Swaffham Newsletter

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Online
December 2022
Your free town newsletter published by Iceni Partnership
SWAFFHAM
newslet ter
version available to view at www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
NEWS EVENTS INFORMATION
Iceni Partnership invites
you to Christmas Lunch!
Find out about our Festive Friday Lunch Club on p.3
Tables set for Festive Friday Lunch Club in 2021
Iceni Partnership would like
to wish our readers
a very Merry Christmas
published by

Your monthly magazine is published by:
Contact the editor:
01760 722 800
swaffhamnewsletter@gmail.com
Swaffham Newsletter
Iceni Partnership
Swaffham Community Centre
The Campingland
Swaffham
PE37 7RB
Registered in England Company Number 4257830 Charity Number 1101814 VAT Number UK800057775
Comments or queries welcomed - we are a
resource for all of the community to enjoy.
We are always open to new contributors from
Swaffham and surrounding villages.
Deadline for editorial and advertising is the
12th day of the previous month.
Swaffham Newsletter is available to pick up from
various locations across the town, including: Tesco,
Waitrose, Swaffham Library, Swaffham Musuem
and Swaffham Community Centre.
Online versions of all our previous issues are available
to view online: www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
Contents
3 Iceni Antics
4 Church News
6 School Speak
7 Pot of Gold Shanty Crew
8 History Group/Climate Action
9 Museum Matters
10 Ukrainian Access/Magpie Centre
13 Relief In Need/Men's Shed
14 Local WI's
17 Merle Boddy/parkrun
18 Rugby Club/Jazz Club
20 Swaffham Lions/Rotary
21 Garden Club/Library News
22 Swaffham Town Council
Iceni Antics
With Christmas just around the corner, we at Iceni
Partnership are busy planning for our bumper festive
Friday Lunch Club on Friday 23rd December.
With the help of donations from local businesses and
inidividuals we are able to offer a full Christmas meal
with all the trimmings for the usual cost of just £5
per person. Booking is essential and payment must
be made in advance. Please feel free to pop into the
Community Centre to get your tickets and make us
aware of any special dietary requirements. Please
feel free to attend in festive attire!
Regular diner Colin with his raffle prize in 2021
Indoor Carpet Bowls
On Monday 7th November Swaffham Indoor Carpet
Bowls Group had a social outing to The George Hotel
for a meal and get together. We all had a lovely time
and thank the staff at The George for their service.
PAY MONTHLY
1
3
The group meets every Monday morning at 11am at
the Community Centre for a friendly, non competitive
game, suitable for all abilities.
New members are always welcome, if you are
interested in joining give Toni a call on 01760 627038.

Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul
The main December 2022 services in Swaffham
parish church will be as follows:
Swaffham Methodist Church
The Hive - Great Cressingham
Sunday 4th Dec
9.30 am Sung Eucharist
Sunday 11th Dec
9.30 am Sung Eucharist
3.00 pm Civic Service
Sunday 18th Dec
8.00 am Holy Communion (said)
9.30 am United Benefice Sung Eucharist
6.00 pm Service of Lessons and Carols
Saturday 24th Dec - Christmas Eve
4.00 pm Christingle
11.30 pm Midnight Mass
Sunday 25th Dec - Christmas Day
10 am Christmas Day Eucharist
There will be a 10 am Holy Communion service (Book
of Common Prayer) on Wednesdays 7th, 14th and
21st December. Morning prayer is normally said in
church at 9 am, Monday to Thursday.
Church is open daily for private prayer and for visitors
from 9 am until 3 pm outside services.
See also our website: https://www.
swaffhamparishchurch.org/ and our Swaffham
Parish Church Facebook page and via Twitter @
swaffhamchurch
Christmas Tree Festival
From Saturday 26th November to Sunday 4th
December, St Peter and St Paul's Parish Church,
Swaffham is pleased to host the 2022 Christmas Tree
Festival. This will be the first full-blown Christmas Tree
Festival to be held in Swaffham since 2019, owing to
the pandemic. This year there will be 24 Christmas
trees on display in the Church, each sponsored
and decorated by schools, charities and other local
organisations within Swaffham.
The Festival will be open from 10am to 4pm until
Sunday 4th December, when the Towns Christmas
lights will be switched on at 5pm. The Church will
remain open until 8pm on this last day of the Festival.
Tea, coffee, hot homemade mince pies, sausage rolls
and cakes will be available for the duration of the
Festival. We hope this years Christmas Tree Festival
will be unique and magical giving hope, joy and peace
to all who visit Swaffham this Christmas!
Mother's Union
The Mother's Union Christmas meeting and shared lunch
will be on Tuesday 8th December at the Baptist Church
Rooms. Further details from Julia on 01760 720041.
• Fri 2nd December 9.30am, Power of Prayer.
Please contact Anne on 01760722611 for venue.
• Sat 3rd December 9.30-12noon, COFFEE MORNING
and CHRISTMAS FAYRE. Proceeds for Church funds.
• Sun 4th December 10.45am, Morning Worship led
by Deacon Jen Woodfin. Refreshments afterwards.
• Tues 6th December 10-12noon, The Meeting
Place Drop In. A warm welcome awaits you.Free tea/
coffee/biscuits.
• Thurs 8th December 2.30pm, Swaffham Friendship
Group. Jacqui & Jen talk about their collection of
Nativity Sets. Refreshments served.
• Fri 9th December 9.30am, Power ofPrayerPlease
phone Anne on 01760722611 for venue.
• Fri 9th December 7.30pm, “IT’S CHRISTMAS!”
Concert performed by The Phoenix Singers &
featuring Three’s Company. Tickets £7 each can be
obtained from Ceres Bookshop.
• Sat 10th December NO COFFEE MORNING SAT
10th December 10am - 4pm, DISPLAY OF NATIVITIES.
• Sun 11th December 10.45am, Morning Worship
and Holy Communion. Rev Jacqui Horton.
• Tues 13th December 10-12noon, The Meeting
Place Drop In. Free refreshments all welcome.
• Fri 16th December 9.30am. Power of Prayer. Please
phone Anne on 01760722611 for venue.
• Sun 18th December 10.45am, Church Carol Service
led by the Worship Leaders. Refreshments served.
• Tues 20th December 10am-12noon, The Meeting
Place drop in. Free refreshments and lots of chatter.
• Wed 21st December 7pm, Carols by Candlelight.
Coffee & Mince Pies afterwards.
• Thurs 22nd December 2.30pm, Swaffham
Friendship Group. Reflections on Advent.
• Fri 23rd December 9.30am, Power of Prayer.
Contact Anne for details. 01760 722611. CHRISTMAS
DAY SERVICE ON 25th DECEMBER AT 10am. Led by
Rev Jacqui.
PLEASE NOTE THERE IS NO DROP IN UNTIL TUESDAY
10th JANUARY 2023.
Swaffham Methodist Church wish you all a merry
Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. God Bless
you all.
Display of Nativities
A selection of Nativity Scenes
collected over 2 decades
Vote for the chance to win a small nativity
Sat 10 th December : 10 am – 4 pm
Candlelit Carol Service
Weds 21 st December : 7 pm
followed by Coffee & Mince Pies
The seating will be Café-Style but the carols &
readings will be traditional with the odd twist!
Swaffham Methodist Church
We are almost at the end of our Autumn Series at The
Hive when we have listened, discussed, stretched,
reflected and sung.
