

need to go to hospital they will, but in most cases 

they are helped to stay at home where they want to 

be. Sometimes voluntary groups will be able to offer 

some ongoing support to ensure other issues in the 

person’s life are addressed, such as loneliness. 

Pictured above: Paul Williams, chairman of the CCG. 

The Pink Box 

If you need sanitary 

products, there is now 

a basket located in 

the Community Centre, 

please help yourselves. 

FUNERAL SERVICES 

INDEPENDENT FAMILY 

FUNERAL DIRECTORS 

CHAPMANS & 

THORNALLEY 

FUNERAL SERVICES 

Lynn Road, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7AY 

24 Hour Caring Personal Service 

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans 

Private Chapels of Rest 

Memorials 

01760 721305 

www.tfs.co.uk 

OWNED & 

MANAGED BY THE 

THORNALLEY FAMILY 

Swaffham Jazz Club 

at 

presents 

Swaffham Conservative Club 

Jazz Club 


The Colin Mason Quartet 

Tuesday 7:30pm 

February 12th 

Tickets on Door £8 

• Acid Peelings - 

for acne scars, spots & wrinkles 

• Rejuvination treatments 

• Facials 

• LVL - eyelash lift 

London Street 

with Ryan McCaffrey saxophone 

Norman 01760 722 384 

Geoff 01366 328 730 

bar 

26 27

Swaffham History Group 

A belated picture of the history group enjoying 

their special celebration tea before Christmas, 

when we were commemorating a decade working 

as a group. One of the topics of conversation round 

the table was the continuation of various research 

projects for 2019. Some members are undertaking 

their own special research, often with the aim of a 

new booklet for the group to publish, whilst others 

continue to work with the museum on different 

projects that are being undertaken there. 

In this connection, the museum is anxious to add 

to their archives for the developing Conflict Gallery. 

Whilst much work has been done on WWI and WII, 

there is a shortage of personal memories regarding 

later military events in which local people may have 

been involved. Also 'conflict' can mean protests and 

there was one particular protest in which Swaffham 

'starred' just before Christmas in 1958. It was a 

demonstration against the Thor nuclear warheads 

being stored at the former USAF airbase at North 

Pickenham. CND supporters flooded into the town 

and made for the airbase with much controversy. 

Several well-known people were arrested during 

violent scuffles, including Pat Arrowsmith, leader of 

the protest group. Local MP Sidney Dye was quick 

to visit the site and immediately went to Parliament 

to make his views known about how the protesters 

were being treated. On the way back to Swaffham 

he died in a head-on collision with another car. 

The events made headlines in most of the national 

newspapers of the time. 

1958 is still withing living memory and it is hoped 

that there will be people, even if young at the time, 

who can add to our present knowledge. If you 

can help please contact the museum's voluntary 

manager, Sue Gattuso. The History Group can be 

contacted at littlebethany2@yahoo.com. 

28 

Wissey U3A 

‘Friends Keep You Young’ was the message in a recent 

newspaper article which suggested that joining a 

community group could help to keep one's brain 

young. Studies indicated that maintaining strong social 

networks seemed to be linked to a slower cognitive 

decline and those who took part in clubs and societies 

were mentally sharper in middle age. Importantly, for 

those who have a wide social circle of friends and all the 

activities that go with it can benefit from the release 

of endorphins which give immune systems a feel-good 

boost. It was also suggested that laughter sparks the 

production of the feel-good chemical dopamine and 

reduces the production of the stress hormone cortisol. 

The U3A is an international movement whose aims are 

the education of retired members of the Community 

or those in their ‘Third Age' of life. U3A membership 

is open to any individual who by definition is not in 

full-time gainful employment, so anyone working ‘parttime’ 

can also apply for membership. Wissey U3A 

meetings are held at Holme Hale’s Pavilion on the first 

Thursday of the month from 09.45 until 12.00 mid-day. 

If you have a hobby or pastime which you would like to 

share with others why not make enquires about joining 

the Wissey U3A. Group leaders only need an interest 

in a subject and be prepared to share their knowledge 

with other like-minded members. Remember: ‘Friends 

Keep You Young’. 

