Swaffham Newsletter

SN
Online
May 2023
Your free town newsletter published by Iceni Partnership
SWAFFHAM
newslet ter
version available to view at www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
NEWS EVENTS INFORMATION
Mosaic memorial unveiled
Read about the community crafting effort to create a
lasting pyramid monument for 'Carter 22' on page 12
L to R: Dave Crow, Carolyn Ash, Sue Gattuso, Lilian Ross, Steward Bell, Shirley Matthews
REGULARS
Iceni
Antics
p.3
Ashill
& Hale
Garden
Club
p.7
Merle
Boddy
Centre
p.16
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Your monthly magazine is published by:
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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/Library News
4 Church News
5 School Speak/WEA
7 NGS/ Ashill & Hale Garden Group
8 NarVOS/Swaffham Arts/RBL
10 Local WI's
11 Rugby Club/Swaffham Lions Club
12 Museum Matters
13 FOSH/Swaffham Jazz Club
15 Swaffham Rotary/SCALGA
16 Merle Boddy/Wissey u3a
17 Swaffham History Group
18 Town Council
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Iceni Partnership
Iceni Antics
We are excited to host our Coronation celebration
which will be a special themed afternoon tea
version of our usual Friday Lunch Club on Friday 5th
May at midday.
Each guest will receive a small keepsake to take home
and there will be a raffle of Coronation themed prizes.
The room will be dressed in a suitably patriotic way,
with red, white and blue decor.
The cost will be the usual £5 per person and we still
have some spaces available, so call us now on 01760
722800 to book a place.
With the weather improving, we have been enjoying
our covered patio area again. Our blossom tree and
the tulip bulbs we planted in the Autumn have put on
a lovely Spring display.
1
PAY MONTHLY
SUMMER BUZZ AT
THE HIVE
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday 29 April 2.30 ‐ 4.30 | YOGA MOVEMENT & MEDITATION
Thursday 4 May 3.00 ‐ 4.00 | THOUGHTS ON THURSDAYS
Saturday 13 May 11.00 ‐ 3.00 | RETREAT ‐ THE ART OF SEEING
Friday 19 May 3.00 ‐ 4.30| CELTIC JOURNEYS ‐ PRAYER
Saturday 24 June 2.30 ‐ 5.00 | SUMMER SING ‐ CASUAL CHOIR
Friday 30 June 11.00 ‐ 12.30| LETS TALK ABOUT IT . . . RUSSIA PART 3
Vising
speaker
Carole
Irwin
Thursday 1 June 3.00 ‐ 4.00 | THOUGHTS ON THURSDAYS
Saturday 17 June 11.00 ‐ 3.00 | WALK AND TALK
Follow us on
facebook
All our events are
free ‐ donaons
welcomed
Email: thehiveplace@gmail.com
Chalk Hill, Great Cressingham, Norfolk IP25 6NP
Find us with What3Words: winds.fuzzy.stages
E: thehiveplace@gmail.com T: 07976 286 645
Vising
leader
Jane
Leach
Thursday 6 July 3.00 ‐ 4.00 | THOUGHTS ON THURSDAYS
Friday 14 July 3.00 ‐ 4.30 | LYN’S HOUSE COMMUNITY PROJECT
Saturday 22 July 11.00 ‐ 3.00 | SUMMER PICNIC FUN
Book at
eventbrite
3
Keep up to date with everything going on at Swaffham
Community Centre and Swaffham Assembly Rooms on
our website: www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk.
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
Bounce and Rhyme – every Tuesday 10.30-11am.
Join us with your pre-school children for songs and
rhymes. Stay and chat afterwards with toys for the
little ones.
Stitch and Chat – every Tuesday 3-4.30pm. Join our
newest group for some stitching and chatting over a
cup of tea.
Storytime – every Thursday 10.30-11am. Drop in for
stories and simple activities for pre-school children
and their parents/carers.
Lego Club – every Thursday 4-5pm. Get creative with
Lego at this fun after-school session for children aged
5 and over.
Just a Cuppa - Saturday 10.30am-12noon. Drop in
to have a good old chat over a friendly cuppa. Board
games and colouring are available.

St Peter and St Paul, Swaffham
The May 2023 services in Swaffham parish church will
be as follows:-
Sunday 7th
9.30am Sung Eucharist
6.00am Evensong (BCP)
Wednesday 10th
10.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 14th
9.30am Said Holy Communion
11.30am Rogation Sunday United
Benefice Service at
Sporle (details t.b.c.)