Here, local resident, Rod Goddard, talks about his
early life growing up in Norfolk and historian, Susan
Jones provides a fascinating picture of Russian
history, an essential to understanding Russia’s actions
in Ukraine.
Our final event for 2022 is on Saturday 10th
December at 6.00pm. Carols by Candlelight with
choir and instruments is a lovely way to feel good
about the Winter months and to look forward to
Christmas.
Autumn Abundance has been a jam-packed series
with something for everyone. Well over 100 people
have taken part and enjoyed a programme focussing
on creativity, spirituality and well-being. All our events
are free and all are welcome! There will be more to
come in 2023 but for now we wish everyone a very
happy Christmas.
Visit our Facebook page – facebook.com/
GreatCressinghamHive
4 5

TNHA News
One of the most important dates last month
was naturally marking Remembrance Day
and as usual students at the academy took part in a
two-minute silence on Friday 11th November at 11am.
They were invited to wear their service uniforms and
proud members of the Cadets, St. Johns Ambulance,
Scouts & Girl Guides etc. marched out to lead this
occasion. As always, we are proud to mark this day
honouring British & Commonwealth military and
civilian servicemen and women from the two World
Wars and later conflicts. Our Student Principals took
part in the event in Swaffham meeting for the march
to the memorial where they laid a wreath and then on
to the church service.
We have recently undertaken the second of our
Curriculum Days which means that our students
are taken off their usual timetable and experience a
variety of sessions based around PSHE and Careers
topics, appropriate to age groups. At TNHA we believe
it is crucial to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum
that enables our students to develop in many diverse
aspects of life and to build confidence and resilience.
This will in turn allow them to be prepared for their
adult lives and to engage with society. We welcomed
a variety of guests into the academy to deliver topics
such as finance where they considered sources of
income, different financial products, protecting money
and identity in the digital world, financial decisions,
payslips, and savings and pensions. We aslo welcomed
a group from RAF Marham who always deliver a
particularly active and practical session on STEM careers
giving the opportunity to problem solve and work as a
team. Students also explored radicalisation, unhealthy
relationships, understanding grooming and identifying
manipulative behaviours. The local College of West
Anglia, along with an independent Careers Advisor
worked with students to explore different pathways
after GCSE exams such as apprenticeships, subjects
available for study and how to create a professional CV.
As well as learning in school our students have been
out and about on various trips. Our senior geographers
spent the day in Norwich to study the changes taking
place and the effect this has on the surrounding area.
Another group had the wonderful opportunity of
visiting Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge for a
‘Creative Forces Day’. This was primarily aimed at our
service students giving them the opportunity to engage
with higher education by taking part in a day of fun and
interactive activities. They were able to learn what a
university can offer and the careers beyond.
With the Christmas Season upon us our students are
rehearsing for their Musical Showcase which is open
to parents, carers, governors and guests (tickets are
disappearing ‘thick and fast’). The event will feature
a variety of students performing a range of music,
including some festive favourites to get everyone in
the Christmas spirit! It is rumoured there may be a
surprise ending and we are looking forward to finding
out exactly what this may be might be!
We would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone
that took part in the TNHA Christmas Charity this year
supporting the Waites & Stones Appeal making up
shoeboxes with gifts for the children in refugee camps
in the Ukraine. We are certain that these will help
bring them a little festive cheer.
All that remains is to wish you all a very Merry Christmas
and good wishes for the New Year ahead!
Hamonds Success Story
"I read the article in your November issue of the
Newsletter about Swaffham WI's visit from two former
doctors who worked for Médecins Sans Frontières
(MSF). As their article described, MSF offers medical
aid to many of the world's poorest and most war torn
countries. They offer a lifeline to so many and are a
highly respected charity with a worldwide reputation.
Readers may therefore be interested to know that the
current Secretary General of MsF, which is based in
Geneva, is a former pupil
and student of Hamonds
High School and
Swaffham Sixth Form
Centre, Christopher
Lockyear. From the
Swaffham Sixth Form
Centre Christopher
obtained a place at
Cambridge University
and then worked for a
number of International Aid Organisations, including
MsF, before becoming their Secretary General.
I hope that current pupils at the Nicholas Hamond
Academy may draw inspiration from his success."
Robert Young
Former Headteacher at Hamonds High School
Pot of Gold Shanty Crew
By the time this goes out we will have sung on The
Cutty Sark - one of the world's most famous ships.
The only surviving tea clipper and in her time one
of the fastest ships in the world and now an award
winning visitor attraction in Greenwich, London. This
is incredibly exciting for The Crew which has been
singing together for over five years and building up a
solid reputation on the shanty scene.
October was one of our busiest months performing
at the very busy Harwich International Shanty Festival
on a fabulous sunny day. We followed that at The
Norfolk Dark Skies evening in the acoustically perfect
St Margaret’s Church, Cley; Dereham U3A and St
Bartholomew’s Church, Brisley where we completed
our tour of four Norfolk Churches.
We are still supporting the entirely independent
Mundesley Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat and thanks to
our audiences who have been exceedingly generous
in their donations which we will present to the
volunteers before Christmas.
Next year sees us in Cornwall for the Port Isaac Shanty
Festival in April and a stint on the Welsh coast next
September.
Thanks for all your support and enjoy the festive
season.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
Norfolk and Waveney ICS
COVID-19 Boosters hits the 300K mark
NHS colleagues across Norfolk and Waveney
have been working around the clock to support the
autumn rollout of the COVID-19 booster vaccination.
More than 300,000 autumn COVID-19 vaccination
boosters have been administered to people across
Norfolk and Waveney.
Care homes across Norfolk and Waveney have been
included in the programme and over 93% residents
and staff have been vaccinated.
Accessible clinics
We know that our busy clinics are not suitable for
everyone, and we are inviting those who require our
accessible clinics which take place at James Paget
University Hospital and can be booked by calling
01493 453 930.
Housebound
Housebound residents will receive a COVID-19 and
their flu vaccine within their own home or place of
residence. Those who are housebound will have been
identified by their GP practice and will be contacted
in due course to ensure they are vaccinated. If you
have not been contacted by 1st December, please
contact your GP practice.
This May Help – Children’s Mental Health Advice
aimed at Parents and Carers
We are pleased to announce the launch of This May
Help, a new national initiative providing mental
health advice to parents and carers being launched
today by Bradford District and Craven Health and
Care Partnership.
The website (https://thismayhelp.me/) gives easyto-follow
advice to help families manage their child’s
mental health. This advice was developed by NHS
professionals and parents who’ve been through their
own child’s mental health journey. Parents and carers
have shared advice that helped them and that may
also help other families.
Professionals who work with children are also being
encouraged to use the website.
The advice covered on This May Help includes: selfharm,
gaming and online activity, teenagers safety,
eating disorders, school avoidance, understanding
mental health, understanding teenagers, online
threats, building rapport, building resilience, building
a support network, self-care tips, managing an
emergency, managing in a crisis, and preparing for
a children and adolescent mental health services
(CAMHS) appointment. These subjects were chosen
by families and young
people who have
gone through their
own mental health
challenges.
6 7

Swaffham History Group
When the Swaffham History Group started to
research all of the Swaffham Public Houses back in
2013 resulting in the publication of our work (for
sale at Swaffham Heritage shop), we thought that we
had found all of the public houses of Swaffham. How
wrong can you be!
As mentioned previously, our group are currently
working hard to put together the history of the shops
and businesses located within the Swaffham market
area (triangle). No mean feat!