The Speaker on 3rd January was Robert Ferguson who 

talked about the ‘Fight for Africa’ and endangered 

species in the world. Robert’s presentation, which 

included the problems facing rhinoceroses and tigers, 

was brilliant and much enjoyed by U3A members. 

‘Wildlife Photography’ will be the subject of a 

presentation by David Mason on 7th February. The 

meeting on 4th April will be given by a representative 

of the Nat West Bank entitled ‘Friends against Scams’ 

this will be a presentation in conjunction with Norfolk 

Trading Standards and the Police. 

A visit to the Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local 

History and a First Aid course by the St Johns Ambulance 

Service are events to be arranged for early 2019. 

The Croquet group will re-start in 2019 and by the time 

this Newsletter is published, a new Bell Ringing group 

should have already met for the first time and will meet 

regularly in Great Dunham’s village hall. There was 

much interest in ‘Line Dancing’ so a new group may also 

be formed early in 2019. A ‘Beginners Bridge’ group 

may also be arranged for Wissey members if there is 

enough interest. 

There are currently 338 members who take part in a 

wide variety of activities such as Rambling, Scrabble, 

Table Tennis and Ten-pin Bowling. The Wissey U3A is 

fortunate to have a member who has made 3 Arctic 

journeys on Russian Icebreakers and as a member of 

the Science & Technology group he will be giving a 

presentation entitled ‘The North West Passage’. Part 

1 will be on 11th February concluding with part 2 on 

11th March. 

For more information about the U3A movement, go 

to www.u3a.org.uk or visit the Wissey Homepage at 

www.u3asites.org.uk/wissey. Annual membership of 

the Wissey U3A is currently only £7. 

Dog lovers 

wanted 

For short stays and holiday cover 

Companionship, friendship 

and fun are guaranteed! 

• Dogs to suit your lifestyle 

• Trial stays to ensure compatibility 

• Full support and advice 

• Join our local host community 

01485 205715 

Tania.Stowe@barkingmad.uk.com 

Even ironing! 

BarkingMad.uk.com 

Tracy 01362 820 966 

Caroline 01953 882 154

Museum - Winter Closing 

Swaffham Museum is closed for essential work, new 

displays and cleaning. It will re-open on Monday 

February 11 at 10am.The Museum Shop is open on 

Friday during the ‘closed period’ from 10-3pm and 

on Saturdays 10-1pm. 

For 2019 we are offering FREE entry to the Museum 

on Saturdays (10am - 1pm). 

Unique Computers Norfolk Ltd 

Sales Upgrades Repairs 

Home Calls For Tuition 

Broadband Installations 

and General Maintenance 

Tel 01760 751218 or 01362 685447 

Personal Service 

Professional Technician 

25 Years Experience 

WANTED: 

A volunteer to take Minutes in our monthly Trustee 

Meetings and type them afterwards. These are held 

on Monday mornings (10-12noon approx). Suitable 

person may also be willing to assist with other small 

administrative duties. For more information please 

contact Steve Gregory (Volunteer Co-ordinator) via 

our website. 

With the weather 

turning cooler, please 

consider making a 

donation of ingredients 

to the fridge to give 

someone a hot meal. 

FoSH (Friends of Swaffham Heritage) 

We support the Museum financially. 

Our Membership Scheme is a one off Life Membership 

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

family. This gives you free access to all the museum 

galleries for life. 

For more information please contact Secretary James 

Dean 01760 720756 or jamesdean@uwclub.net 

FoSH 100 Club 

Run by the Friends - open to ALL 

A yearly subscription of £20 could win a prize of 

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

of £100 in May and November. For more information 

contact Barbara White Tel: 01760 720756 or 

jamesdean@uwclub.net 

Prize winners: 

January draw - £40 No.74 / £20 No.60 / £10 No.1 

Swaffham Museum, Town Hall, London Street, 

Swaffham PE37 7DQ 

Tel: 01760 721230 

www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk 

Swaffham Museum Ltd. 