Wednesday 17th
10.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 21st
8.00am Holy Communion (said)
9.30am United Benefice Sung Eucharist
Wednesday 24th
10.00am Holy Communion (BCP)
Sunday 28th
9.30am Sung Eucharist for Pentecost
For updates, see also our website: https://www.
swaffhamparishchurch.org/ and our Swaffham
Parish Church Facebook page and via Twitter @
swaffhamchurch
Church is open daily for private prayer and for visitors
from 9am until 4pm outside services. Morning prayer
is normally held in church at 9am Monday – Friday.
Saturday Coffee and Cake is every Saturday except 6th
May (Coronation).
Mothers’ Union
The Swaffham branch of the Mothers’ Union usually
meets on the second Thursday of the month.
The Swaffham Mothers' Union invite you to their next
meeting on Thursday May 11th at the Baptist Church
Rooms. Susan Smith will be giving a talk called "My
Grandma - memories of Life in a Northumbrian mining
village in the 50's and 60's". Coffee at 9.30 for 10am start.
The Oasis Centre
A church in the heart of the community
Sundays weekly
• 10am: Praise & Prayer
• 10.30am: Tea & Coffee
• 11am: Worship, Teaching and Communion
Wednesdays weekly
• 10am Worship & Prayer
The Oasis Centre, Cley Road, Swaffham PE37 7NP T: 01760 723175
@oasiscentreswaffham
Swaffham Methodist Church
• Tues 2nd May 10am-12noon. The
Meeting Place Drop In. Join us and
catch up with friends over free tea/
coffee. All welcome.
• Fri 5th May 9.30am. Power
of Prayer. Please phone Anne
01760722611 for venue.
• Sat 6th May Please note there will be no coffee morning
due to the coronation of King Charles III. Please see church
notice board for events.
• Sun 7th May 10.45 Morning Worship led by some of
our Worship Leaders. Refreshments served afterwards.
• Tues 9th May 10-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop In.
A warm and friendly environment for meeting old friends
and new. Free refreshments.
• Thurs 11th May 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship Group
with guest Rev Jacqui who wants us to "guess the
mystery objects ". I'm sure it will be a fun afternoon. Free
refreshments.
• Fri 12th May 9.30am. The Power of Prayer. Please
phone Anne 01760 722611 for venue.
• Sat 13th May 9.30am. Church coffee morning and plant
stall. Lovely atmosphere to catch up with friends and
enjoy home made cakes with tea and coffee. Proceeds
for Church funds.
• Sun 14th May 10.45am. Morning Worship led by Dee
Moden. Refreshments served afterwards.
• Tues 16th May 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place
Drop In. All welcome. Free refreshments.
• Fri 19th May 9.30. Power of Prayer. Phone Anne 01760
722611 for venue.
• Sun 21st May 10.45am. Morning Worship led by some
of our Worship Leaders. Refreshments served afterwards.
• Tues 23rd May 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place
Drop In including a visit from Green Pastures Christian
book stall. Absolutely everybody is always welcome. Free
refreshments.
• Thurs 25th May 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship
Group with what sounds like a rather fascinating talk by
Sandra Simm, entitled, "T-shirts, tales and tunes". Free
refreshments. NB this is the final meeting until Sept 14th.
• Fri 26th May 9.30am. Power of Prayer. Phone Anne
01760 722611 for venue.
• Sun 28th May 10.45am. Morning Worship led by
Deacon Jen Woodfin. Refreshments served afterwards.
• Tues 30th May 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. Free refreshments. Come along and enjoy a chat.
TNHA News
We are very grateful for the turn in the
weather and the arrival of Spring at the
academy. As you would expect we stay busy with a
varied curriculum and the availability of many clubs
and after school activities.
Most recently, our Creative Arts Faculty have recruited
several Student Ambassadors who lend a student voice
and feedback on trips, events and clubs. The focus of
the teaching team is to develop an even greater range
of opportunities for students both in the academy
and beyond. Recently our young aspiring artists have
staged a ‘gallery take over’ at the Swaffham Museum
and their creative talent has been on display there for
all to see.