So it came somewhat of a surprise that while
researching the premises of D.A. Seaman's, it was
found to have been a public house at one time
known as 'The Grapes' and had been for some 150
years until its closure in 1953 when it changed its
business profile and became 'The Chocolate Box', a
confectioners before its current ownership in 2018 as
that of D.A. Seaman's, Optometrists'.
This just goes to show that there is always something
lurking in the background waiting to be discovered
(not lost) and just requires a little probing and teasing
out. Sadly we have not come across any images of the
building that bears the name.
For further details of the History Group please contact
01842 879140 or Email; jbaz@go-plus.net.
Update Regarding Swaffham's
20's Plenty For Us Campaign
ul (and well-attended) meeting was held on
ctober at the Assembly Rooms to discuss the
o reduce the speed limit throughout Swaffham
ign has now received full backing from
own Council, Breckland District Council, and Ed
rfolk County Councillor for Swaffham. He says:
supportive of trialling the 20mph speed limit
whole of Swaffham. The 20's Plenty For Us
affham has worked hard to pull together a very
case for
2023.
a trial period of at least six months to
0mph speed limit can improve the safety of
ghout the town for pedestrians, cyclists and
t is clear that there is strong local support for
gn and Norfolk County Council is now working
s is taken forward, and will announce further
by 26%
tly on the timescale and work required between
tential implementation."
ail: swaffham@20splentyforus.org.uk
20's Plenty For Us
Campaign Update
From 22nd November, Community
Speed Watch volunteers from Swaffham
will be positioned in 10 locations throughout
the town (please support them and give them a
wave!). The information gleaned from this exercise
will be invaluable in supporting our campaign to gain
the ETRO (Experimental Traffic Regulation Order) to
reduce the speed limit within all residential areas to
20 mph. The ETRO would be in place for approximately
18 months whilst the effects are monitored and
assessed; this is projected to commence in June/July
To clarify, some benefits of a successful campaign are:
• reduction in air pollution (CO2 vehicle emissions)
• reduction in air pollution (NOx vehicle emissions)
by 28%
• reduction in noise pollution by between 40-50%
• reduction in road casualties by 20%
• reduction in Alzheimer’s, Heart and Lung Disease
• increase in child and adult activity levels via a safer
environment for cycling and walking
• improved overall mental health
Email: swaffham@20splentyforus.org.uk
8
Swaffham Climate Action
A big thank you to the pupils at
Heartwood Primary School who created
a wonderful banner made from recycled
materials to use at our recent market stall.
Their support is very much appreciated and how
lovely that the younger generation are engaging with
the environment in their community. The market
stall was mainly to publicise the Community Solar
Panel Group Purchase scheme. This will enable
considerable discount and ease of installation
compared to projects on individual houses. The high
current cost of electricity makes the time to get back
money invested in solar panels much shorter now
than previously.
Swaffham Social was a great opportunity to talk to people about our
group and we were pleased to have a list of potential new members and a
good level of interest in our stand. It was lovely to see the range of activities
and social groups in the community. The Community Fridge is a brilliant initiative to reduce
waste, a big contributor to climate change. By using the Community Fridge, making sure that
we only buy the food we need, and ensuring it is all used, we can all make a difference. An
estimated 9.5 million tonnes of food waste is created annually in the UK and if this goes into
landfill it releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. If you have leftovers or a surplus
food it can often be frozen or recycled into another recipe and a piggy bank (or a spreadsheet!)
to put in the money saved can be a good incentive.
We have resumed monthly in person meetings in February but will be trying out a new
format of alternating between morning meetings in person and Zoom meetings in the evening
so please get in touch to find out the latest. Contact Cathy Mumford on 01760 721847,
cathyjmumford@gmail.com or David Jones on 01760 722468 / 07806 435066,
dljdav@gmail.com. Anyone with an interest in climate awareness in the community is most
welcome to join us. If you are not able attend, you can still join the group, contribute with
suggestions, and receive all meeting notes and information.
If you are interested, please contact us as soon as
possible using the contact details below, there is
absolutely no commitment at this stage. Having
many households involved will add to the power of
the group purchase and we are looking forward to
providing more details to everyone early in 2023.
Climate Friendly Tip of the Month – spend those long
winter evenings looking at your carbon footprint!
Now the nights are drawing in it’s an ideal time of
year to look at the facts and Giki Zero has a simple
to use carbon footprint calculator. You can work out
your current impact, set targets for yourself, and it is
easy to sign up and use at https://zero.giki.earth/ Get
the whole family involved and see who can achieve
the lowest footprint!
Future meetings
In December the group will be having a social
Christmas lunch and meetings will start again in the
New Year on Thursday January 12h at 10am in the
Methodist Church when we welcome anyone with
an interest in climate change and how we can reduce
our impact on the climate as a local community. If
you would like more information please get in touch
with either Cathy Mumford on 01760 721847 / 07799
642271, cathyjmumford@gmail.com or David Jones
on 01760 722468 / 07806 435066, dljdav@gmail.
com. If you are not able attend, you can still join the
group, contribute with suggestions, and receive all
meeting notes and information.
Museum Matters
The COVID Quilt has come home!
The COVID quilt will shortly be back in
Swaffham and on show in the Museum.
The quilt, stitched by local quilters during 2020, was one
of many created through the NHS/threads of survival
project where groups or individuals throughout the
country quilted their thoughts on COVID.
It was on national tour in Burnley, Ormskirk and
Northampton and various venues in Yorkshire, Devon
and Surrey during 2021 and 2022 and will now form
part of Swaffham Heritage’s Conflict and Consequences
Gallery. Many thanks to Adrienne and her quilters for
giving Swaffham Heritage the honour of adding the
quilt to our collection of local history artefacts.
Looking for Christmas presents?
In the Heritage shop at the Museum we have a
selection of local crafts as well as Tutankhamun
figures and our special Carter jam made exclusively
for us by 'Peggy Little Products'.
9
The Community Mosaic
We have now received planning permission for the
community mosaic pyramid
which will stand close to
the Methodist Church. We
expect the unveiling to take
place in February 2023. We
are very grateful for the very
many volunteers who have
painstakingly created the tiles,
for the Swaffham Men’s Shed and PSB Services Ltd who
have devoted their time and energy freely to help with
the project.
As we move from Carter 22 to Under the Eye of the
Buttercross there are other things to complete. The
finds from the Campingland Dig are not yet back from
the experts for verification; the postponed Funday;
Children’s Egyptian crafts and the Flying Pharaohs,
amongst them. These will be incorporated in next
year’s plan which will concentrate on the Gatherings on
and Stories of the Marketplace. Details of the planned
events are still under discussion but will be publicised by
the beginning of the year.
Friends of Swaffham Heritage
100 Club
The 100 Club is a steady contributor of funds for
Swaffham Heritage, run by the Friends of Swaffham
Heritage exclusively for its members. We have several
numbers(shares) still available, so please contact us –
see below - if you would like to purchase one or more.
Winners for November 2022 are:
• £40 – no 2233 • £20 – no 2297 • £10 – no 2219
Cheques are on their way to our lucky winners! Next
month, the December draw, we have an additional,
special prize of £100!
