Swaffham Newsletter

March 2019 

SWAFFHAM 

newslet ter 

Community Garden's offical sign is 

unveiled and final trees are planted 

Find out more by reading David 

Wickerson's article on p.17 

published by

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Contents 

4 Upcoming Events / Regular Events 

7 School Speak 

9 Church News 

11 Merle Boddy Centre 

12 Swaffham & District Lions 

14 WI 

16 Age Concern 

17 Swaffham Community Garden 

19 Swaffham Rotary 

20 Swaffham Jazz Club 

24 Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice 

26 Swaffham Community Hospital LOFs 

28 Wissey U3A 

30 Museum Matters 

33 Mayor's Parlour/Swaffham Arts 

34 Swaffham Town FC 

Women and Words 

Popular local entertainers Three’s Company and the 

Swaffham based women’s writing group Iceni Rural 

Writers will be celebrating International Women’s Day 

in the Pedlar Suite at the George Hotel on Friday 8th 

March. For over a century now people have joined 

together on International Women’s Day to mark the 

social, economic, cultural and political achievements 

of women. Three’s Company have entertained many 

local groups with their readings and on this occasion 

will present an anthology of poems by women writers 

from around the world. Members of Iceni Rural Writers 

will read pieces of their own work and there will also 

be an open mic slot for other local writers male and 

female. If you would like to read please contact 01366 

328536. 

Organiser Leah Spencer said: “Iceni Rural Writers held 

a similar event last year and it was very successful. 

It is a great opportunity for our group to share work 

with a wider audience”. 

Women and Words takes place on Friday 8 March 

at 7.30pm in the Pedlar Suite of the George Hotel 

Swaffham. Tickets are £5.00 from Ceres Bookshop 

Swaffham or by phoning 01366 328536 or on the door. 

1 

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To improve air quality in your home and to create 

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should be cleaned professionally every year 

Call us today for a FREE QUOTE 

and to find out more on 01760 337762 

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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. 

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 word.

Upcoming Events 

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

8th March, 7.30pm in the Pedlar Suite of the George Hotel, Swaffham. Tickets 

are £5 and available from Ceres Bookshop or on 01366 328536. 

Merle Boddy Race Night 9th March, 7.30pm at the Conservative Club. 

Tickets are £5 available from Georgie on 01760 724527. Bread and cheese 

buffet included in the price. 

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. 

'The Wonders of Migration' - illustrated talk Nar Valley 

Ornithological Society (NarVOS), Tuesday 26th March 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 Ieuan Evans, entitled: 

The Wonders of Migration. Ieuan Evans will talk to NarVOS about the incredible 

journeys that birds make and will help to unravel the mysteries of bird migration. 

Ieuan is a director of the British Trust for Ornithology and will doubtless have the 

latest information at his fingertips. 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 

Friends of Swaffham Infants Prize Bingo Friday 29th March 7pm 

for eyes down 7.30 pm at Swaffham Infant School. All our normal great prizes, 

raffle and refreshments. 

Save the Children Coffee Morning Saturday 6th April, 9am till 

12pm, Swaffham Assembly Rooms. Take some time out and come along to 

enjoy one of our coffee mornings with exciting stalls. 

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 1 and Sat 2 Mar: On Stage with the Westacre Theatre Company: THE SECRET 

LOVE LIFE OF OPHELIA by Steven Berkoff - the relationship between Danish 

Prince Hamlet and the beautiful Ophelia through the letters they write to each 

other. 7:30pm. £12 (£8 under 21s) 

Wed 6 Mar: Wednesday Film: THE WIFE (2017) [15] {100 minutes} starring 

Glenn Close. 2pm. £8 

Wed 13 Mar: Wednesday Film: PETERLOO (2018) [PG] {154 minutes} starring 

Rory Kinnear 2pm. £8 

Fri 15 and Sat 16 Mar: On Stage with the Westacre Theatre Company: A 

WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE starring Issy Huckle in one of Alan Bennett’s 

Talking Heads. 7:30pm. £12 (£8 under 21s) 

Wed 20 Mar: Wednesday Film: FIRST MAN (2018) [PG] [141 minutes} starring 

Ryan Gosling 2pm. £8 

Wed 27 Mar: Wednesday Film: THE WILD PEAR TREE (2018) [15] {188 minutes} 

2pm. £8 

Until 10 Mar: THE WORLD THROUGH THE LENS – exciting photographic show. 

From 11 Mar: ANNUAL SHOWCASE – art exhibition from John Hughes’ 

masterclasses. 

All displays in the Theatre’s FOYER GALLERY are free to view, open for all 

performances and also during weekdays by prior arrangement. 

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 Voluntary Stroke 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 

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 quarterly 3rd Tuesday at Town Hall, 7pm. Next meetings in 2019, 

16th April, 16th July, 15th October. 

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 

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, 

7th April, 10.30am start. Speaker Dr, Richard Butler D.L. 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 

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 

5 

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 Church 

Rooms. 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 7pm, eyes-down 

7.45pm Contact Brenda 01760 337916 

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 

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 

What’s Going on in Swaffham in 2019? 

We made it to Spring! Hopefully by the time you 

are reading this we’ll be appreciating some lovely 

March sunshine (can you put a jinx on the weather?) 

and looking forward to the summer. 2018 was an 

amazingly busy year with lots of events and activities 

right across the Iceni area and no doubt 2019 will be 

better. Keep up with What’s Going On by following the 

Facebook and Twitter pages or check the Events on the 

Swaffham Town Council website. In the meantime, 

here are some dates for your 2019 Swaffham Diary. 

• Strictly Ruffles Fashion Show, Wednesday 22nd 

May. Need to refresh your wardrobe but not sure 

where to start? A super evening helping to raise funds 

towards the Christmas Lights. 

• Sheep Fair, Saturday 25th May. Swaffham Market 

will be celebrating all things ‘woolly’ with expert crafts 

and demonstrations. 

• Dad’s Army Day, Saturday 3rd August. DON’T 

PANIC! After a successful first year in 2018 the Dad’s 

Army troop are returning to Swaffham. 

• Classic Car Day and Autojumble, Sunday 25th 

August. Another regular favourite returning. We’ve 

booked a fine, dry day this year… 

• Christmas Lights, Sunday 1st December. Needs no 

introduction, a great way to get your Christmas season 

started. 

Sue Dent 

Events & Projects Support Officer 

Swaffham and Watton Town Councils 

07776 507658, wattonswaffhamevents@gmail.com 

Sacred Heart School 

Sacred Heart School at the Mid Norfolk Cross Country 

Championships in Dereham. 

Fourteen students from the Lower and Senior school 

ran at the mid Norfolk cross country championships 

at Dereham. For once it was a sunny day and the 

conditions were ideal for running. Once we arrived 

we discovered that the course had changed slightly 

and was now a little longer but this did not deter 

our band of enthusiastic runners who went out 

and gave it their best. Everyone ran really well and 

handled the longer course with great determination. 

Both Bonnie and Hattie- from Year 11 achieved top 5 

places and will go on to represent the region at the 

county tournament at Langley School. We are very 

proud of all our runners and hope that Bonnie and 

Hattie will do well at Langley School. 

Local woman's big shave for charity 

A massive well done to Donna Moore for her recent 

head shave fundraiser, which saw her raise just over 

£700 in total for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Society, a charity who support people living with 

rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid 

arthritis to be able to live the life they want to. The 

head shave took place on Thursday 31st January, 

in Donna’s workplace Westfields in Swaffham, with 

residents, colleagues, friends and family there 

to watch! Plus a live video feed on Facebook for 

those who couldn’t be there to watch too! I’m sure 

you’ll agree that the amount raised is amazing, so a 

massive thank you to all who donated, and a huge 

well done to Donna! Your friends and family are all 

very proud of you. 

SWAFFHAM 

#COMMUNITY FRIDGE 

270kg 

6 

7

The Nicholas Hamond Academy 

Friends In Warmer Climes 

Letters from considerably warmer climes arrived 

for our students studying Spanish. They are looking 

forward to continuing close links with their pen 

friends from Seville and learning more about life in 

that region from their peers. 

Fun At Any Time Of The Year! 

Christmas may seem like a distant memory but that 

didn't stop students enjoying the traditional panto 

'Aladdin' at the 

Norwich Theatre 

Royal. Sweets, 

drinks and ice 

creams in hand 

the group settled 

down to be 

entertained for 

the evening by 

the excellent cast (even receiving a special mention 

from Widow Twanky!) Big smiles and laughter from 

all proved that that a Panto is a hit any time of the 

year! 