The Key Stage 3 Drama Club have been working towards
their Christmas showcase (it will be here sooner than
you think…). In January, auditions were held for this
year’s school play, ‘The Demon Headmaster’. A cast
of nearly 30 students have since been rehearsing very
hard, and we are all looking forward to an amazing run
of performances at Westacre Theatre in June. Tickets
will be on sale after Easter. Our music department
continues from strength to strength with a large
number of students taking up individual peripatetic
lessons and there are packed practice rooms every
lunchtime. This year has seen students have their
first use of music tech using the new i-pads. We are
particularly excited to see the growth of this aspect of
music within the curriculum.
As often as possible we invite guest speakers into
our assemblies and we have been lucky to welcome
some exciting and knowledgeable visitors over the
last month. Our younger students were treated to
an engaging visit from the Army who gave an insight
into the varied careers available in this part of the
Armed Services. Students also had the opportunity
to be ‘put through their paces’ with workshops run
by the team. They were tested on their ability to use
teamwork, communication and leadership skills as
they completed a variety of interactive tasks. Our
students were complimented by our visitors for their
enthusiastic approach and determination to succeed.
Our older cohort had a visitor from the Access Creative
College to discuss with them the variety of courses
they offer post-16, such as gaming, esports, music,
media and computing. Access Creative College then
had a lunchtime stand in the main foyer to talk with
any students interested in such careers in the future.
Our last guest was from Norfolk Police who joined
assemblies on the importance of e-scooter safety,
including how to keep safe and the laws surrounding
their use.
Finally, although we do not often share achievements
of staff, we felt that two of them were worthy of a
mention this month. Mr. Baxter, who is the ICT Network
Manager for TNHA, Iceni & Hockwold academies
and ably supports us all day-to-day, has somehow
found the time to undertake a Level 5 certification in
Operational Management, which was completed over
18 months alongside his normal duties. The training
course covered leadership, management, finance and
communication which was then examined through a
combination of an hour-long presentation of a project
completed within 6 weeks and a lengthy formal Q&A
session. Then, there is the case of our disappearing ICT
Technician, Mr. Jenkinson, who we have been seeing
much less of recently. After tipping the scales at 25 stone
6 lbs, he has lost almost 6 stone so far since September
last year - which is a truly amazing achievement. Along
with his wife they have been nominated for Slimming
World Couple of the Year - for many of us losing just a
few pounds is a struggle. We are delighted to recognise
these tremendous achievements both requiring
tremendous dedication and commitment.
Swaffham WEA
WEA is an organisation that has been
running for over 100 years, offering
lifelong learning in a wide variety of topics chosen by
the local people. It dates from a time when education
for many people was very limited, so groups got
together to organise evening classes in subjects they
were interested in.
Swaffham branch was reformed about 20 years ago,
and is a thriving group. During the time of covid
courses were offered online, and for those that
followed that route it worked well. But students at
the AGM last year said they really wanted courses in
the Community Centre with the tutor present, so this
year we have been running day schools which have
been much appreciated.
Now it is time for our annual review, so Swaffham
WEA will be holding the AGM on Tuesday 16th May
at Swaffham Community Centre, starting at 2.30pm.
There will be refreshments and a guest speaker. We
are hoping that over the next year we can rebuild
and offer a range of courses like we had before covid.
Please come, support our branch and bring your
ideas! All will be welcome, old friends and new faces.
We have one more day school to come, and are
really looking forward to seeing Mary Fewster again,
teaching her course “The Beauty of Holiness” about
the sacred objects used in religious services, or as
decoration, in the churches and chapels of East Anglia.
The day course will be held at Swaffham Community
Centre on Saturday May 20th from 10am to 3pm,
with breaks for refreshments and lunch (bring your
own). You can enrol in advance for this course, ref
C2229630, either online wea.org.uk, or by phone
0300 303 3464.
4
5

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Behind every
PAID TILL FEB 24
independent
business is
a family
that cares
INCORPORATING CHAPMANS FUNERAL SERVICES
King’s Lynn 01553 771399 | Dersingham 01485 598598 | Swaffham 01760 721305
Pre-paid funeral
plans available
www.tfs.co.uk
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
The National Garden Scheme
Joyful June sees an Abundance of Gardens Open
Enjoy the summer scents and colours in the rich
variety of gardens opening across the county for the
National Garden Scheme next month.
Sunday 11 th June
• Elsing Hall, Hall Road, Elsing, Nr Dereham, NR20 3DX.
10-4 adm £8 chd free. Home-made teas.
10 acre garden and park with significant collection of old
roses, walled garden, formal garden, Gingko avenue &
viewing mound.