If you would like to join the Friends of Swaffham Heritage
to support the work of Swaffham Heritage including the
Museum, please contact us. By joining the Friends, you
will enjoy lifelong membership and free admittance to
the Museum for life. You will also be eligible to join the
100 Club – see details below or ask at the Museum.
For further information contact the Friends of Swaffham
Heritage Membership Secretary by email stuartclapton@
aol.com, or see our webpage, on the Swaffham
Heritage website http://www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk/
community/swaffham-museum-12715/friends-ofmuseum/
or call in to the Museum.

Ukranian ACCESS
Free drop in service for newly arrived
Eastern European migrants now
available in Swaffham
ACCESS project workers speak Lithuanian,
Latvian, Russian, Polish and English. If you do not
speak one of these languages, we can still assist
you in your own language by using a telephone
interpretation service. If you need advice, you are
very welcome to visit us, no matter which language
you speak. You do not need to make an appointment,
just come in during drop-in hours.
Through our drop-in service, ACCESS can provide
you with free, multi-lingual advice and information.
ACCESS can provide you with practical support to
overcome language barriers. ACCESS will support you
on a range of topics, including, but not limited to:
• UK Rights and Responsibilities
• Health e.g. registering with a doctor or dentist
• Understanding what the Police can help you with
• Education e.g. where to find English classes,
registering your child at a school
• Housing
• Benefits
• Assistance with completing forms
• Understanding utility bills (water/gas/electricity)
• Booking appointments
If we cannot help you for any reason, we will signpost
or refer you to an organisation that can.
In Swaffham sessions run every first Wednesday of
the month from 11:30am – 13:30pm at Swaffham
Community Centre, Campingland, Swaffham, PE37 7RB
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
The Magpie Centre
West Norfolk Riding For The Disabled Association
Has A New Chairwoman
This month the exciting news from the Magpie
Centre, home of West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled
Association, is that we have a new Chairwoman,
Mrs Bernadette Ford, who took up the role in late
September.
She said: ‘I am delighted to take on the role of Chair
of WNRDA and look forward to helping take the
charity from strength to strength, as we rebuild after
the difficult times encountered through Covid. I have
been very impressed by the work and dedication that
the volunteers and staff have shown,’ she continued,
‘and have been thrilled to see the happiness on faces
and improvements in our clients’ wellbeing, as they
participate in Riding, Carriage Driving, Equine Assisted
Learning Therapy, or Tea with a Pony sessions.’
Mrs Ford, an experienced horsewoman, who
hails from New Zealand, gave a little insight into
her equestrian background. 'I have always been
passionate about horses and am lucky enough to
own and breed them in West Norfolk. I also have
direct experience of disability within my own family,
and have seen at first hand, the benefits that being
around horses can bring.’ she said.
Mrs Ford, who hails from New Zealand, came to the
UK as a university graduate, and aims to use the IT
and management skills gained during her career, to
benefit the charity.
The Magpie Centre is looking to expand its fundraising
activities, and is seeking new volunteers, so that
even more disabled people can enjoy the benefits of
equestrian activities.
To find out more about what we do, and how you
can get involved, just visit our website at www.
rda-westnorfolk.org.uk or call the Centre on 01553
810202 during office hours.
Got a question about policing in
Norfolk?
If so, Police and Crime Commissioner Giles Orpen-Smellie will
be at Swaffham Community Centre to discuss the challenges
and pressures facing policing in the county.
Please pop along and ‘Have your Say’.....
When: Wedneday, 14 December, 10am to 12pm.
Where: Swaffham Community Centre, Campingland,
Swaffham PE37 7RB.
More info: www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk
All are welcome
PAID TILL DEC 22
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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
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10

from my friends
At The Paddocks Care Home, we’re not just
1:58/2:45 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS – THE BEATLES
carers, we’re friends – and sometimes our friends
need a little help. That’s why we personalise
each day to meet the individual needs of our
1:58/2:45 WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS – THE BEATLES
residents and their families.
With a little help
from my friends
At The Paddocks Care Home, we’re not just
carers, we’re friends – and sometimes our friends
need a little help. That’s why we personalise
each day to meet the individual needs of our
residents and their families.
from my friends
PAID TILL DEC 22
The Paddocks
45 CLEY ROAD, SWAFFHAM, PE37 7NP
And hearing their laughter is music to our ears.
www.castlemeadowcare.co.uk
RESIDENTIAL CARE | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE CARE | SHORT BREAKS
CALL 01760 722920 TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT
At The Paddocks Care Home, we’re not just
The Paddocks
And hearing their laughter is music to our ears.
carers, we’re friends – and sometimes our friends
www.castlemeadowcare.co.uk
need a little help. That’s why we personalise
each day to meet the individual
RESIDENTIAL CARE |
needs
DEMENTIA CARE |
of our
45 CLEY ROAD, SWAFFHAM, PE37 7NP
RESPITE CARE | SHORT BREAKS
residents and their families.
CALL 01760 722920 TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT
The Paddocks
45 CLEY ROAD, SWAFFHAM, PE37 7NP
CALL 01760 722920 TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT
With a little help
RESIDENTIAL CARE | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE CARE | SHORT BREAKS
At The Paddocks Care Home, we’re not just
carers, we’re friends – and sometimes our friends The Paddocks
from my friends
need a little help. That’s why we personalise
each day to meet the individual needs of our
45 CLEY ROAD, SWAFFHAM, PE37 7NP
residents and their families.
CALL 01760 722920 TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT
And hearing their laughter is music to our ears.
The Paddocks
1:58/2:45 WITH 1:58/2:45 A LITTLE HELP WITH FROM A MY LITTLE FRIENDS www.castlemeadowcare.co.uk
HELP – THE BEATLES FROM MY FRIENDS – THE BEATLES
RESIDENTIAL CARE | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE CARE | SHORT BREAKS
At The Paddocks Care Home, we’re not just
carers, we’re friends – and sometimes our friends
need a little help. That’s why we personalise
each day to meet the individual needs of our
residents and their families.
And hearing their laughter is music to our ears.
www.castlemeadowcare.co.uk
And hearing their laughter is music to our ears.
www.castlemeadowcare.co.uk
45 CLEY ROAD, SWAFFHAM, PE37 7NP
CALL 01760 722920 TO ARRANGE YOUR VISIT
RESIDENTIAL CARE | DEMENTIA CARE | RESPITE CARE | SHORT BREAKS
Swaffham Relief in Need
The Charity was established over 20 years ago to
provide assistance to residents of Swaffham who at
times find themselves in need of help.
Life can bring unexpected difficulties, which can cause
real distress to people who have always considered
themselves to be independent and self-sufficient.
This might be because of any number of things,
actions or circumstance such as:
• losing your job
• becoming disabled or too ill to work
• kitchen appliances breaking down and savings are
too little to meet replacement
• being re-housed but have no furniture or household
equipment
• returning to work after a long gap with no savings
to buy clothes etc
These are just a few examples of the difficult situations
people can find themselves in.
If you need support and have exhausted all other
avenues please contact us to complete an application
for consideration by the Trustees. All contact details
can be found on the advert below.
Hannah Duggan
Charity Administrator
A registered charity offering grants to support
residents of Swaffham in need, hardship or distress.
Providing or paying for goods, services and facilities
where other sources of support have been exhausted,
and we have funds available.
Application forms are available:
Email—Swaffhamrin@gmail.com
Website—www.swaffhamreliefinneed.co.uk
Telephone: 07985 363 873
All applications are treated in the strictest of confidence.