Passionate About Business 

Our budding entrepreneurs met local businesswoman, 

Jane Clark, owner of The Old Art Room in Swaffham, 

when she kindly agreed 

to visit the academy. 

Along with an engaging 

presentation Jane 

answered questions 

from our students 

studying business and 

shared the fact that 

‘being passionate about what you are doing’ is a 

major part of success. 

Safer Internet Day – Coffee Morning 

Parents joined the Safeguarding Team, for a coffee 

morning, focusing on how to keep our students safe 

on the Internet. Two officers from Breckland Police 

joined us to answer questions and offer guidance. 

Advice and resources were shared with parents and 

there was lots of discussion about the issues facing 

our young people using the Internet and ways to 

help protect them. 

Children’s Mental Health Week 

“Look after your body – both inside and out” – that 

was the message from students and staff during 

Children’s Mental Health Week. Students gave 

examples of simple things that made them happy 

keeping in mind that physical wellbeing can also help 

our mental wellbeing. Students are pictured with 

two of the academy staff who are Mental Health 

First Aiders. More information can be obtained from: 

https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/ 

Making A Splash 

Making a splash at the recent European Forces 

Swimming League Divisional Competition, held in 

Wuppertal Germany, 

was TNHA student 

Joshua Barber. 

He competed in 5 

races in the 13-15 

years’ category, 100 

butterfly, 200m, 100 

Free, 200 Medley 

relay and 200 Free 

relay. His team, the Lakenheath Barracudas, placed 

2nd out of 7 international competing teams (just 

missing victory). What a great effort! 

Jill Hambright 

PA to Principal/Admin. Manager/Clerk to Governors 

The Nicholas Hamond Academy 

01760 726152 

Email: Jill.Hambright@tnha.org.uk 

Friends Of Swaffham Infants 

Well this new year is speeding by. We have begun 

to organise events so thought better let you know 

some of them. 

Prize Bingo will be on Friday 29th March 7.00 pm 

for eyes down 7.30 pm. All our normal great prizes, 

raffle and refreshments. 

Summer Fete is on Saturday 13th July, so mark your 

diaries now. Anyone that would like a stall please 

contact us. Any local groups that could do a display 

to make this a fun day please let us know. Email 

suechittock@btinternet.com 

We thank everyone that supports our events, so that 

we can buy equipment for the school, pay for buses 

for trips and much more. 

The Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul 

The 2019 March services in Swaffham parish church 

will be as follows:- 

Sunday 3rd 

8.00am Holy Communion 

9.30am Sung Eucharist 

3.30pm Evensong (BCP) 

Wednesday 6th Ash Wednesday 

10.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 

Sunday 10th 



Wednesday 13th 


Sunday 17th 


9.30am United Benefice Sung Eucharist 

11.15am Family Service 



Sunday 24th 



(followed by the Annual Parochial Church meeting) 



Sunday 31st Mothering Sunday 


9.30am Sung Eucharist for all the family 

NB 

Wednesday April 3rd 


Sunday 7th 



6.00pm E vensong (BCP) - note the time 

The Parish Church – East Window 

The Church needs to restore its beautiful East Window 

and this will cost a great deal of money – current 

estimates are in excess of £160,000. A small proportion 

of this might be grant funded, but the Church is expected 

to raise the balance. The Parochial Church Council is 

delighted that "Pot of Gold - Swaffham Shanty Crew" 

will be performing a concert in the Parish Church on 

Saturday 23rd March as part of its fund-raising effort 

(see the advert elsewhere in this Newsletter). Tickets 

cost £8 (including refreshments) and are currently 

available through Ceres Bookshop in London Road, Just 

Hair in Station Street and also Norman Revill from whom 

further details may be obtained Tel 07530 898833. 

Please support this concert. 

Easter Flowers In The Parish Church 

The church flower group will be arranging the Easter 

flowers again this year. If you would like to contribute 

to the cost of these flowers, perhaps in memory of a 

loved one, please give your donation and the name of 

the person being remembered to one of the Church 

Wardens:- Ralph Clarke or Sheila Fowler. 

Churches Together Lent Meetings 

Lent is the period of 40 days beginning on Ash 

Wednesday, which comes before Easter in the Christian 

calendar. Lent is a season of reflection and preparation 

before the celebrations of Easter and by observing 

the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ's 

sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. 

Members of the congregations of the churches that are 

involved in Churches Together in Swaffham and District 

hold evening meetings and frugal lunches together 

every year, during Lent, and the dates of these are 

listed below. All the evening meetings are held in the 

Methodist Chapel, and each week the leader is from 

one of the contributing churches. The Frugal Lunch, 

held the day afterwards, is hosted by the church that 

led the previous evening. 

March 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and April 4th Anglicans 

leading in the Methodist Chapel,. 7pm 

March 8th Frugal Lunch at St Peter and St Paul's, 12pm 

March 15th Frugal Lunch at the Baptist Church Rms, 12pm 

March 22nd Frugal Lunch at the Methodist Chapel 

Rooms, 12pm 

March 29th & April 5th Frugal Lunch at Our Lady of Pity 

Rooms, 12pm 

Everyone is invited to the meetings and lunches. 

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 March at 10.00am. This will be a 

Corporate Communion in the parish church, that will be 

presided over by the vicar, the Revd Janet Allan. Coffee/ 

tea is served afterwards. 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 

March. All parents and children are most welcome. 

The Children's Society 

The annual opening of the C.S home money boxes 

raised £1108.56 for the Society, my sincere thanks for 

the continued support of the home money box holders. 

If anyone would like to give room in their home for a 

Children's Society money box, I will be pleased to hear 

from them. All donations large or small are gratefully 

received - to borrow a phrase "Every Little Helps". For 

further information please contact me:- Linda Burton 

coordinator C.S money boxes for St Peter & St Paul 

Church, tel:- 01760 720205. Thank you. 

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Appeal-2018 

The 230 shoe boxes collected from St Peter & St Paul 

Church were part of consignments of 511,200 shoe 

boxes which were delivered to thousands of churches 

for distribution to very needy children in Eastern 

Europe, Africa, Central Asia and The Middle East. 

Specific countries cannot be named for the safety of the 

ministry living and working in restricted areas. My very 

sincere thanks to everyone who supported the appeal. 

Linda Burton coordinator OCC shoe box appeal - 

St Peter & St Paul, Swaffham. 

8 

9

Swaffham Methodist Church 

Church Notices 

Fri 1st March 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

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

Sun 3rd March 10.45am. Celebration of Holy 

Communion with Revd. Andrew King followed by 

refreshments. 

Tues 5th March 10am - 12noon 'The Meeting Place' 

drop - in. Also the Traidcraft stall. 

Tues 5th March Soup & Pancakes 11.30am. £5. 

Thurs 7th March 10am -11am. Simply Psalms Lent 

Course. 

Thurs 7th March 'The Meeting Place ' drop - in 10am 

- 12noon. 

Thurs 7th March 2.30pm. Bible Study with Revd Liz 

Jolly. 

Thurs 7th March 7pm. Lent Meeting. 

Fri 8th March 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

Fri 8th March 10am -11am. Simply Psalms Lent 

Course. 

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

Sun 10th March 10.45am. Morning Worship followed 

by refreshments. 

Mon 11th, Tues 12th, Wed 13th and Thurs 14th 

March 10am -11am. Simply Psalms Lent Course. 

Thurs 14th March 'The Meeting Place ' drop -in 10am 

-12noon. 

Thurs 14th March Thursday Group 2.30pm. A talk by 

Jill Bowers on her life as a WREN. 


Fri 15th March 9.30am. Power Of Prayer. 


Course. 

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

Sun 17th March 10.45am Morning Worship followed 


Mon 18th, Tues 19th, Wed 20th, Thurs 21st March 

10am -11am. Simply Psalms Lent Course. 

Thurs 21st March 'The Meeting Place' drop -in. 10am 

-12noon. 

Thurs 21st March 7pm. Lent Meeting. 

Fri 22nd March 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 

Fri 22nd March 10am -11am. Simply Psalms Lent 

Course. 

Fri 22nd March 12noon. Frugal Lunch. 

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

Sun 24th March 10.45am. Morning Worship followed 


Mon 25th, Tues 26th, Wed 27th, Thurs 28th March 

10am -11am. Simply Psalms Lent Course. 

Thurs 28th March 'The Meeting Place ' drop -in. POT OF GOLD - SWAFFHAM SHANTY CREW 

POT OF GOLD - SWAFFHAM SHANTY CREW 

10am -12noon. 

