Swaffham Newsletter

Swaffham History Group
This scene of Swaffham may still be recalled by
older residents of the town. It is a postcard of the
Pedlar town sign and has the date September 1961
written on the back, although the photograph may
have been taken in the late 1950s.
Thank goodness all the various road signs have
been removed from the positions shown, so the
Pedlar can now be seen in his true glory. Looking
down London Street the shop with its blinds down
was the Aldiss Drapery department, a company
which had been trading since the early 1860s. The
tall white building further down was originally
Plowrights, the famous ironmongers, before it was
converted into the present shopping arcade. The
name of Plowright was first mentioned in Swaffham
parish records as early as 1457.
The building between Aldiss and Plowrights is
Fitzroy House, the then home of the Swaffham
Rural District Council. This is now an estate agents
with various offices above.
The History Group still welcomes new members,
particularly anyone interested in undertaking
research. Our next meeting is due to take place on
Monday 10th June, from 2pm/4pm at the museum.
Swaffham Spiritual Awareness Group
Meets in the Community Centre,
Beech Close, Campingland, Swaffham
at 6.30pm.
9 June, John Ennis, Whittlesea
23 June, Jackie & Keith Parsons, Downham Market
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.
22
Women’s Pension Campaign
Gaining NCC Support
Norfolk campaigners adversely affected by pension
reforms have gained the support of Norfolk County
Council to help them keep their plight on the agenda.
Members of the Norfolk Broads – PAIN (Pension
Action in Norfolk) Group met the Leader of the
Council Andrew Proctor at County Hall to hear that
the Council had almost unanimously passed a motion
to back more than 45,000 women in the county
who were born
in the 1950s
and 1960s and
have had their
state pension
age increased
twice, from 60
to 66 by 2020.
Mr Proctor will
now write to
the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to
call on the Government to reconsider transitional
arrangements for affected women.
The Norfolk Broads do not expect the state pension
age to go back to 60 but they do claim women were
given insufficient personal notice by the Government
about the changes. Many have been left in financial
hardship as they were unable to make alternative
pension plans in time. The Group’s leaders, Lynn
Nicholls, Lorraine White and Annette James, thanked
Judy Oliver, County Councillor for Sheringham and
Chairperson of the NCC Pensions Committee, for
her help and for putting the motion forward to the
full Council. They said “we are delighted to gain
this support which helps keep the pressure on the
government to right a wrong affecting not only us
but our children and grandchildren in the future”.
The group, which has over 200 members, campaigns
against the increase in state pension age for women
born in the 1950s and 1960s. A judicial review into
statepension changes is due to be heard in London
on 5 and 6 June.
To find out more search norfolkbroadsPAIN on
Facebook or emailnorfolkbroadspensions@gmail.com.
Swift Awareness Week
June 22nd to June 30th.
As many of you know, Swifts are a declining species,
and Narvos, (Nar Valley Ornithological Society) are
promoting awareness by holding an information stall
on Swaffham Market on Saturday, June 29th. There
will be Swift nest boxes for sale, information, survey
details and a chance to find out more.
Please come and support us, and in the meantime,
it would help if you notice the date they return and
location.
Many thanks, Narvos Committee.