Registered Charity No. 1072912
Swaffham Men's Shed
The last couple of months has seen a lot of activity
at the Men’s Shed. The extension between the two
existing workshops is now up and running and in daily
use producing articles which will have been sold at
the Assembly Rooms on November 26th and at the
Christmas Market on December 4th.
Last year's Christmas Market
We held our AGM at the end of October and new
members have been elected onto the Committee
which will spread the load and allow us to branch
out into more varied activities within the community.
Already, the new members are coming up with
suggestions and we are drawing up plans for the
short, medium and long term future of the Shed.
Up until now, we have concentrated on building up
our woodworking effort into a very successful and
thriving unit. Now we are looking to diversify into
other areas - our Model Group still meets on Thursday
evenings and we have now started branching out into
jewellery enamelling and badge making, so anyone
interested would be more than welcome. But don’t
forget, if you just want to come along to relax and
chat, again you will be more than welcome.
I would like to extend our thanks to Swaffham Rotary
Club and the Swaffham Twinning Association for their
generous donations which have already been put to
good use to buy updated tools and machinery. As
always, our thanks to Swaffham Rugby Club for their
continued support and the use of their facilities.
You can find us at the Swaffham Rugby Club on North
Pickenham Road and currently we are open Monday
to Thursday mornings from 9am till 12pm and
Thursday evenings from 7pm till 10pm. Look forward
to seeing you.
Fred Grange
Chairman, Swaffham Men’s Shed
13

Swaffham WI
On Wednesday 2nd November we met
at the Community Centre at 2.30pm
for a very interesting meeting. Our
President gave reports on our forthcoming events in the
next few months. We had a book sale and a wooden
ornament competition. Eight birthday cards and presents
were given to members with November Birthdays.
Our very friendly speaker, Ian Rose, was then introduced.
His talk was on making Walking Sticks which he had
brought along to show us. He has been doing this for six
years since retiring. He collects the wood from dead trees
in local woodland.
Details were shown on a screen of the inside of his garden
shed where he makes them. There are many different
styles, especially the stick handles. They were all made of
old wood stripped, polished and varnished. Many of our
members were ready to buy one of his collection that he
had bought to show us.
The sticks were not expensive & the proceeds were going
to charity. Ian also showed us lovely photos of wildlife,
includng deer and owls, that he's seen in the woods.
After the talk the 50/50 raffle was drawn and the
ornament competition sorted out.
We will be having our Christmas meal at The George
Hotel on 14th December.
Our next meeting will be on 4t January at 2.30pm at the
Community Centre.
If you would like more information please contact our
President Pauline Senton on 01760 788046 or our
Secretary Christiane Hewitson on 01366 328128.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
Pickenhams WI
In November we met at St Andrew's
church in North Pickenham. In Carolyn's
absence, Carol welcomed us and said
that following our business meeting we would spend
our afternoon creating enough green hearts to fill our
heart shaped board, which will then be put on display
at the Pickenham Hub. We had started making the
hearts in February and once finished the board will be
an illustration of the WI's love for the world. Carol gave
us updates on the plan for the planting of a Jubilee Tree,
the formation of a WI Book Club and a Cinema/Theatre
group. We then sorted out the tables to spend a very
enjoyable craft afternoon creating varied and original
green felt hearts.
Future Events:
• Friday, 2nd December - 7.30pm Quiz Night at the
Pickenham Hub; enquiries to Melanie 01760 440456.
• Saturday, 3rd December - Jack Clarkson performing at
the Pickenham Hub at 7.30pm. (Tickets at £7.50 will be
available at the door.)
• Friday, 9th December at 2.00pm - Ukulele Christmas
Concert at St Andrew's Church, North Pickenham. (No
charge but donations welcome.)
• Saturday, 10th December from 12pm - Christmas Fayre
at the Pickenham Hub - including a WI Cake Stall and
Tombola.
• Tuesday, 13th December 12.30pm at the Pickenham
Hub - WI Christmas Party with entertainment being
provided by 'Three's Company'.
• Thursday, 15th December at 6.00pm - Pudding Party at
St Andrew's church (£5 entry for a variety of puddings).
• Monday, 19th December at 10.30am - Coffee Morning
Christmas Party at St Andrew's Church.
• Saturday, 24th December at 4.00pm - Christingle Service
at St Andrew's Church (children and grandchildren
welcome!)
It was agreed that with so many events the Pantomime
would be delayed for a few weeks.
Next Meetings: Tuesday, 10th January 2023 - Meeting to
be held at Broom Hall followed by lunch; Tuesday, 14th
February 2023 - AGM to be at St Andrew's Church, North
Pickenham. If anyone would like more information, please
contact: Carolyn Vincent on 01760 755089 or Melanie
Cousins on 01760 440456.
Fundraising Coffee Morning
On Friday 2nd September Sharon & Gordon Clouting
along with Sharon’s mum Esther Cooper, held a Coffee
Morning as well as a table top stall at their home on
London Street, Swaffham to raise funds for East Anglian
Air Ambulance. The morning was very well attended.
Over the last 12 months with other fund raising activities
the total sum raised is £1,830. We would like to thank
everyone who has supported us.
OUT JAN 23
Swaffham
Assembly Rooms
A fine Georgian venue in the heart of Swaffham, Norfolk
Bespoke catering
& venue dressing
packages available
for all budgets
swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
e: enquiries@iceni.info t: 01760 722800
Swaffham
Branch
01760
725801
invoice for year in JAN 23
http://www.family-action.org.uk
familyactionswaffham
building better families
New to Swaffham?
Looking to meet new friends?
These groups might interest
Wellbeing Group
Meets every Tuesday morning at Swaffham Community Centre. An informal social
group that meets for a natter and to learn new skills via talks ad demonstrations.
Age Concern
Meets on the last Tuesday of the month from 2-4pm at Swaffham Assembly Rooms
A varied programme of events with refreshments
For more details about any of these groups contact Iceni Partnership on
01760 722 800 or enquiries@iceni.info
14

PAY MONTHLY
Ben Burgess Beeston Dereham Road, Beeston, Norfolk PE32 2LE
01328 701347 | www.benburgess.co.uk
Open Mon - Fri 08:00 to 18:00 | Sat - 08:00 to 12:00
Behind every
independent
business is
a family
that cares
PAY MONTHLY
PAID TILL FEB 23
INCORPORATING CHAPMANS FUNERAL SERVICES
King’s Lynn 01553 771399 | Dersingham 01485 598598 | Swaffham 01760 721305
Pre-paid funeral
plans available
www.tfs.co.uk
Merle Boddy Day Centre
The Merle Boddy Day Centre provides
a warm and friendly Social Day Care
Service for people living with dementia
including mental health problems and
physical disabilities, in Swaffham and the surrounding
area. During October and November we have been
overwhelmed by some amazingly generous donations,
starting with news that our Centre Manager, Georgie
Bell, has heard that Necton Festival will be handing her
a very big cheque for the Centre in the near future;
more on that next time.
At the beginning of the month committee member, Ian
Pilcher, who together with his wife, Sue, has done so
much to put the Centre
finances on a sound
footing, was pleasently
surprised to receive a
cheque for £200 from
the Swaffham Rotary
Club. Ian, who is himself a
Rotarian, was presented
with the cheque by
Malcolm Whittley,
President of Rotary Club
of Swaffham.