Thurs 28th March 2.30pm. Thursday Group. Talk by 

Mavis about The Home Guard. 


Fri 29th March 9.30am. Power of Prayer. 


Course. 

Sat 30th March 9.30am -12noon. Coffee Morning. 

Sun 31st March 10.45am. Mothering Sunday Service 

with Revd Andrew King. Followed by refreshments. 

10 

Swaffham History Group 

Members of our group take on various research 

projects through the year, sometimes on behalf 

of the museum or for their own interests. As has 

been mentioned before, one member Michael 

Medlar (together with his wife Sheila) has been 

looking into pre-Reformation wills left by Swaffham 

residents. 

Photo credit: Pete Coombes 

At our last meeting he gave us an illustrated talk on 

his then latest findings including the testaments 

of four men and one woman, Katherine Kipping, 

whose will of 1520 also contained an itemised 

inventory of all her goods, down to the last item 

of the contents of her considerable wardrobe 

and her jewellery. Four wills from Swaffham men 

were also discussed, including one - a priest - 

who left money to 70 churches. Man or woman, 

each testator's first concern was for the welfare 

of their soul, leaving money to the church and 

clergy to sing or pray for them to ease their way 

through Purgatory. In Mrs Kipping's case, apart 

from Swaffham church, she left money to several 

churches including St Andrew in Barton Bendish 

(where she had previously lived) including the 

repair of their bells. 

Since his talk Michael and Sheila have researched 

several more wills, including more Swaffham 

women. From these they are gradually learning a 

lot more about the lives of 16th century females in 

Swaffham, which hopefully will result in a booklet 

being produced by the history group later in the 

year. The history group can be contacted on 

littlebethany7@gmail.com 

SWAFFHAM 

ST PETER AND ST PAUL’S CHURCH 

ST PETER AND ST PAUL’S CHURCH 

SWAFFHAM 

ST PETER PRESENT & ST PAUL’S CHURCH, SWAFFHAM 

PRESENT 

TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHURCH WINDOW 

FUND 

APPEAL To raise funds for the church window fund. 

TO RAISE FUNDS FOR Tickets THE available CHURCH from: WINDOW 

• Ceres FUND Bookshop, London Rd, Swaffham 

• Just Hair, Station St, Swaffham 

• APPEAL Norman Revill, 07530 898833 

SATURDAY, 23 RD MARCH 2019 

7.30 PM IN THE CHURCH 

present 

POT OF GOLD - SWAFFHAM SHANTY CREW 

• Saturday 23 rd March 

• 7.30pm in the church 

• Tickets £8 including 

refreshments. 

Registered Charity No: 

1134160 

Merle Boddy Centre 

We were given some cups and saucers from the 

WI afternoon group. Unfortunately they have now 

finished operating, but we have made full use of the 

crockery and are helping our feathered friends at the 

same time. The crockery was made into bird feeders 

as can be seen in the photo below. John did a fine job 

of filling the cups with all the goodies to see them 

through the cold weather. 

Peter is a good old Norfolk boy and I love talking about 

old Swaffham with him especially when he talks about 

his time at Swaffham electric board shop (that's where 

the Green Parrot is now) and when the market was so 

big it took all day to walk around. Aren't memories just 

the most wonderful thing ? When someone shares the 

11 

same as you it's magical; conversation just flows, who 

cares if it's about years ago, we are communicating, 

that is just wonderful. New year and yet again fund 

raising is on my mind. It seems a never ending job but 

it has to be done. Please, if you have a bit of time to 

help or you would like to organise a function, or have 

unwanted gifts you could donate please could you ring 

me, Georgie, on 01760 724527. We are also looking 

for new directors, so if you're interested get in touch. 

Did your kids have lots of games bought for them for 

Christmas that they are already bored with? We are 

looking for things like 'Connect 4' and similar for our 

clients. I do keep going round the charity shops, but no 

luck yet, so if you don't want games anymore please 

can we be their new owners! 

Swaffham Spiritual Awareness Group 

Meets in the Community Centre, 

Beech Close, Campingland, Swaffham 

at 6.30pm. 

3 March, Nick Kenning, Aylsham 

17 March, Wendy Barnard, Swaffham 

31 March, David Schiesser, Huntingdon 

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 

Swaffham Jazz Club 

at 

Swaffham Conservative Club 

presents for 

the 1st time 

Jazz Club 


The Art Of The Trio 

Phil Brooke 

Simon Brown 

Tuesday 7:30pm 

March 12th 

Tickets on Door £8 

Norman 01760 722 384 

Geoff 01366 328 730 

London Street 

Ivars Galenicks 

bar

Swaffham & District Lions 

Swaffham Lions held their most 

successful quiz for many years, with 

over 100 people attending. The 

World Quiz attracted 19 teams who 

were allocated a country together 

with the country’s flag. At the start of the quiz, in 

true Olympic fashion, one member from each team 

paraded in carrying their flag, accompanied by their 

national anthem. With a keenly fought completion 

Morocco and Australia tied, with Morocco winning 

the tie question. The evening raised £1000 for Lions 

charities. 

Swaffham Lions were please to support Swaffham 

Cricket Club with a £250 cheque to send Billy Staines 

on a level 2 coaching course. The club based at Myers 

Playing Field, have Saturday and Sunday teams, 

competing at the highest level of local cricket. With a 

membership of forty, there is an emphasis on training 

the younger members, allowing them to play in games 

with no pressure. 

Calling all 

budding artists 

Gallery Iceni 

needs you! 

Left to right: Billy Staines & John Collins 

Swaffham Lions were only too pleased to help with 

the collection for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Lions 

worldwide support visually impaired people with 

a variety of programs to help them integrate into 

society. Swaffham Lions collect and send spectacles to 

Chichester for onward shipping to France for recycling, 

they have sent over 100 thousand pairs to date. 

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 

Swaffham Lions continue to support local charities, 

especially those that work with children. Home-Start 

is one of those charities that are working with young 

families and have had their funding cut by Norfolk 

County Council. Their volunteers work alongside 

parents, in their own homes, to help them cope with 

the stresses and strains of life and make sure they 

have the skills, confidence and strength they need to 

nurture their children. 

Swaffham Lions had the town rocking to the sound of 

The Strollers at their Valentine Dance held in Swaffham 

Assembly Rooms with over 60 people dancing to 

the sound of the 60’s. A romantic evening for one 

couple, who in true Valentine spirit, announced their 

engagement. The successful evening which raised 

over £700 for Lions good causes. 

EAST ANGLIA’S PREMIER GROUNDS CARE EQUIPMENT RETAILER 

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CARPET CLEANING 

Viruses and bacteria 

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To improve air quality in your home and to create 

a safe environment for your family your carpet 

should be cleaned professionally every year 

Left to Right: Sharon Travis, Liz Cross and Lion President John Collins 

12 

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Beachamwell WI 

In February, Beachamwell WI 

welcomed Penelope Watkins who 

gave us a most enjoyable talk 

on “Know your shape, enjoy your assets”. She 

started with an overview of fashion trends in 

the 20th century and brought along examples of 

the underwear which underpinned the changing 

shapes; that got us reminiscing about those strange 

pink corsets our mothers used to wear! Penelope 

went on to give some useful advice about how to 

buy clothes with a better fit and some excellent 

tips about flattering styles. Her talk was both 

informative and entertaining. 

On March 7th, our speaker will be local writer, 

Jackie Bennett, talking about gardens featured 

in her latest book – “Britain’s Island Gardens”. 

Visitors, even if you are not thinking of joining 

our WI, are most welcome to join us at a charge 

of £3.50. We meet on the first Thursday of each 

month at 7.30 in Beachamwell Village Hall. The 

group is friendly and informal. Prospective new 

members are always welcome to come along 

to one meeting and look us over, free of charge. 

Just turn up on the night or contact Leah (01366 

328536) or Helen (01366 328589). 

Swaffham W.I. 

Our February meeting on 

Wednesday 6th.was held at 2pm. 

in the Methodist Church Rooms on 

London Street. 

We now have over 40 members with the two 

combined W.I Institutes plus some new members. 

Our President started with an amusing & 

appropriate Valentine's poem. We were then given 

an update on events & finances before our speaker 

began. This month it was Tina Birchett from EACH 

Children's Hospices. This gave us a great deal 

of information on 'giving care & support to lifethreatened 

children & their families'. Also how 

funds are raised & support given to 360 children 

with this number rising each year. They are in the 

process of building a new centre 'The Nook' a stateof 

the-art hospice in Norfolk which is planned to be 

finished this year. 