• High House Gardens, Blackmoor Row, Shipdham IP25
7PU. 12-5 adm £5 chd free. Home-made teas.
3 acre well-developed plantsman's garden with colourthemed
herbaceous borders, an extensive range of
perennials & shrubs, box-edged rose and shrub borders,
large vegetable garden.
• The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, Hillington,
Kings Lynn, PE31 6BH. 9–5 adm £4 chd free. Light
refreshments. Dogs allowed. Plants for sale.
2 acres planted in 2016 and created by volunteers to
provide a peaceful space for residents, staff and visitors.
Includes a variety of cottage garden plants, a wildlife
pond and a vegetable patch.
Sunday 18 th June
• Manor House Farm, Wellingham, Fakenham, PE32
2TH. 11-5 adm £6.50 chd free. Home-made teas. Dogs
allowed.
Much-loved, mature romantic country garden filled with
variety and colour. Old fashioned roses, grasses, tree
peonies.
Friday 23 rd June
• Silverstone Farm, North Elmham, Dereham NR20 5EX.
Evening opening 6-8 adm £6.50 Wine. Dogs allowed.
Formal garden of 2 acres home of designer George
Carter, divided into various rooms, a palette of evergreens
& ornament.
Mary Ferneley, a regular visitor to open gardens told
us “June is the perfect month to visit gardens open for
the National Garden Scheme; they are at their best and
even if you are not a gardener you can enjoy swallows
flying high above, borders brimming with colour and the
scents of summer”.
Before visiting a garden, we advise checking website for
any up-to-date information: ngs.org.uk
Ashill & Holme Hale Garden Club
Website: ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Email: ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com
Propagating - Plants For Free!
Our March meeting had well known garden writer Geoff
Hodge presenting a very informative and humorous
talk and demonstration on propagating plants from
your own supply for free. Geoff has 35-year background
as a freelance gardening writer, author and radio and
TV broadcaster and his aim is to help and advise on all
gardening matters.
While mentioning some aspects of seed propagation,
his demonstration was focused on vegetative plant
reproduction - i.e. different types of cuttings and how to
go about producing good healthy plants from these. He
demonstrated how to take stem cuttings, and that they
should be taken just above a node. He recommended
putting cuttings straightaway into a plastic bag, which
should then be sealed and kept in the fridge until they
can be planted, to avoid water loss.
Geoff went on to show how to make a suitable medium
in which to grow cuttings; i.e. seed compost mixed
with vermiculite, and stressed the importance of not
compressing it too much. He also stated that he adds
water before use, and demonstrated how to get the right
consistency of compost for the cuttings.
In the next part of the demonstration Geoff showed how
to plant the cuttings, after adding a little hormone rooting
powder, and how and where to store them. After a break
for tea, the talk covered different types of cuttings, i.e. soft
wood, semi-ripe and hardwood, each of which requires
different methods of propagation to ensure success.
Geoff finished his presentation by talking about internodal
cuttings, layering and air-layering. Members found
the whole presentation very engaging and left armed
with the knowledge and confidence to do their own
cuttings and produce plants for free!
Upcoming Meetings
Our April meeting (April 27th) will be given by Dr Tony
Leech, who will talk about ‘Fungi - Friend or Foe?’. Our
May meeting (May 25th) will be given by Andrew Sankey
on ‘Colour in the Garden’. 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.
7

NarVOS
Indoor meeting at The Assembly Rooms,
1 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7AB
Wednesday 31st May at 7.30pm “Birds
seen in the County of Norfolk since 1850”
Presented by Neil Coe.
Neil Coe is a well-known and experienced member
of NarVOS. His love of birding has brought him into
contact with many bird species across the County.
In his presentation he is hoping to share some of
his more unusual findings whilst giving a panoramic
overview of the range of avian species which birders
may be fortunate enough to encounter in Norfolk.
In his own words: “My experience in birding goes back
as far as my childhood, when at the age of ten I nursed
an injured Stone Curlew back to health! I am now,
according to my grandchildren, an old man of 77! but
still have the burning passion for our feathered friends
and been fortunate to travel to foreign parts to satisfy
my desire for the exotic! However, some years ago at
a NarVOS meeting a comment was directed to me
with regard to the wonderful birds that from time to
time have graced our great county in addition to our
bountiful residents! Therefore, it is my aim to illustrate
those birds to any persons that do not wish to endure
airports etc., but would still like to see the little and
large and the pretty and the plain of our county!”