Ian also received news of
a substantial donation of
£1500 from The Barratt Developments PLC Charitable
Foundation. Barratt Developments are currently
building a new residential development along Norwich
Road, called Ceres Rise. Daniel Evans, Managing Director
at Barratt Homes Cambridgeshire, said: “As a leading
housebuilder we strive to support the communities
in and around the areas in which we build, and we
are delighted to be able to offer the Merle Boddy Day
Centre a donation to support the fantastic work it does.”
We are awaiting details, which we will share with you
next month, of two substantial donations. One of these
comes by way, sadly, of the demise of the Swaffham
Twinning Association. Unfortunately the Association has
had to cease due to the lack of new members to take on
running it. However, every cloud has silver lining, as the
saying goes, and the Association is divesting its funds
to various charitable causes in Swaffham, including the
Merle Boddy Centre. Another big donation will be from
those wonderful Three for Tea ladies who put on the
Authors, Books and Cakes events. Their latest event was
at the beginning of November and the money raised is
being donated to the Merle Boddy Centre.
If you are interested in our work and would like to be
involved, we always welcome volunteers, friends and
supporters to help us. If you want to know more, find
us on Facebook – @merleboddycentre – or see our
website - www.merleboddy.org.uk - or call the Centre on
01760 724527.
Volunteer at Swaffham parkrun
Swaffham parkrun is a great way to volunteer in
the fresh air and be part of our friendly community
of runners, walkers, and amazing volunteers. The
event starts at 9am every Saturday on The Nicholas
Hammond Academy playing fields with volunteers
arriving at 8.30am. There are a range of roles with
something to suit everyone: marshalling around the
5km course, barcode scanning or timekeeping using
the simple Virtual Volunteer app, handing out finish
tokens, or tail walking. If you would like to help, please
email us at swaffham@parkrun.com. Many people
both run and volunteer; if you would like to come
along and see what happens everyone is welcome.
Chat & Play
For parents, babies and toddlers, every second Tuesday
from 9am – 11am at Swaffham Assembly Rooms
Our first group in 8th November was a great success
with many children playing together and time for
parents to chat.
Our next group is on Tuesday 13th December.
We have been offered a larger room, so we may be in
a new place soon. Please keep a watch on Facebook.
Cost is £2 per family. Tea, coffee, milk and squash
will be free (please bring your child’s own cup/bottle
to use). For more information please contact Sue
Chittock on 07765 037235.
Kindly Sponsored by Swaffham and District Lions with
donation from East of Anglia Co-op for 2 new walkers
and refreshments donated by Tesco Swaffham Store.
Surplus Produce
A big thank you to everyone who has
generously donated excess produce
from their gardens and allotments
to Swaffham Community Fridge. It has
been a particularly good year for pears and apples -
ideal for making into pies and crumbles that can be
put in the freezer for those cold winter evenings!
17

Swaffham Rugby Club
Thanks to the 1,500 plus Swaffham residents who came
along to our 11th Annual Fireworks Display on the 6th
November. Special thanks to Chris Upton who organised
the event. Feedback from attendees has been very
positive! Make a date in your 2023 Diaries for Sunday
5th November!
We promoted Minis Tag Rugby at the Firework event –
and were rewarded with some new faces participating
in the activity in partnership with ICS Coaching the
following Wednesday. Weekly sessions take place at
5:30pm on Wednesdays. New participants welcome –
no experience necessary!
Our Under 16 squad welcomed U16 players from North
Walsham in the morning, and recorded a convincing
win, scoring 7 tries in very poor conditions. It is a credit
to these young men that they turn out on Sunday
mornings in all weathers and demonstrate the skills they
are refining with their coaches on Wednesday evenings.
Parents and supporters cheered on both Swaffham and
visitors.
At the time of writing, our Senior team are top of their
league! Some superb performances from the squad
led to victories over neighbours Watton and Kings
Lynn based West Norfolk II, in addition to Thetford and
Crusaders II. Next match against Dereham, who are
second in the table, on the 12th November promises to
be a real cracker!
The Senior Squad christened their new strip with a 43:20 win against Watton.
There is only one Senior home game in December, on
the 3rd, which is preceded by one of our legendary
lunches. Under 16’s don’t have any matches, and will
continue to train on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Sunday
Mornings. We welcome everyone to all the above
events and activities.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
Swaffham Jazz Club
Unfortunately, Norman has been unwell recently and was
greatly missed at our November session. We all send our
best wishes and hope he makes a good recovery soon.
We welcomed the Equinox Jazz Quintet: Terry Loane –
piano, Danny Silverstone – alto sax, Greg Loops – bass,
James Lewis – drums and Chris Lee – trumpet and flugel
horn. Early on they played the seasonal number Autumn
Leaves during which Chris played a beautifully autumnal
flugel solo. Two numbers in the first half – In a Sentimental
Mood and Black Orpheus (played as a bossa nova) –
featured particularly extended solos which were very
inventive with a constant flow of fresh ideas. The first half
ended with the up-beat Saint Thomas which concluded
with a fine drum solo during which James used an elbow
to slide across the skins to alter the pitch as he played.
The second half seemed to flash by. I particularly liked
Chris’s growling trumpet effect in Duke Ellington’s
Caravan. Then came Moanin’ with members of the band
playing off each other to perfection. As an encore we were
treated to A Night in Swaffham (sounding suspiciously
like A Night in Tunisia!)
Afterwards James remarked to me that ours is the best
Jazz Club he’s played in because the audience is so
appreciative and really listen. Terry as their MC recalled
from his previous visit here, how impressed he had been
with the audience’s jazz knowledge, so throughout the
evening fired what he thought to be hard questions at us.
Each question was answered by at least one member!
Talking to Terry in the interval I learned that he was born
and brought up in Newcastle, where playing music was
much encouraged at his secondary school. Both Sting
and Neil Tennant of The Pet Shop Boys went to the
school. At the same time he came under the influence
of his older brother who played flute, piano and organ
at the local church. Terry started piano and violin lessons
but also taught himself to play the Northumbrian Pipes
(whatever they are!) His younger brother became a jazz
fan and listened to Bebop and Big Band jazz, and became
a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Terry
gave up the violin and started playing the piano in local
dance bands and as background music in restaurants.
Often accompanying singers, he soon learnt to sight-read.
He moved to London when he was 35 and now lives in
Ruislip. He worked for a local authority advising school
music teachers. Increasingly he found the urge to play his
own music, and in his sixties he started to study and play
jazz. Outside of music he likes to grow his own fruit in his
kitchen garden.
Next up: Please note we are meeting a week earlier
than usual for the Lee Vasey Jazz Band on Tuesday 6th
December at 7.30pm, at Swaffham Conservative Club, 23
London Street PE37 7DD. £10 Cash on the door. Contact
Norman on 01760 722 384 or Geoff on 01366 328730.
Thornalley Funeral Services Ltd comprises of three funeral
homes: Thornalley Funeral Services in King’s Lynn, Dersingham
and incorporating Chapmans Funeral Services in Swaffham.
Thornalley Funeral Services is owned and managed by the Thornalley
family. The Directors, Ray and Shirley, along with their son Andrew
and his wife Abi, take pride in delivering the best possible service
and care to bereaved families in and around the areas of King’s Lynn,
Dersingham, Swaffham and beyond.
As a family owned and family run business and not part of any
big group, we are able to offer a n i ndividual, p ersonal s ervice t hat
reflects local prices rather than national prices.