Our next meeting is on Wed.6th.March at 2pm with 

David Morton speaking on 'The Wonder of Light' 

Do come for a visit & see if you might like to join us. 

For more information phone our secretary Fiona 

Walker on 01760 722879 

14 

Sporle Afternoon WI 

The New Year began with an opportunity 

to great friends not seen since last year! 

Subscriptions paid, raffle tickets bought, 

sales table visited, gazettes collected and tucked safely 

away for reading at home, tea and cake consumed and 

then down to the business of the day! WI Meetings 

should always have an element of learning and so it 

was - “which way do the winners go and who stays 

put”! What were we doing – playing Beetle of course 

– almost a tradition at Sporle’s January meeting but an 

amusing of somewhat frustrating way to start the year. 

Raffle drawn and a poem to close the meeting and 

we all look forward to next month’s meeting Tuesday 

March 19th entitled “The Work of the Dogs Trust” 

Sporle Community Centre 1.45 pm for 2pm start until 

4pm – Visitors always welcome £ 3.50 per time. 

The Pickenhams WI 

Our President opened the meeting 

with a remembrance of a previous 

member Dorothy Heyhoe who has 

died aged 93 years. Dorothy was a member for 45 

years, a true country WI lady. 

Group activities this month include :- coffee and chat 

at the Market Cross, ten pin bowling at Dereham and 

exercises to music with the lovely Anne Francis in the 

church at North Pickenham. These are open to the 

village folk. 

Future Plans include-: 

• A trip to the NorwichTheatre Royal to see Pam Ayres, 

plus making our own banner to carry in Norwich 

Cathedral to a service, both of which are part of the 

100 year celebrations of the Norfolk W.I. this year. 

• A local walk to raise funds for the women of the 

world on 2nd May. 

• Trip to Gayton Hall gardens in the Spring/summer. 

• Trip to Thursford by coach on 23rd of December to 

see their amazing Christmas Show. 

Finally it was time for our speaker Melonie Hilton, a 

British writer of romantic novels who described to 

us Jane Austin's London, with its buildings, brothels, 

poverty and squalor amongst the poor. A very 

interesting and informative talk. 

The Competition - “your favourite book and a 

paragraph about why" was won by Sylvia Sexton and 

Joan Baker. 

After a welcome refreshment break, Carolyn our 

President, presented Colin Houghton the chairman of 

Swaffham Hospital League of Friends with a cheque 

for £185 the proceeds raised from our Trading Stall . 

This money will go towards the cost of some special 

Armchairs for the patient's rehabilitation. 

Next Meeting: 12th March 2pm in the church. Speaker: 

Philip West - “Norfolk crabs, cliffs and coasts - an 

opportunity to enjoy our local delights!" Competition: 

A photograph of the Norfolk coast. Anyone interested 

contact Carolyn - 01760 755089 or Melonie 01760 

440456. 

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 

meals with our delicious menus 

Barbara O'Hanlon MA is now working from her private 

practice Have a warm in Swaffham. relaxing and restful For more information SLEEP or an initial 

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contact Barbara on: 

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07516 917171 / barbarann688@gmail.com 

Come and go as you please. 

www.swaffhamtherapy.co.uk 

DRINK 

made food using local produce also 

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EAT 


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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! 

15 

GO TO TOWN 

A regular, local bus service, 

operating in multiple locations. 

reg no: 277789 

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 website: 

www.hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk. 

If further information is required please contact 

the Clerk via email at: 

contact@hamondeducationalcharity.org.uk 

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 

At the end of January our members turned out in force for our Annual New Year Party. We had terrific 

entertainment from the Swaffham Shanty Crew (Pot of Gold) 

and thanks to donations from Tesco and Iceland, each member 

had some special party food and drink. We were particularly 

grateful to all the work put in by Irene and the catering team to 

organise this. 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. 

Upcoming events are: 

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

• April 25th (note date) – Trip out, Shell Museum etc 

• May 28th AGM (in house) plus Quiz 

• June 18th (note date) Broads sailing trip – Wroxham to Horning 

For trips out, our contact is John Clarke, 720140. Acting Chairman, Barbara White, 

720756, Deputy Chair, Barbara Clarke, 720140, Treasurer, Keith Nash, 724801; 

Membership Secretary, Vicky Slater, 627031. For the AGM, our Committee is keen 

to encourage members of Age Concern to volunteer as new Committee members, 

especially to help organise the various events we are already planning for the rest 

of the year. Anyone interested, please contact Barbara White, phone as above, or 

barbarawhite346@btinternet.com. 

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) 

West Acre Carpet Bowls Club 

West Acre Carpet Bowls Club are a group of very 

friendly people that like to play carpet bowls twice a 

week (Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 2-4) in West 

Acre village hall £2 per afternoon. 

Each year we enter a team of 4 into a competition 

called "Let's Get Active" where we play home and 

away games from other villagers in the West Norfolk 

area. We have been doing this for a few years now and 

have come runners up twice before but last year we 

went 1 better and won. The picture shows chairman 

Brian Roberts holding the winning trophy with Betty 

Lilley, behind them are Toni Clarke and Mike Pye. 

We also have a team of 4 that play at Lynn Sport once 

a month, 2 teams of pairs that also play once a moth 

at Lynn Sport and occasionally play on a Sunday when 

there is a Charity Match being held. 

Currently there are 20 members in the club not only 

coming from West Acre but also Castle Acre, Swaffham, 

Whissensett, Downham Market and Middleton. It's 

a great enjoyable and fun game to play and all are 

welcome no matter what age, (our eldest is in his 90's 

and youngest is 14 yrs). The equipment is provided . 

Any more information you can contact Belinda Bush 

01760755184 (answer machine) or email Belinda_ 

Bush@hotmail.com 

Swaffham Community Garden 

We are almost there! A team of stoic volunteers braved 

the elements early last month to bring the finishing 

touches to the SCG, well at least as far as we could 

given the time of year and the weather conditions 

on the day. Ably assisted by our Royal Horticultural 

Society Advisor Alison Findlay and by Katy Fullilove 

with her team from the Escape Project, two large bags 

of bark mulch were distributed on the Story Telling 

Circle, which we invite groups of all ages to use and 

enjoy, and on the flower/herb beds; heritage apple 

trees and border hedging were planted, the Laserfast 

stainless steel sign was erected and in the afternoon 

Swaffham Rotary arrived to plant their kindly donated 

feature tree celebrating their 50th anniversary of 

Rotary in the Town. In addition the area bordering the 

Antinghams was cleared and generally tidied up to 

improve the overall appearance of the Garden. 

However, there is and will be continuing work with 

hopefully better weather in the Spring when we will 

be working with the Youthie Group to construct the 

Bug Hotels that we were not able to build before the 

darker nights descended. 

This entire initiative would not have been possible 

without the valued hands on activities from those 

mentioned in previous Newsletter updates and from 

those local businesses who graciously donated various 

necessary elements of the Garden – we thank you all. 

Looking to the future we are now actively looking 

for keen and not so keen new gardeners to join the 

team and work with our existing volunteers to take 

part in maintaining and looking after the Garden as it 

matures and grows in the warmer weather. This is an 

exciting project to be involved in and we hope that we 

can all not only enjoy working together but learn from 

each other to improve our gardening knowledge and 

skills. To facilitate this concept we have decided to 

make the second Friday of each month a Community 

Garden morning starting on March 8th at 10.00am. So 

why not come along and join us on the Campingland 

to find out how you can contribute to the project. 

You can contact us with any questions or comments 

at either davidwickerson@btinternet.com or 

enquiries@iceni.info. In the meantime to welcome 

Spring, do watch out for the flowering bulbs planted 

in November – Happy Gardening! 

16 

17

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 




CELEBRATING 

President’s Corner 

Swaffham 5 

As reported in my column last month we duly planted 

the Prunus Snow Goose tree in the Community 

Garden on the 4th February - as also reported 

elsewhere in this Newsletter. 

YEARS 

The Garden is now really beginning to take shape 

with a lovely new sign and will be an excellent asset 

for the Town over the years as it continues to flourish. 

My President’s charity this year is the Samaritans 

and our 50th Anniversary Cook-Book is now in profit 

having paid off our printing costs (£5 per copy still 

available at Ceres Bookshop!) On the 11th February 

we presented a cheque to Gill Sale, director of the 

branch in King’s Lynn representing the profit so far 

from the sale of the books. 

in £435 being given to Gill. 