Please come along. Visitors welcome. Admission £4
on the night; free to NarVOS members. For more
information contact Ian Black on 01760 724092 or go
to www.narvos.org.uk.
Swaffham Arts
We obviously had to take a break in putting on arts
events during the covid pandemic, and our first venture
back was in September 2022 in the Church of St Peter
and St Paul. Last year’s AGM was conducted on Zoom,
but this year we are glad to be holding our meeting
in the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 21 st May at 3 pm.
As our return to putting on concerts has been widely
welcomed, we shall be able to review what we have
done so far this year, and set out our plans for the
coming season.
Over the years there has been a wide variety of
entertainment after the business of the meeting is
concluded. Following on from the concert in March we
are delighted that Ivan McCready, the cellist with Chaos
Collective, has agreed to come and play some solo cello
music for us. The cello is a most beautiful instrument
and we look forward to hearing it played in all its moods.
The AGM is an opportunity to meet and have time to
chat, We always welcome ideas from members and
friends, and look forward to seeing as many as can come
on that day. Swaffham Arts AGM Sunday 21st May,
3pm at Swaffham Assembly Rooms
Community Hospital LoF's
A brief update this time. All the goodies delivered to
patients and staff in time for the Easter weekend.
A couple of important dates to note please:
• Saturday 20th May - our Hospital coffee morning at
the Methodist Church from 9.15am - 12noon. Come
and support us and enjoy some home made treats.
• Monday 22d May - 2pm at the Hospital in Sporle
road. The League of Friends AGM. Open to the public.
Agenda available on request or just turn up on the day.
Please keep up the coin collection idea, this does help
and gratefully received.
More next time on our scheme to improve/extend
the day room. As ever, any questions/comments do
contact me.
Colin Houghton (Chairman) 07767 262108
Royal British Legion
Silhouette Soldier
Swaffham Royal British Legion wanted to add a WW1
Silhouette Soldier to the current War Memorial adjacent
to the Market Place as a mark of respect to those who
served our nation. In able for this to proceed it needed
the approval of Swaffham Town Council and during
consultations the Council advised that they would
award a grant to help fund the project, which The Royal
British Legion are thankful for. Mr Peter Garner of PGMS
was contracted to fabricate the Soldier and Mr Richard
Burns of Breckland Finishing to powder coat it in order it
was weather proofed. The unveiling of the soldier will be
26th April with General Page to unveil and Cllr Stuart Bell
our Town Mayor in attendance together with other local
councillors and members of The Royal British Legion.
Poppy Appeal Update
David and Bobbie Elsom have taken on the role of Poppy
Appeal organisers. We are grateful to have people
joining us who are keen to make a difference to our
Armed Forces community and their families.
Our RBL meeting for May will be on 16th at 8pm at the
Con Club. More new members welcome.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
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PAID TILL JUNE 23
Emmerdale and Yorkshire Weekend
Full day and guided tour of the Emmerdale set and locations
Friday 9 th June-Sunday 11 th June 2023
£235.00
South Coast Explorer
Bournemouth, Poole Harbour, Beaulieu
Monday 29 th May-Friday 2 nd June
£435.00
Please ring on 01328 701531or visit www.peelingscoaches.co.uk for full details
PAY MONTHLY
8

Swaffham WI
We held our last meeting on
Wednesday 5th April at 2.30pm in
the Community Centre .
Our speaker was Susan Parry on 'Postman's Park'
in London. The name of this park was because the
original postal sorting office was nearby. However,
the interest was under a long wooden roof covering
54 memorial tablets of people who had died in
acts of heroism from 1856 to 2007. The majority of
heros being mostly from trying to save others from
drownings or fires. These covered the ages of 8 to
61. The details of many tablets were shown on screen
and explained in detail by Susan. Although very sad it
was extremely interesting and well worth visiting, if
possible.
The April competition was 'A Posy of Spring Flowers'
and the voting donations went to ACWW 'Pennies
for Friendship' the collection contained many silver
coins, of course.
We had cards and small presents for 3 members with
April birthdays. Plus a box of small Easter eggs for a
raffle prize by guessing the number of eggs contained
in the box. This was won by a member who gave the
nearest guess at 127.
Annual Membership fees were collected and boards
with details of future outings to be completed by
those interested as soon as possible.