Chapmans Funeral Services, previously owned by the Gaskin family,
was purchased by the Thornalley family in June 2016 and is managed
by Peter Dyer with Nichola working alongside him. All three funeral
homes work closely together to uphold our traditional values of
respect and dignity. Serving the local communities of Swaffham,
King’s Lynn and Dersingham, we have built our reputation over many
years. With our highly dedicated team working alongside us you can
be assured of a personal service that is second to none.
www.tfs.co.uk
18 19
Behind every independent
business is a family that cares
As members of SAIF (Society of Allied Independent Funeral
Directors), we abide by a strict code of practice to ensure you
receive a high standard of service in all aspects of our business.

Swaffham & District Lions Club
The Lions and Lionesses enjoyed a Sunday
lunch at the Warehouse Tap Room &
Restaurant at Setchy, followed by a good
browse around the huge antiques warehouse
there, not to mention a few purchases!
At a recent Lions meeting the guest speakers were two
representatives from the Samaritans organisation.
What an incredible job they do, giving their time to
help others in despair, listening with a sympathetic ear,
and helping them to talk through their many problems.
We enjoyed a lovely
Halloween Social and
Supper at Gt. Dunham
village hall, with
pumpkins galore, fun and
games and a few spooky
ghost stories read by Lion
Keith!
A new Chat & Play group
formed by Sue Chittock
has been sponsored
by Swaffham & District Lions Club, and two Lioness
Branch Club members will be assisting with the group.
This new group is for parents with toddlers and babies
born during Covid lockdown, helping the children to
develop their socialising skills and communication.
The Lions' gazebo was out in the Market on
Saturday 12th November, publicising our activities
and community projects such as our collections of
unwanted spectacles and hearing aids to be recycled
and sent abroad, and our “Message in A Bottle”
project. Our “message” bottles are free to anyone,
plastic bottles that may be stored in the fridge with
medication details inside, in case of emergency.
Pudsey’s Pudding Quiz was held on 14th November in
our Lioness Branch Club meeting room at the Catholic
Church. There were lots of delicious puddings served
at the quiz interval, and all proceeds went to Children
in Need, as well as our Pudsey collection at Tesco. We
also helped with the poppy selling at Tesco, and laid
our Lion and Lioness wreaths at the War Memorial
remembrance service.
Christmas means all hands on deck for the Pensioners’
Christmas Party which is held at the Nicolas Hamond
Academy. We also have a tree in the Christmas Tree
Festival at St. Peter & Paul’s church. We wish you all a
very Happy Christmas.
Looking ahead to 2023 :- Chanter’s Jigge, Saturday
11th February 2023, 7.30pm Swaffham Assembly
Rooms, in aid of The Big C Charity. Tickets £7.50. This
musical event, entitled “Merrily Danced the Quaker’s
Wife” is a feast of traditional music from around the
British Isles and beyond, played on ancient traditional
and modern instruments. For tickets phone Lions on
01760 724304.
Rotary
Swaffham
CELEBRATING
5
YEARS
President's Corner
As reported in my last column
we held our 26th Annual Art
Exhibition and we were so pleased with the support
we received enabling us to raise over £4500 towards
our local and International Charities.
Also, as reported we were able to help The Merle
Boddy Centre with improvements to their Kitchen and
the photo shows the cheque being handed over to Ian
Pilcher of the Centre.
Another charity we were able to support was to help
local disadvantaged children right here in Swaffham
by making a donation of £150 to The Town Council to
provide a number of those most needy children at the
Refuge with free ice skating and visits to Santa at the
Christmas lights switch on.
Last month Swaffham appeared on the BBC Breakfast
programme with the coverage of Waites & Stones
tremendous effort in aid to the Ukraine for the sixth
time. As well as vital medical supplies, food, water
and walking aids/ wheelchairs they also collected
shoeboxes filled with gifts to be distributed to some
of the children still in the Country. Scott actually
crosses the border into Ukraine and continues as far as
possible( often crossing close to,occupied areas) finally
depositing aid with Police units. The largest struggle he
had was with fuel for the truck and costs covering tolls
and ferries. Therefore as a result of our Art Exhibition
profits we were able to donate £1000 towards the trip.
We are lucky to have such a courageous, generous
caring firm in Swaffham carrying out this tremendous
humanitarian work.
The other help one of our Rotarian members Kurt
Oliver is asking for assistance with is in identifying
needy people and collecting wrapped gifts. He appeals
to the public to drop,off a small gift which he and his
team will deliver with their lunch. If anyone reading
this column can identify anyone in need please contact
Kurt at The White Hart Inn, tel. Mob 07543 045846,
kurt@whitehartswaffhan,co.uk
On behalf of our Club May I wish everyone a Happy
Christmas and a safe and peaceful New Year.
Malcolm Whittley
President
Ashill & Holme Hale Garden Club
Website: ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Email: ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com
The Work and History of the John Innes Centre
Our October meeting had a bumper attendance of
nearly 70 members who had come to listen to Dr Anne
Edwards of the John Innes Centre. Anne presented a
fascinating talk on the work and history of the Norwich
based John Inness Centre. While the John Inness
Centre has been based on the outskirts of Norwich
since 1967, it was actually established in 1910 as the
John Innes Horticultural Institution at Merton in South
London. John Inness was not a scientist but a London
property developer and philanthropist, who changed
his will the week before he died in 1904, leaving the
bulk of his wealth to establish a school for horticulture.
From its inception the John Innes Centre has been an
internationally leading scientific institute in the area
of plant science and genetics, with its first director
Professor William Bateson known as the father of plant
genetics.
For most of the public they know the name John Inness
because of its compost recipes which are in most bags
of compost gardeners use. The recipes were developed
in the late 1930’s by two researchers at the John Inness
Horticultural Institute to overcome problems associated
with traditional composts in order to get more consistent
and reliable results. The methods required to make the
compost were published in 1939 and released free to
the public as part of the “Dig for Victory” campaign to
aid feeding the population during World War II.
While their compost research made John Innes a
household name to the British gardener, there have
been numerous major scientific successes made by
John Innes scientists. Dr Edwards highlighted that the
traditional pub lunch would not be the same without
Maris Piper potatoes (Chips) or Maris Otter barley
(for beer), both of which were developed by John
Inness researchers. More recently John Innes scientists
discovered the wheat dwarfing gene which sits behind
the ‘green revolution’ and provided the underpinning
science for the production of many modern antibiotics.
Anne Edwards, who was the first person to identify
Ash dieback in the UK in 2012, fielded some excellent
questions from members to end a very enjoyable
afternoon.
Upcoming Meetings
Our November meeting (November 24th) will have
Richard Clark of Panache Plants talking about Carnivorous
plants and South African bulbs. This will be followed by
our Christmas party on Thursday December 8th.
All meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of the month at
Holme Hale Pavilion and start at 2.30pm. New members
from anywhere in the district are always welcome, so
come along and join us at one of our monthly meetings.
20 21
Swaffham Library News
Swaffham Library, The Pightle, Swaffham PE37 7DF
Tel 01760 721513
Staffed opening times: Tuesday and Thursday 10am-
7pm, Friday 1-7pm and Saturday 10am-4pm
Swaffham Library Friends
Swaffham Library Friends are keen for new members
to join their group to develop ideas for events held at
Swaffham Library, plan and hold fundraising activities
and to act as a link between the library and the local
community as well as promoting the library and its
services. The Friends meet every second Tuesday of
the month, 4-5pm and if you can spare a little time
and have ideas and enthusiasm to make a difference,
please contact the library or come along to one of
their meetings.