A quote from a Samaritans 

caller, “Samaritans are there 

when all your friends are 

asleep and when you’re 

alone in the world. When 

you're full of thoughts you 

don’t understand, it's good 

to get them out” 

Our Club theme this year 

is the environment and so 

appropriately last month we had a very inspiring 

visit from a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar from 

the USA, Madi Vorva age 21. She is a graduate of 

Pomona College, California, where she majored in 

environmental analysis. Shocked by the plight and 

imminent extinction of the orangutan in Indonesia 

she started campaigning at the age of 12 to get the 

major companies of the world to change to use 

sustainable Palm Oil. She started campaigning Girl 

Guides USA to source responsible palm oil in their 

cookies (probably the biggest seller of cookies in 

the US) then partnering with Advisers, The Packard 

Foundation and the Union of Concerned Scientists 

she grew her Middle School project to a national 

media campaign that reached 10 million customers, 

involving Michelle Obama on the way! These efforts 

led to Girl Scouts USA to announce a sustainable 

policy with Kellogg’s and Wilmar (trader of 45% 

of the world’s Palm Oil) to adapt a de-forestation 

tree commitment. Today Madi is the Community 

Engagement Specialist at Michigan University on 

sustainability cases within the University School 

for Environment and Sustainability. She is pursuing 

her Master’s in environmental policy at Cambridge 

University through the support of Rotary’s Global 

Grant Scholarship. As you can imagine her talk and 

presentation were amazing proving that there are 

people in the USA that do care about what we are 

currently doing to our planet. 

SWAFFHAM 

A simple solution to wasting less through 

the sharing of good quality food. 

Iceni Partnership 

Community Centre, The Campingland, 

Swaffham, PE37 7RB 

The book was put together by Thea and Rotarian 

David Morris and my wife Sue and has many excellent 

recipes and reminiscences by Rotarians, their families 

and partners. The cook book has also generated 

over £120 in donations to the Samaritans, resulting 

19

Swaffham Jazz Club 

We kicked off our 2019 season with The Colin Mason 

Quartet - Colin Mason drums, Chris Kirk trumpet, 

Mark Ferguson piano, Mike Smith bass – along with 

Ryan McCaffrey guesting on saxophone. Ryan was 

born in King’s Lynn and started piano lessons when 

he was 8 years old, and clarinet when he was 12. He 

became interested in jazz after a music teacher at 

school played some Miles Davis tracks to the class. 

He asked his teacher “Which is the best instrument 

on which to play jazz? Clarinet or oboe?” Obviously 

clarinet was the answer and he took up sax as well 

when he was 16. 

After passing Grade 8 on piano he studied at the 

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for four years. He 

moved to London in his 20’s to try his luck on the 

jazz scene and played with such established artists 

as Alan Barnes, Clark Tracey and Trevor Tomkins. He 

says his best ever gig was when he went to Russia as 

a dep and cites his main influences (as well as Miles 

Davis) as Oscar Peterson, Horace Silver and Bill Evans. 

The number I enjoyed most from the first half was 

On Green Dolphin Street played as an upbeat bossa 

nova, which is unusual but worked well. Chris’s 

trumpet playing here was particularly effective. 

The second half began with the Latin number 

Mambo Inn, which I presume was a celebration of 

the England Cricket Team winning at least one of 

their Test matches against the West Indies! The next 

two numbers were outstanding as Ryan reached 

ever more remote harmonic regions and Colin 

displayed his wonderful brush work making the skins 

really sing. Best of all was Miles Davis’s So What. 

Everyone played brilliantly and I thought Mike’s bass 

solo towards the end was masterful, especially the 

way he calmed everything down to a soft repeated 

rhythm at the bottom of the register in readiness for 

the reprise of the main theme. 

I must make special mention of Mark who travelled 

all the way from Lincoln to play for us. Every one 

of his solos was a gem. A great night ended with 

thunderous and well-deserved applause. 

Coming up: 

Tues 12th March at 7.30 ‘The Art of the Trio’ with Phil 

Brooke guitar, Simon Brown piano, Ivars Galenieks 

bass. Then on 9th April, Lee Vasey & Friends Swaffham 

Conservative Club. 23 London Street. PE37 7DD. £8 

on the door. Geoff & Norman 

Networking Group Celebrates First Year 

The Swaffham group of East Anglian Women in 

Business (EAWIB), celebrated its first anniversary on 

Thursday 10th January 2019. The networking group 

marked the occasion with cake and conversation. 

East Anglian Women in Business was created by Ward 

Gethin Archer Director and Family Law Solicitor, Sarah 

Fairbrother, to provide a local forum where business 

women can meet, interact and support each other 

in developing their businesses and careers. Sarah 

Fairbrother recognised that outside of Cambridge 

and Norwich there were very few networking 

opportunities in the local smaller towns. From the 

outset, the aim has been to enable women to form 

strong links with other local women in an informal 

and friendly setting. There has been a great response 

from business women in the Swaffham area, with 

the networking group attended by a range of local 

businesses. The monthly meetings are free to attend 

with refreshments kindly provided by sponsors, Ward 

Gethin Archer solicitors and Grow Your Business 

accountants. 

Ward Gethin Archer Family Law Solicitor and founder 

of EAWIB, Sarah Fairbrother, said: “I am thrilled that the 

Swaffham group is well established and look forward to 

the next year of East Anglian Women in Business. The 

meetings are a great platform for women to network 

and to exchange ideas and knowledge. Any women 

interested in joining a meeting should come along, new 

members are always welcome.” The meetings follow 

the same format each month, with everyone given 

the chance to introduce themselves and explain what 

it is they do. There is a speaker, sometimes someone 

from the EAWIB group, followed by the opportunity 

to network. Unlike many networking groups, there 

are no membership fees, no requirements to give 

referrals and no minimum number of meetings that 

you must attend. The Swaffham meeting takes place 

each month from 10.30am until 12 noon at The 

White Hart Inn, Swaffham. The timing is designed to 

accommodate the commitments that women often 

have in the early mornings and evenings. In addition 

to Swaffham, other EAWIB networking groups run 

in King’s Lynn, Downham Market, Dereham and Ely. 

Anyone wishing to attend the meetings should visit 

www.eawib.co.uk to register online. 

Visitors to EAWIB meetings are assured of a warm 

welcome. For Further Information please contact 

Sarah Fairbrother on 01553 667250 or email sarah. 

fairbrother@wga.co.uk 

Just Hair London Marathon 

Our Just Hair London Marathon run is getting nearer 

and nearer and thanks to all our wonderful friends, 

families and amazing customers at Just Hair we 

have already raised an unbelievable £15,000 for The 

National Autistic Society. A charity very close to our 

hearts as our nine year old nephew Cole Dickerson 

was diagnosed with Autism at the age of four. 

Autism affects not just the individual but the whole 

family. Things that many families take for granted 

like visiting places such as play parks, zoos, holidays 

and even popping to the shops can be extremely 

overwhelming for someone on the spectrum. The 

National Autistic Society offers support, help and 

information for families, individuals and schools. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and 

helping to raise awareness and understanding. 

We have two more events planned before our run; 

the first is a Coffee Morning at the Assembly Rooms 

on March 13th 10-12. Mark Jackson our hero from 

Barclays Bank, Fakenham is going to match fund for 

us. Our second event is on Saturday 6th April when 

our great friend Kay from the Market Cross is hosting 

a Hog Roast for us with Impsons Butchers cooking 

the Hog Roast, and entertainment by Pot Of Gold – 

Swaffham Shanty Crew. 

We look forward to seeing you at our events and 

promise you all after our Marathon run we will give 

you all a rest from fund-raising until the Christmas 

Tree Festival. 

Much love, Gill, Keith, all the girls at Just Hair and our 

Marathon team, Xxx 

Swaffham Players 

Desperately Seeking Storage - Can You Help? 

If you would like to support your local Amateur 

Dramatic Society, and have an empty outhouse, barn 

or garage available in or near to Swaffham, perhaps 

you can help us out! 

Unfortunately, due to the closure of the Church 

Rooms on Campingland we have recently lost our 

scenery storage facilities and are seeking somewhere 

to store and work on scenery for our forthcoming 

productions. We have been providing entertainment 

for the Swaffham community ever since our very first 

production in 1970 and hopefully will continue for 

many more years to come. 

Ideally we need a space the size of a double garage, 

with a power supply to enable us to work on our 

scenery and props. Alternatively an outhouse or 

single garage size space would suffice for temporary 

storage. 