A different sort of accountant 

• Sole trader accounts 

• Company accounts 

• Management accounts 

• Buy to let returns 

• VAT returns 

• Tax returns 

• Payroll and wages 

• Business plans 

• CIS returns for building trade 

• Business consultancy and recovery 

Come and see us for a free chat and advice session -‐ no obligation 

www.gybea.co.uk 

email info@gybea.co.uk 

7a Corn Exchange, Market Place 

Next to War Memorial 

01760 723830 

30 

31

Andrew Francis 

Award Winning Family Owned Funeral Service 

01760 720200 (24hrs) 

afrancisfunerals.co.uk 

Pre-paid and pre-planned funerals available 

01760 336029 

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 

From the Mayor’s Parlour 

I hope the New Year has got off to 

a good start for you and your loved 

ones and everyone enjoyed the 

Christmas lights across the town. I 

personally feel they certainly made 

the town look very attractive and 

thanks goes out to all the shops and 

businesses who contributed to the overall display. 

At this time of year, we the Council are reflecting on 

the work undertaken last year and starting to plan 

our new budget for the 2019/20 financial year. We 

always strive to look to produce a budget that keeps 

your council tax as low as possible whilst maintaining 

a good level of local service to our residents. 

The Council, at its finance meeting at the end of 

January will consider adopting a new budget and 

whilst considerable work is being undertaken as I 

write, I sincerely hope that we can keep any rises as 

low as we can. 

Last year we did have some criticism about the council 

not being “open enough”, this is absolutely not the 

case and I would remind everyone that our council 

meetings are all open to members of the public – your 

opportunity to come along to watch, listen and voice 

your thoughts during the public session - all minutes 

of meetings and financial accounts are published on 

the council website – www.swaffhamtowncouncil. 

gov.uk. 

Equally there is an open offer to any resident or 

concerned community group to request a meeting 

with myself/the Town Clerk/other Councillors to 

raise issues. We may not always be able to give you 

the answers you would like to hear, however we will 

always listen and help where we can. 

Normally in this newsletter there is an article entitled 

“In my Back Yard” which is all about the Swaffham 

Neighbourhood Plan, however we await news from 

Breckland district council on our submission and will 

let you know the outcome when it is available. 

In the meantime, as mentioned last month, we are 

developing the “Community Action Projects” – these 

are the issues identified as not being part of the 

Neighbourhood Plan but needing attention. You may 

recall that in our plan we did identify a number of 

33 

“Community Action Projects” that don’t fit into the 

main plan but were identified as important issues 

for the Town. So that these do not get forgotten, the 

Town Council at its December meeting considered a 

plan to set out how best these might be progressed. 

The intent is to involve interested groups and 

individuals who have a desire and interest in the 

respective projects . More info available soon. 

At the time of writing this a meeting is planned in 

January with the Breckland District Council appointed 

consultants to discuss the future for Leisure Facilities 

in our area. I feel that it should be possible to get our 

many views and ideas across about our needs and 

there is a real possibility that we can achieve some 

significant improvements. 

We have some good news that Norfolk Constabulary 

have submitted plans for the building of a new state 

of the art police complex on land between Waitrose 

and the Green Britain Centre. This is a welcome boost 

for our Town to have this new base here with the 

possible opportunity for some new employment for 

the town. We wait with anticipation the plans being 

agreed by Breckland for the Green Britain Centre and 

we hope there will be continued improvement for 

the area and the town – watch this space. 

So, another interesting and busy year ahead to look 

forward to. 

Cllr Colin Houghton Mayor 2018/19 

SWAFFHAM 

A simple solution to wasting less through 

the sharing of good quality food. 

Iceni Partnership 

Community Centre, The Campingland, 

Swaffham, PE37 7RB

In Touch With Your Town 

'In Touch with your Town' is put 

together by the Town Clerk Richard 

Bishop or occasionally by the Deputy 

Town Clerk Claire Smith. It deals with 

some of the most topical items of the 

day and the odd item where the Council want to 

share information with the Town. 