• Christmas Coffee Morning Saturday 3rd December,
10.30am-12noon.
• Meet the author event with Rachel Hore Friday
20th January 2023
• Local History Film Night Friday 10th February 2023
Publisher talk with Paul Dickson. Friday 3rd March
2023
• Meet the author event with Heidi Swain Friday 9th
June 2023
For more information and booking contact the library
or visit our What’s On pages https://www.norfolk.
gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries/
whats-on/event-search?location=Swaffham as the
event approaches.
Tosh Community Theatre Group
We are seeking people of all ages interested in
joining our lively, inclusive amateur Theatre Group.
Can you sing, act, dance, design costumes, work
back stage, or front of house; we would like to hear
from you.
We meet Mondays at Great Cressingham Village
Hall at 7pm. Any queries phone Bridget on 07769
294414 or email Bridgetknock@aol.com.
You can also visit us on our Facebook page: Tosh
Community Theatre Group
Free NHS Health Checks Available
at Swaffham Community Centre
If you are aged beween 40 and 74 years then you
could be eligible for a free NHS health check, courtesy
of Reed Wellbeing.
These checks are currently taking place at Swaffham
Community Centre on Mondays from 9am to 4.30pm.
To check your eligibility and to book an appointment visit
the Reed Wellbeing website: norfolkhealthchecks.
reedwellbeing.com or call 0808 175 0413.

In Touch With Your Town
Christmas Event
As we look ahead to the Christmas
event this month, the excitement is
building! This year’s event is sponsored
by UPP; experts in delivering fast
and reliable broadband to areas across the East of
England and East Midlands. We have received a
record number of stall applications this year and are
proud to be playing host to such a wide variety of local
and further afield businesses. Alongside the usual
Saturday Market (8am-2.30pm), the Christmas event
will showcase a festive themed market, comprising of
two instalments; Saturday 5-10, Sunday 12-6.
After the success of last years skating rink, we are
looking forward to welcoming visitors back to a
bigger and better version! 30-minute slots can now
be booked online. Slots have been filling up in the
run up to the event, so there are only a handful still
available. You can pay on the day, but we advise
booking in advance to avoid disappointment. The link
can be found on the Town Council website, under the
Christmas event tab. Here you will find the booking
link and more details for Santa’s Grotto too, which
has relocated to Plowright Place this year. Santa will
be visiting us on both Saturday and Sunday this year,
to ensure everyone gets to meet him before the big
day. Raffle tickets are now available to purchase from
the Town Hall, with some amazing items available,
including £300 worth of cash prizes.
General event information and a detailed schedule
for the weekend’s festivities can also be found on the
council website. We look forward to seeing you all
very soon!
Remembrance in Swaffham and the War Memorial
The Remembrance events were well attended in
Swaffham again this year, as the Town paid their
respects to the fallen. On 11th November it was good
to see so many children gathering at the Memorial,
and on Remembrance Sunday 13th November,
despite the change of route the annual parade went
ahead and was again very well attended, led by the
Fakenham Town Band and Parade Master Keith Rix
– thanks to all who attended these events, to those
who organised and delivered the events on the day.
N.B. The 11th hour change of route was enforced by
the withdrawal of Police support and insistence of a
full road closure along the A1065 from the school to
the War Memorial. A combination of time to get the
road closure organised, the disruption that this would
cause and additional cost, forced a rethink and hence
the more modest shorter route from Pedlars Car Park
passing the Buttercross, through the car park to the
War Memorial.
The War Memorial area itself has been subject to
a bit of a makeover, as a combination of our Town
Council outside team and contractors, have been
trimming trees, touching up paintwork etc., including
the old red telephone box. We also have some new
planting areas, plus some new trees, which help to
green up the area ahead of the Town Council taking
on the ownership from Breckland Council. The legal
process for this has commenced, and should be
completed early in the new-year. The area will be
further developed as a Memorial Garden. Thanks to
all concerned.
Do you want to become a Councillor? Come along
to the Town Hall on Monday 12th Dec 5-6pm
The May 2023 elections are coming fast, less than
six months away, so now is your time to act! Come
along to the Town Hall and learn more about
becoming a Swaffham Town Councilor. Learn about
the role of a Town Councillor, committee structure
and council representatives, as well as how we use
the neighborhood plan, past and current projects.
Information evenings will be taking place on Monday
12th December (5-6pm) and Monday 27th February
(6.30-8pm). If you have any questions about the role
of a Town Councillor, then this is your opportunity to
ask! We really DO want you to ask whatever question
you would like to ask, this is YOUR chance to really
make a difference, if you would like to put yourself
forward to stand for election in May 2023. It is good
for the Town that the newly elected Councillors has a
mandate, that we have plenty of candidates so that
people in the Town have a choice and can duly elect
the Council that they want to represent them over
the next four years, as the next chance you will get is
not until May 2027…
Swaffham Town Council
Tel: 01760 722 922
www.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Town Hall opening times:
Town Hall opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 9.30am - 1pm (lunch) 1.30 - 4pm.
Friday: 9.30am - 1pm
reception@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Breckland District Council
www.breckland.gov.uk
01362 656 870. For all enquiries regarding: Planning,
Refuse Bins, Housing, Recycling, Licensing & Benefits
Your Breckland District Councillors:
Cllr. David Wickerson
01760 725 741
david.wickerson@
breckland.gov.uk
Cllr. Ian Sherwood
07795 236 878
ian.sherwood@
breckland.gov.uk
Cllr Ed Colman - also your Norfolk County Councillor
07940 406 356
ed.colman@breckland.gov.uk / ed.colman.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk
Town Council Committee
meeting dates - DECEMBER 2022
• Mon 5 Dec, 12pm, HR & GOVERNANCE
COMMITTEE
• Thurs 8 Dec, 4pm, TRANSPORT & ENVIRONMENT
COMMITTEE
• Wed 14 Dec, 6.30pm, FULL COUNCIL
• Tues 20th, 4pm, PLANNING
Highway issues
Norfolk County Council – www.norfolk.gov.uk
– 0344 800 8020
For Highway issues & faulty street lights:
- Highways - please give the location of the issue and
a telephone number where further information can
be obtained.
- Faulty streetlights – please give the precise location
of the light and the number on the column.
Alternatively visit the website and search for
Highways or Street Lights to report your concerns.
The Town Council
Mayor - Cllr Stewart Bell
CllrBell.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Deputy Mayor - Cllr Judy Anscombe
CllrAnscombe.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Lindsay Beech
CllrBeech.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Nayna Bass
CllrBass.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Wendy Bensley
CllrBensley.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Paul Darby
CllrDarby.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Graham Edwards
CllrEdwards.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Colin Houghton
CllrHoughton.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Shirley Matthews
CllrMatthews.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Kurt Oliver
CllrOliver.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Ian Pilcher
CllrPilcher.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Les Scott
CllrScott.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Jill Skinner
CllrSkinner.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Officers:
Richard Bishop – Town Clerk
townclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Helen Carrier – Deputy Town Clerk
deputyclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
22
23

Café
We would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all our
customers for supporting both our Downham Market
and Ely stores, your continued custom and loyalty
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There’s a world of choice at Reeds with a fantastic range
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Opening Times: Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm in Downham and Ely | Sunday 10am to 4pm in Ely only
check out our website reedshomestore.co.uk
find us on facebook for the latest updates
REEDS Furniture, Flooring, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213
REEDS Furniture, Flooring & Bed Centre, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754