If you think you may be able to help, then please call 

our stage manager on 01760 721568. 

20 21

£180 

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£8,119 

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BRITISH BRAND SINCE 1903 

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Vauxhall Thurlow Retailer Nunn Dereham 1 

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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. 

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. 

22 

Swaffham Camera Club 

Congratulations to Derek Pinner 

whose photograph, shown below, 

entitled "Where's the Grub" was 

the overall winner in the January 

competition at the club. 

There was a packed attendance of members for 

Kevin Sawfords entertaining and informative talk 

on "An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer's Year" 

at the meeting on the 6th February. 

Entries for the February print competition themed 

as "Frame within a Frame" will be Judged on the 20th 

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 

Congratulations to Derek Pinner whose photograph, shown below, entitled 

"Where's the Grub" was the overall winner in the January competition at the 

club. 

February at the club's meeting which will take place 

at the community 

centre. 

The club meets on 

the first and third 

Wednesday of 

each month and 

is rightly proud 

of its established, 

ongoing, reputation catering for, and assisting 

photographers of all abilities within its convivial 

environs. 

For further information please visit the Club's 

website: www.swaffhamcameraclub.com 

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 

There was a packed attendance of members for Kevin Sawfords entertaining 

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

and informative talk on "An East Anglian Wildlife Photographer's Year". at the 

full meeting program on the of 6th events, February. speakers, exhibitions and internal and inter-club 

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

Entries for the February print competition themed as "Frame within a Frame" 

concerning will be Judged the on many the 20th aspects February of at photography the clubs meeting and which its will associated take place equipment. 

at the community centre. 

For further information please visit the Clubs website 

The club meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month. And is rightly 

www.swaffhamcameraclub.com proud of its established, ongoing, reputation . catering for, and assisting 

photographers of all abilities within its convivial environs. 

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. 

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. 

Swaffham & Litcham Home Hospice 

On the 22nd March, we are holding a quiz at 

Swaffham Conservative Club. The quiz starts at 

7.30pm, costs £5 per head and teams of up to 6 

people are needed. Early booking is recommended 

as we are limited to the number of teams that can 

be accommodated. To book a place for your team, 

please contact Adrian Adcock on 01760 724304 or 

07741418781 or alternatively the Home Hospice 

Office on 01760 722937. 

Our annual street collection is booked for the 11th 

May and further events are in the course of being 

finalised. Further details will follow in the next issue. 

By the time you read this report, we will have 

been involved with 

the Snowdrop walk at 

Lexham Hall, this having 

taken place on the 17th 

February. Our thanks 

to Mr & Mrs Foster at 

Lexham Hall for giving 

us this fundraising 

opportunity. 

If anybody is interested in volunteering with the 

Home Hospice then please ring Wendy Martin, our 

co-ordinator, on 01760 722937. 

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 

meals cooked with ingredients donated to swaffham community 

fridge. we look forward to dining with you! 


Branch 

01760 

725801 

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

building better families 

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 

Our strong ethos of person-centred care runs 

through everything we do. Our staff are all highly 

experienced and receive on-going training to make 

sure that we deliver only the very best quality care. 

The staff at Downham Grange go 

that extra mile to make the home 

feel comfortable and relaxed. We 

like Downham Grange to feel like 

a ‘home from home’. We encourage 

people to take part in the daily living 

activities as well as other ongoing 

activities that take place throughout 

the day. 

“It took me just a few 

days to feel at home 

because the staff are 

so welcoming and 

caring” 

Downham Grange Care Home 

Clackclose Road, Downham Market, 

Norfolk PE38 9PA 

Tel 01366 387054 Fax 01366 385861 

downham.manager@kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk 

www.kingsleyhealthcare.co.uk 

24 25

Swaffham Community Hospital LOFs 

Not too long until 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. One of our main projects this year is to 

purchase some specially designed bed side chairs for 

patient use. These are latest “state of the art” and 

are much more flexible in use than what we have at 

present. We are exploring costs at the moment. 

We continue to be pleased by the donations and gifts 

we receive from all sorts of fundraisers and families. 

These are much appreciated. 

A date for your diary. Our Next Coffee morning at the 

Methodist Church will be on Sat 9th March. Please 

join us if you can. 

We are exploring dates to hopefully book a return of 

our very popular Vienesse Orchestra. 

Each year we hold an Annual General Meeting usually 

in May. Date to be confirmed. These meetings are 

open to all and full year accounts are available 

If any of you have a special interest or desire to 

support our work, then please do contact me for an 

informal chat. 

Colin Houghton (Chairman) 

01760 336025 colin@houghton789.plus.com 

Swaefas Swail Wassail 

On Saturday 19th January a very special event took 

place at the ESCAPE allotments and community 

orchard at Tumbler Hill. Around 50-60 people came 

together at the site to take part in the 'wassail', an 

anicent celebration that is believed to help bring 

a good cider apple harvest for the following year. 

The crowd enjoyed hot mulled apple juice before 

forming a precession down to the orchard with 

flaming torches and banging drums. 

In the orchard a bonfire was lit and a willow sculpture 

of a woman was burnt. The burning of the old willow 

woman made way for a new improved one to take 

her place, symbolic of the new growing year and the 

cycle beginning again. The evening was made all the 

more magical by the bright full moon and the nearby 

murmaration of starlings filling the sky above. 

Following the wassail, many of the crowd made their 

way down to the 

community centre 

for hot soup and an 

evening of dancing 

at a traditional 

celidh. There was 

also a bar and raffle, 

with all money made 

going back into the running of the ESCAPE project. 

Pot Of Gold : Swaffham Shanty Crew 

2018 was a fantastic maiden voyage of a year for the 

land based Swaffham Shanty Crew. We have sung 

at clubs, pubs, churches, garden fetes, residential 

homes, Swaffham’s Dementia Cafe and charity 

events. We helped raise money for the RNLI, Scotties 

Soldiers, Swaffham and Litcham Home Hospice and 

the wonderful church at Houghton on the Hill. 

We are an eclectic bunch of musicians who sing sea 

shanties and folk music accompanied by a melodeon, 

a couple of guitars and a banjo and we really enjoy 

keeping the spirit of the songs we sing alive in the 

21st century. So we would love to welcome you at 

one, or all, of our events. 

2019 kicked off with singing shanties and folk songs 

to an enthusiastic audience of over 100 at the Age 

Concern Christmas party held in the Assembly Rooms, 

Swaffham. But the main event for 23 March is at St 

Peter and St Paul Church in Swaffham in support of 

the fund raising appeal for the restoration and repair 

of the beautiful William Wailes window at the East 

End of the Church above the High Altar. Tickets (£8 

incl refreshments) can be obtained through Ceres 

Bookshop in London Street, Just Hair in Station 

Street or from Norman Revill (07530 898833) 

On Saturday, 6 April, we will be at The Market Cross 

singing for the National Autism event arranged by 

Gill Creed. 

You will also be able to catch us on the Sunday Live 

Show recorded by West Norfolk Radio on 19 May 

between the hours of 7.00 – 10.00 pm. 

We have many other bookings this year and 

a full list can be seen on our website: www 

potofgoldswaffham.co.uk. We’d love to meet you. 

Alan, Carys, Frank, Geoff, Kevin, Norman, Pete, Steve & Viv 

The Pink Box 

If you need sanitary 

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26 27

Wissey U3A 

David Mason was the Speaker on 7th February. 

David delivered a brilliant presentation about 

Wildlife Photography. Members in the Holme Hale 

Pavilion were entertained by David’s sharp wit and 

sharper images of birds, deer, fish and other wildlife 

to be found in Norfolk. The Pavilion was packed with 

U3A members who really enjoyed David’s talk which 

was delivered without the aid of notes for over one 

hour. The subject of Ian Bedford’s talk on 7th March 

is Garden Bugs and should be most entertaining and 

especially so for the many garden enthusiasts in the 

U3A. The presentation by a representative of the Nat 

West Bank entitled ‘Friends against Scams’ had been 

postponed but will feature in the U3A’s programme 

of talks later in the year. The talk in conjunction with 

Norfolk Trading Standards and the Police is sure to be 

very popular with U3A members. 

On 11th March members of the Science & Technology 

group were treated to a presentation by one of its 

members who had made 3 Arctic journeys on Russian 

Icebreakers. His presentation described a trip to 

Greenland on an Ice-breaker and illustrated the 

living conditions of the Inuit Nunaat, or Greenlandic 

peoples living in coastal village communities and 

the Capital Nuuk. Members were told that the 

population of Greenland, the largest island in the 

world, was roughly fifty-six thousand and almost a 

quarter of those lived in the capital city. The talk will 

be concluded on 11th March with a film entitled ‘The 

North West Passage’. 