Town Centre 

New electric car charging points - at either side of 

the car park, these are for electric cars only, it will 

be an offence for an ordinary car to park in these 

spaces. These spaces 

are now hatched green 

to encourage drivers of 

ordinary cars to park 

elsewhere. The cost is 

£2.50 for an hour charging, 

instructions are at the two 

charging points. Electric 

car owners are using these 

charging points, and this 

will increase over time. 

New car park meters – to 

enable Breckland Council to manage the 2-hour free 

parking - there are no plans to charge, but everyone 

will need a ticket, otherwise you will receive a 

different type of ticket and a fine. Trial scheme 

starting later this year, Breckland Council will launch 

this, there are still meters to be installed in Pedlar’s 

Car Park and in the Town Pit, this work is scheduled 

and at the same time the two meters in the Central 

Car Park will appear, the electrics are already in situ 

for these. 

Free WiFi - will be available in the Town Centre, 

there has been problems caused by BT in installing 

a new broadband line, which is now complete, and 

we have a router, it is just the extender to cover the 

Town Centre and management software, then we 

will be up and running. We had hoped to be able 

to announce full details this month, however this 

will be a free service with a download limit. We will 

announce on social media when it is available and, 

in the newsletter, next month. 

Town Council Elections 

“Do You Want To Be A Councillor?” 

The Town Council Elections are coming up on 

Thursday 2nd May and with that in mind, the 

Town Council will be running the second of two 

taster events “Do you want to be a Councillor?” on 

Thursday 28th February 2019 at 6.30pm-8pm as 

we are getting a little nearer the election date. It 

is encouraging that our first event attracted some 

potential candidates, and since then others have 

expressed an interest too! 

If you are thinking about standing for election but 

34 

would like to know a little more about the Town 

Council before they take the final step. How do we 

operate? What services do we run? What land and 

property do we manage? What are we responsible 

for? What exactly does a Town Councillor do? What is 

the role of the Town Council within the community? 

How does the Town Council fit in with Breckland 

Council and Norfolk County Council? All the things 

you ever wanted to ask about a Town Council??? 

New Co-Opted Councillor 

The Town Council co-opted former Deputy Mayor 

Stewart Bell as a replacement for Cllr Steve Allen 

who resigned at the November 2018 meeting. So 

welcome back Stewart, it is good to see him fully 

recovered after a serious illness brought his term of 

office to a premature end the last time round. It was 

sad that this was during his year as Deputy Mayor, 

and as such did not get to serve as Mayor in the final 

year of the previous Town Council, perhaps his time 

will come after the May elections – we shall see... 

Days Field 

An early draft of a financial and general risk assessment 

was circulated to Councillors and considered by the 

Council at their December meeting. It was decided 

that as this document was only 75% complete that 

it was not ready to be shared publicly. The initial risk 

analysis had highlighted the risk of this long-term 

project, that a new Council coming in could overturn 

any of the outgoing Council’s strategic or long-term 

decisions, before they could be fully implemented. 

There were other factors to consider too, not in the 

least of these is the uncertainty caused by the Brexit 

debate. It was therefore deemed to be eminently 

sensible to defer a final decision on which of the 

three options that were still on the table for Days 

Field. It would be much better for a new Council 

coming in to agree their policy moving forward 

and have sufficient time to implement within their 

four-year term of office, and after all issues are fully 

addressed. 

There are other on-going issues to resolve with 

Days Field relating to the current Outline Planning 

Permission for 51 houses. The Council has to decide 

whether to push ahead with an application for 

Reserve Matters, and application for Full Planning 

consent or a further application for Outline Planning 

permission, as extensions on time limits are no 

longer granted. This decision is time limited, and 

will be taken by the current Council, in order to 

preserve the investment in the current Outline 

Planning Permission which expires before the new 

Council come into office. Similarly, the previously 

reported application for permission to borrow up to 

£6 million will also proceed, to enable the incoming 

Council the ability to consider the three options that 

would be open to them. If permission to borrow is 

refused, then the options will be reduced to two. 

The necessity or urgency to hold a Public Meeting 

early in 2019 has therefore passed, and this will be 

re-scheduled by the new Town Council coming in 

after May 2019, when they have had sufficient time 

to consider all the information to hand, so watch 

this space... 