These included:
• Sandringham Stud on 15th June.
• A guided walk on Watton's History on 28th June.
• Peter Beale's Roses, near Attleborough on 26th July.
• South Pickenham Vineyard on 13th September.
Pickenham's WI
On 11th April our speaker was one
of our members, Cherry Cook, who
showed us some of the beautiful
Fused Glasswork that she has been making at home
for the past 5 years or so. Cherry told us how she
had first become interested when a speaker at our
meeting a few years ago had shown us how to make
glass coasters. The speaker had then taken them back
to fire in her kiln and we had had them delivered to
us a few days later. Cherry had become inspired. She
bought her own kiln and her interest in glass making
has become very absorbing and enjoyable for her.
After this fascinating talk, we broke for tea and
then held our business meeting. Our Spring Review
rehearsals had continued to go well and our
performance of 'Lady Ruby's Lost Riches' was held
on 15th April. Some of our members went to the
Pentney lunch on 24th April. Our walk to celebrate
'Women Walk the World' took place on 29th April.
Forthcoming events:
• Sunday, 7th May at 3.00pm - Coronation Afternoon
Tea, St Andrew's Church, North Pickenham, £5 adult,
£3 children.
• Tuesday, 23rd May - Some members are going to
the Norfolk Federation Annual Meeting at the Theatre
Royal, Norwich
• Thursday, 25th May - 10.30-4.30 - Live streaming of
the WI National Annual Meeting at New Buckenham
Village Hall.
• Saturday, 10th June - 10am-2pm - WI Table Top Sale
at St Andrew's Church - Teas, Coffees and Cake will be
served.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, 9th May 2023 - 2.00pm at
St Mary's Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill (Bring and
Share picnic)
Swaffham Rugby Club
At the time of writing, Swaffham seniors have won
the first two Norfolk Junior Cup games, and are
second in our group. The top two teams in the group
will play against each other at Wymondham on 29th
April for the Norfolk Salver. Kick Off 11am. Fingers
crossed for our next two games! Keep an eye on
our Facebook pages to find out if Swaffham will be
contesting the final!
Thanks to all those who came along to support Those
Magnificent Men at home games in the 2022/23
season – it really does make a difference!
Although the season is drawing to a close, we
have decided to maintain our popular Touch Union
sessions at 7pm on Tuesdays. We launched The
Touch Union in January this year. We now have a
regular mixed group of all ages enjoying this friendly
version of our sport, both former players getting
back into our sport, and newcomers who want to
give rugby a try and get fit with like minded people.
Swaffham & District Lions Club
The Lioness Branch Club Easter Egg
tombola stall was held in the Saturday
indoor market, which at present is being
held in the Methodist Church. Many thanks to all who
supported this. The money raised will be donated to
Muscular Distrophy.
The Lions PR stall was out again in the Market place
on a Saturday. Although the weather wasn’t great,
we spoke to quite a number of people, giving out
our information leaflets about our Club and the
Lions International organisation. We also handed
out several of our free “Message in a Bottle” plastic
bottles, which should be kept in the fridge, and
contain all your relevant medical information, should
a medical emergency arise at home.
Dates were given for 'Knit & Natter' and bowling gettogethers.
Our next meeting will be on 3rd May at 2.30pm in
the Community Centre. This will be to celebrate the
coronation of King Charles III.
Should you wish any more information please contact
our President Pauline Senton on 01760 788046 or
our secretary Christiane Hewitson on 01366 328128.
If anyone would like more information, please contact
our President, Carol Richards on 07873 744971 or
our Secretary, Melanie Cousins on 07840 814417.
Why not come along to North Pickenham Road any
Tuesday at 7pm and try The Touch Union it’s a noncontact
rugby format that’s open to everyone over
14 no matter their gender, age, skill or experience.
Join us for a fun-filled, fast-paced game that will
leave you feeling amazing.
There will be no charge for participation for the
remainder of the 2022/23 season.
For further information, please contact Ruth
(touchunion@swaffhamrugby.co.uk)
Forthcoming Events:
• We will be holding our popular Annual Lions
Club World Quiz on Friday 19th May, this time
at Swaffham Conservative Club, teams of up to 6,
staring at 7.30pm. Cost £5 per person. Please book
your team with Lions on 01760 724304.