The proposed ‘Bridge for Beginners‘ group had 

sufficient interest to enable the organisers to start 

the group which will be held every Monday in a 

member’s home. The newly formed Bell Ringing 

group now meets regularly in Great Dunham’s village 

hall. 

The Line Dancing group met for the first time earlier 

in the month and meetings are planned to continue 

twice monthly. Those who attended the first meeting 

had a brilliant time and, as suggested in last month’s 

article, much laughter increased the production of 

the feel-good chemical dopamine and reduced the 

production of the stress hormone cortisol. An added 

bonus was that the release of endorphins gave 

28 

members’ immune systems a feel-good boost. 

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 

‘part-time’ 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. 

A recent surge in membership applications means 

that there are now 354 members who take part in 

a wide variety of activities such as Art, Bridge and 

Classical Music appreciation. 

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. 

The Body Observed: Magnum Photos 

23 March – 30 June 2019 

The Body Observed is a major new photography 

exhibition organised by the Sainsbury Centre and 

Magnum Photos, will include over 130 works from 

the 1930s to the present. The exhibition will explore 

how Magnum photographers have turned their 

lens to the human body, examining issues such as 

identity, intimacy, sexuality and ritual, to voyeurism 

and performance amongst others. 

FEATURED: Eve Arnold | Olivia Arthur | Werner 

Bischof | Antoine d’Agata 

| Bieke Depoorter | 

Cristina García Rodero | 

Bruce Gilden | Philippe 

Halsman | Herbert List | 

Susan Meiselas | Miguel 

Rio Branco | Alessandra 

Sanguinetti | Alec Soth 

The exhibition will include 

well-known images such 

as Eve Arnold's portraits 

of Hollywood icon Joan 

Crawford, and Philippe 

Halsman's Dalí Atomicus, 

a work selected for TIME 

magazine’s “100 Most Influential Images of All Time” 

in 2016. Magnum Photos was founded in 1947 by 

the photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert 

Capa, George Rodger and David ‘Chim’ Seymour. A 

cooperative, Magnum was initially established in 

New York but offices soon followed in London and 

Paris. They are now recognised as one of the bestknown 

photo agencies, whose members include 

many of the world’s leading photographers. 

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Conflict and Consequences. The Beginnings. 

A different kind of Gallery. 

Swaffham Heritage has been awarded a grant from The 

Heritage Lottery Fund to put together an exhibition of 

memories of conflict. The aim is to collect, store and 

use memories of war and conflict so that they are not 

only an abiding legacy in and of our town but also to 

consider what conflict brings us. This is a two- year 

project and the gallery will evolve during the period. To 

start it off we have attempted to put together a display 

of artefacts, photos and texts as well as prompts - all 

based on Swaffham - to help people think about what 

war was and is and its effects. There is a notebook to 

jot down your thoughts, memories or ideas and you can 

put short comments on the display boards using post-it 

notes. You leave contact details with the stewards if you 

would like to be become a Volunteer Memory Maker or 

be interviewed by them. 

In our Butters Room we are also hosting the Rotary 

Photographic Competition entries. Because it has only 

just begun and so that there is something to see we 

have put in a random selection of photos of Swaffham 

and its people in more modern times. These will be 

replaced as entries from the competition are fed to us. 

Because we wish to encourage local people to 

participate in both of these exhibitions we are offering 

free entry to Swaffham Heritage on a Saturday morning 

throughout 2019. Or become a Friend and have lifelong 

free entry. Donations are always gratefully received. 

We are an independent museum, receiving no state or 

county aid and supported only by the Town Council and 

occasional hard-fought grants. 

Swaffham Museum, 

Town Hall, London Street, 

Swaffham PE37 7DQ 

Tel: 01760 721230 

Open 10am to 4pm Mon to Fri. 

Sat. 10am to 1pm 

Prices: 

adults £3. 

Concessions £2.50 

Children 5 and over £1. 

Family tickets available. 

Saturdays – free entry 

Museum Opening 

Swaffham Museum is open. Come and see new displays. 

Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, a small admission charge applies. 

Sat 10am-1pm. For 2019 we are offering FREE entry to the 

Museum on Saturdays (10am - 1pm). 

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: 

February draw - £40 No.53 / £20 No.54 / £10 No.11 

Friends AGM 

7.30pm on Thursday, March 21 in the Mullenger 

Room, Community Centre and not in the Assembly 

Rooms as previously advised. We would be delighted 

to hear of anyone who is prepared to join the 

committee to help organise events in the year. 

Contact James Dean jamesdean@uwclub.net or 

01760 720756.” 

Wanted: 

A volunteer to take Minutes in our Trustee Meetings 

and type them afterwards. These are held monthly 

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) 

01760 755596 

Tel: 01553 616200 

www.asklily.org.uk 

Helping adults in west 

Norfolk get involved in 

their community 

Telephone information line 

Online directory 

Lily Advisor home visits 

Community locations 

in association with 

DO YOU FEEL VULNERABLE OR 

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DO YOU HAVE MOBILITY ISSUES OR 

ARE YOU PRONE TO FALLS? 

DO YOU FEEL SAFE & SECURE IN 

YOUR OWN HOME? 

• Personal Alarms monitored 

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• Pendants can be 

worn either around 

the neck or wrist 

• Keysafes allowing 

relatives & emergency 

services access 

to your home 

• Assistive 

Technology - 

including falls 

pendants and 

smoke detectors 

Please contact 

the Careline 

Community Service 

team today on 

01553 616200 or 

visit our website 

careline-cs.org.uk 

Unique Computers Norfolk Ltd 

Sales Upgrades Repairs 

Home Calls For Tuition 

Broadband Installations 

and General Maintenance 

Tel 01760 751218 or 01362 685447 

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A different sort of accountant 

• Sole trader accounts 

• Company accounts 

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• Buy to let returns 

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• 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 

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Donations of food 

are always gratefully 

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give someone a meal. 

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7a Corn Exchange, Market Place 

Next to War Memorial 

To keep up to date join us on our website: 

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01760 723830 

30 

31

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The Phoenix Singers 

The Phoenix Singers were delighted to be able to 

present a cheque for £500 to Swaffham’s Methodist 

Church from the proceeds of their last Christmas 

Concert. Mr Barry Thorpe accepted the cheque on 

behalf of the Church and said ‘what a wonderful 

evening it had been – the large audience had enjoyed 

good entertainment with tasty refreshments, so was 

a win, win all round’. Don’t miss the Phoenix Singers’ 

next performance on 12th July in the Community 

Centre when proceeds will go to the Swaffham and 

Litcham Home Hospice. Do come along to enjoy the 

music and support your local community at the same 

time. 

Phoenix Singers present Barry Thorpe with a cheque for £500 towards 

Swaffham’s Methodist Church 

Swaffham Arts 

Garlic Theatre Puppets are becoming old friends and 

it is always a treat to see what they have brought 

this time. Iklooshar told the tale of The Three Little 

Pigtails, and brightened up a wintery afternoon for an 

appreciative audience of children and their adults. 

Whatever the weather in the meantime - snow, frost, 

wind or rain - the temperature is bound to rise when 

Barry Tyler and his Band return to play their special 

brand of Dixieland Jazz at Swaffham Assembly Rooms 

on Saturday March 30th at 7.30 pm. We can be sure 

of another good evening. 

Tickets are available from Ceres Bookshop (01760 

722504) and The Green Parrot (01760 724704), priced 

at £9 members and £12 non-members, and on the 

door. Come and join the fun. All welcome! 

33 

Mayor's Parlour 

The new parking machines for the 

Town Centre Market Place and 

Pedlars Car Park should be with 

us soon. These will be managed 

by Breckland Council, who own 

these car parks – look out for more 

information and notices which will be 

displayed prior to commencement to let people know 

about the proposed two hour maximum stay before 

a ticket is enforced. Theatre St Car Park will remain 

a free car park and is to benefit shortly from much 

needed resurfacing work. 

The railings at the traffic lights are again under repair, 

as this is a recurring issue the Council will be talking 

again with Highways and Norfolk County Council to 

see if a suitable long term solution can be found. 

Regarding the shops in town, it was sad to see “Pedlars 

Gold” close, due to retirement, however it is great to 

see that the premises have been very quickly turned 

around and now we welcome ‘The Works” to the 

town - let's all hope it is a success. 