Other News 

The outgoing Council still have a lot of work to 

conclude as the period January to April in 2019 will 

be a busy one. A few snippets are as follows: - 

• Christmas Lights – it was decided to cease the threeyear 

contract with the Christmas Decorators and 

purchase the lights to enter into a new arrangement 

for the coming festive season. A budget has been 

agreed and a date has been set for the Christmas 

Lights Switch-On and Christmas Market of Sunday 

1st December – if you want to help or get involved, 

please let us know at the Town Hall. 

• Events Budget – it was decided to cut the events 

budget to £5,000 from its previous figure of £10,000. 

The reason being that in the three years it has 

existed, the average spend has been £5,000 each 

year. It is also thought that most events should be 

self-funding or could attract[] match funding grants 

from external sources. A review of the grants criteria 

is also necessary moving forward. 

• Annual Budget – will be agreed by the Council 

on 28th January, details will be published on the 

Council’s website and summarised in the March 

edition of the newsletter. This is an important budget 

as it will be the legacy to pass on to the new Council 

in May, the financial year starts in April 2019. 

• Annual Accounts – need to be completed for the 

year end to 31st March 2019, internal auditors 

Auditing Solutions Ltd will scrutinise everything 

towards the end of April and PKF Littlejohn have 

requested a date in early June for the external audit. 

All audit documents are publicly available either 

through the Town Council website or by request at 

the Town Hall. 

• Antingham’s – the outgoing Council hope 

to conclude talks with Heygate farms for the 

Antingham’s in the coming months, certainly 

negotiations will be on-going. 

• Business as usual – our Saturday Markets will 

continue week by week, we are still the Burial 

Authority for the Town, and our Allotments and 

other Opens Spaces or Amenities still have to be 

cared for. 

• Preparation for the New Council – preparation 

is already underway to ensure that there will be a 

smooth transition to the new Council coming in and 

training will be scheduled as appropriate for new 

Councillors, to ensure that they can play a full part 

in the proceedings from their first meeting. 

35 

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 

Monday 11th - Full Town Council meeting, 6.30 p.m. 

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

Monday 18th - Market meeting, 6.30 p.m. - 9.00 

p.m. Council Chamber, Town Hall. 

Tuesday 26th - Planning meeting, 12noon. Council 

Chamber, Town Hall. 

The Town Council 

Mayor – Cllr Colin Houghton 01760 336 025 

Deputy Mayor – Cllr Jill Skinner 01760 336 121 

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 07795 236878 

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

Your County Councillor is Cllr Ed Colman 

07940 406356 / 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

HUGE DISCOUNTS ON THE BIGGEST CHOICE 

OF TRUSTED BRANDS IN THE AREA 

SUPER 

SAVINGS 

ON SOFAS & 

RECLINERS 

WE WON’T BE 

BEATEN ON PRICE 

* 

BIG 

DISCOUNTS 

ON BEDS & 

MATTRESSES 

THE BIG 

WINTER 

SALE 

FOR ALL YOUR HOME NEEDS! 

PRICES 

DOWN 

ON DINING & 

BEDROOM 

EASY 

PAYMENT 

OPTION 

SPREAD 

THE COST! 

ASK IN STORE 

FAB 

SAVINGS 

ON CARPETS 

& FLOORING 

NOW ON 

WITCHFORD, ELY 

FURNITURE & 

BED CENTRE 

Lancaster Way 

Business Park 

Ely CB6 3NX 

T: 01353 669754 

DOWNHAM MARKET 

FURNITURE, BED CENTRE 

& HOMESTORE 

Bridge Street 

Downham Market 

PE38 9DS 

T: 01366 382213 

DOWNHAM MARKET 

TOY STORE 

Wales Court 

Downham Market 

PE38 9JZ 

T: 01366 383429 

reedshomestore.co.uk 

find us on facebook 

* Reeds will beat any competitor’s price within a 50 mile radius. Internet sales excluded.

Swaffham Newsletter

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?