As mentioned before our “shop vacancy rate” is very 

low in Swaffham compared to most, we continue to 

have a strong presence of independent businesses 

and we welcome and hope to continue to support all 

our businesses that make the town a great place to 

visit. 

On sports and leisure, we had a very interesting 

and productive meeting with the Breckland Council 

appointed consultants to get our views across 

regarding improved provision in our Town. More 

information on how discussions progress will be 

shared in due course. 

There is no further definitive news from Breckland 

Council on the proposed plans for the Green Britain 

Centre, we understand they are considering a number 

of applications which can only be good for the town 

bringing in investment and possibly more employment 

for the town. As soon as we hear of anything, we will 

share that. 

The Council budget for 2019/2020 was discussed 

and signed off at the Council Finance meeting at the 

end of January 2019. I am delighted to say that the 

Council have worked hard to keep our expenditure as 

low as possible and this has resulted in us being able 

to increase our local precept by only 1%. At the time 

of writing we await the figures from Breckland and 

Norfolk County Council. The Council have formally 

written in support of retaining facilities/new school on 

the Sacred Heart Convent School site, we have always 

been grateful for the fantastic support they give our 

Town. Let’s all hope it works out well 

I continue to keep in touch with many of our local 

clubs/groups/charities and I am always pleased to get 

invites to come and meet with you and help you keep 

up to date with Town Council news. Please contact 

me if interested. 

Colin Houghton, Town Mayor 

01760 336025

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 - Free Wi-Fi 

Wi-Fi is now available in the Town Centre, this free 

service has a download limit, so you won’t be able 

to stream live TV or download and watch films etc. 

However, you should be able to search the internet, 

to e-mail and interact on social media. 

Town Council Elections 

The Town Council Elections are coming up on 

Thursday 2nd May and if you want to stand for 

election the election packs are available at the Town 

Hall. The timetable is as follows: - 

Publication of Notice of Election 20th March 

Deadline for receipt of Nominations 3rd April – please 

do not send these to the Town Hall 

(N.B. Nomination papers received by Breckland 

Council after this time will be rejected) 

Publication of Statement of Persons Nominated 4th 

April 

Town Council Budget 

The Town Council set their budget for the 2019-20 at 

their meeting held on Monday 28th February where 

is was decided to set a Precept of £407,500 which 

is an increase of 1% on the current year or £1.57 at 

Band D. This budget is set by the outgoing Council, 

this is the first budget prepared in recent years 

without the Council Tax support Grant. The Ministry 

of Housing, Communities and Local Government have 

given us a bit of respite from the possible inclusion 

in the referenda policy, that Principal authorities 

must contend with. This is the second of three years 

where Town and Parish Councils are excluded from 

this, as a percentage increase would otherwise be 

set by government and if the Council was mindful 

to go above this, then they could do so only if they 

had the approval of the Town at a referendum. 

Swaffham continues to be a busy Council and an 

active Town. The challenge is always there, the aim 

never changes, as we try and achieve more with less. 

At the same time the Council try to provide value for 

money for the services we deliver to the Council Tax 

payer, this is our overriding aim. Swaffham is a very 

special market town, and this budget will see that it 

continues to make progress, to thrive and improve 

in the future. The Town Council cannot do it on their 

own, they need to carry with them the community 

that they serve and those community groups that 

wish to work in partnership, working together we 

can achieve so much more. 

#swaffhamhour 

Please use the free Wi-Fi in the Town Centre to join 

in #swaffhamhour every Friday morning between 

9am – 10am only on TWITTER. This is a chance for 

the local Twitterati to get behind Swaffham and get 

it trending if only for a brief moment in time each 

week. The Town Council have agreed to trial this for 

a three-month period, and we are doing our best to 

34 

give a platform for those of you who do want to talk 

up the town. If you join in for the full hour great, if all 

you can do is spend five or ten minutes, then anything 

would be appreciated. In five minutes, you can do a 

couple of tweets and several retweets in that time. 

Please try and remember to use the hashtag for the 

full #swaffhamhour the hashtag makes it easier for 

people to search. Similarly, #swaffham would also 

be appreciated. We have made a start in February, 

so let’s get behind this campaign in March and April, 

and then we will review whether the time and day 

is right, whether it has worked or not and whether 

it will continue. Feedback your thoughts on Twitter 

or by e-mail to the Town Hall. This is something that 

other towns do on Twitter, so we are giving it a go, 

Facebook is not really the forum for this type of 

initiative. There are already notice boards, pages and 

platforms available on Facebook. Please join us on a 

Friday 9am – 10am for #swaffhamhour promote your 

business, club or charity or #Swaffham. 

Event Dates for your Diary 

Wednesday 22nd May at the Assembly Rooms - 

Strictly Ruffles Fashion Show. Doors open at 6.30 for 

a 7pm start. Tickets are available from Ruffles and are 

£10 (to include a glass of bubbly or juice) all funds 

raised will go to fund the Christmas Lights. Saturday 

25th May to run alongside the usual Saturday Market 

the sheep fair will be back, more details to follow. 

Saturday 3rd August – Dads Army Day 

Back by popular demand Dads Army Day will be on 

the market place and in Plowright place again this 

year. The team from the Dads Army Museum in 

Thetford will be bringing their unique vehicles and 

characters and there will be music and entertainment 

from singing duo Timescape 

Sunday 26th August – 

Classic Car Rally and 

Family Fun Day 

Swaffham Town Council 

in conjunction with 

Norfolk Vehicle club will 

be holding the classic 

car rally at the recreation ground on 26th August. 

This event has been very successful over the last two 

years and has raised funds for improving facilities at 

the Rec. 

Recreation Ground News 

Refurbishment of the Recreation Ground Toilets – 

As a much visited area for leisure and events, and 

following an initial offer from Mr J Edwards, Swaffham 

Town Council will be working with local people and 

businesses for this project. Mr J Edwards, Mr G 

Edwards, Bespoke Norfolk and CJM electricals have 

offered resources and their time free of charge to get 

these toilets back in use. The planned refurbishment 

will bring very basic facilities that will be as vandal 

proof as possible and relatively easy to maintain. We 

hope the new toilets will be ready in the near future. 

Dog Walking - At the last open spaces meeting Cllrs 

were concerned that Dogs were causing problems on 

the Rec. There was particular concern that some dog 

walkers were not cleaning up after their dogs. There 

have been a number of incidents with dogs being 

allowed to roam off their leads in an area where 

young children are playing. Other incidents of dogs 

being allowed to foul on the outdoor Gym equipment 

have also been reported. The Town Council have 

placed posters asking owners to keep dogs on leads 

but these have been removed almost as soon as they 

are put up. We are now investigating putting in place 

a Public Space Protection Order that may state that 

dogs must be kept on a lead or possibly to ban dogs 

from the Rec altogether. 

In My Back Yard 

The Swaffham Neighbourhood Plan is a communityled 

document for guiding the future development 

of our Town. It is about the use and development of 

land over the next 20 years. The plan will set out a 

vision and aspirations for the future development of 

the town and will be an important document that 

will help influence and control the way our town 

changes in the future, including any new housing 

developments. 

This is the 12th article designed to give you the latest 

information. 

In the February Town Council meeting it was 

unanimously agreed to appoint an Independent 

External Examiner, who was recommended by our 

Neighbourhood Plan Consultant, whose key role is to 

review the draft plan and provide feedback to help us 

build a stronger plan. 

The external examiner has now reviewed the plan 

and given some initial, positive, feedback which 

the Steering Group have reviewed and provided 

additional requested information. We now await 

the external examiner's final report which we hope 

to have by the time this Newsletter hits doorsteps in 

March. 

Please take the opportunity to look at the 

Neighbourhood Plan documents as they very much 

set out the local scene for many years to come. It will 

be great this year to have an adopted plan to help us 

guide the future of our Town.Keep up to date on the 

Town Council Website www.swaffhamtowncouncil. 

gov.uk 

Contact details: Rachel Leggett, project manager 

swaffhamplan@gmail.com 

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 13th - Full Town Council meeting 

6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. 

Council Chamber, Town Hall. 

Monday 18th – Relief in Need meeting 

4.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. 


Monday 25th – Open Spaces meeting 

6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. 


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 Robert Bartram 

Cllr Terry Jennison 

01760 721 022 

01760 720 608 

Cllr Stewart Bell 

Cllr Sheila Lister 

07885636924 

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

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