• We are also doing a Sponsored Walk on May
20th in support of Magic Breakfast, a charity which
provides free healthy school breakfasts to children at
risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the UK. This
will be a 5mile walk around the Ashill area, finishing
with a well- deserved lunch at The White Hart, Ashill.
Swaffham & District Lions and Lionesses
10
11

MUSEUM
MATTERS
www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk
www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk
Open 10am to 4pm Mon to Fri & Sat 10am to 1pm
Last entry to collection half an hour before closing
Prices: adults £3. Children 5 and over £1. Family tickets available
Tel: 01760 721230 Email: info@swaffhammuseum.co.uk
Swaffham Heritage has spent some weeks working
with a group of students from The Nicholas Hamond
Academy on a project in our Conflict and Consequences
gallery. Through Lino prints and text they explored
their thoughts and feelings about the theme of the
gallery and added their own favourite artefacts. It was
both enjoyable and illuminating to share stories with
the young people and we hope that it will encourage
others to appreciate that history isn’t always about
ancientness but that what we are living today is part of
his (and her) story.
The image shows a man and a woman modelling
protective overalls which the students decorated.
Previously they were models of a man wearing a demob
suit and a woman dressed as a WRVS volunteer.
12
Don’t forget the Corporation Challenge
Details are on the website swaffhamculture.org. Or
contact swaffhheritage@outlook.com. Or pop into
the museum. The next event is 12th June “Mapping
the Marketplace”. A pop-in event from 10am to 3pm
in the Assembly Rooms’ Regency Room and led by the
Swaffham History Group. If you are interested in the
history of the marketplace; if you have memories of
working or owning any of the shops or if you would like
to help with research - this is for you.
The Unveiling of the Mosaic
L to R: Dave Crow, Carolyn Ash, Sue Gattuso,
Lilian Ross, Steward Bell, Shirley Matthews
The Community Mosaic Pyramid, created by the
people of Swaffham under the artistic hands of mosaic
designer Carolyn Ash, was unveiled on Saturday 15th
April outside the Methodist Church on London Street,
Swaffham. It was unveiled by Shirley Matthews who has
recently been made an honorary citizen of Swaffham
for all the work she has done in and for the town over
many years and Lilian Ross, a resident in The Paddocks
care home who created a mosaic tile aged 106.
The project was funded by Heritage England as a
cultural event within the High Street/Heritage Action
Zone initiative and was one several events in the town
to celebrate the life and work of Howard Carter. Around
300 people of all ages created tiles and many more
helped with the behind the scenes work.
Friends of Swaffham Heritage
The Friends of Swaffham Heritage held their Annual
General Meeting on Wednesday 22nd March in the
Regency Room at the Assembly Rooms in Swaffham.
There was a good turn out of members. Chair, Dr Sue
Gattuso commented on the role the Friends have now
taken on, leading the Swaffham Cultural Consortium
over the next year with the Heritage Action Zone events
with finance from a grant from Historic England. Stuart
Clapton, Membership Secretary, outlined a programme
of visits and excursions prepared by the Friends, including
a trip around the STANTA military training ground at
West Tofts in May, a day out at the Sheringham 1940s
theme weekend in September, and, near the end of the
year, a coach trip to the Ely Cathedral Christmas Market.
The Treasurer, John Wallace, reported that the Friends
finances are in good shape. John also has his work
cut out in overseeing all the invoices and payments in
connection with the Heritage Action Zone events this
coming year. Later, after the close of the AGM, Sue, in her
capacity as the Director of Swaffham Heritage, thanked
the Friends for their support and gave a comprehensive
talk on this year of Heritage Action Zone events which is
being labelled “Under the Eye of the Buttercross”.
This follows the successful year of “Carter 22”. She also
talked about the financial help received from the Friends
in the remodelling of the Carter Gallery in the Museum.
During the meeting the current members of the Friends
committee were confirmed in office by the assembled
members.
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.
Winners for April 2023 were:
• £40 – no 2270 • £20 – no 2217 • £10 – no 2259
Cheques are on their way to our lucky winners!
For further information about the Friends of Swaffham
Heritage contact the Membership Secretary by
email stuartclapton@aol.com, or see our webpage,
on the Swaffham Heritage website https://www.
swaffhammuseum.co.uk/support-us#friends-ofswaffham-
heritage or call in to the Museum.
13
Swaffham Jazz Club
As the March session missed the deadline for that issue,
here is an account of it. The evening was dedicated to
Doreen Parr who sadly passed away recently. Doreen
supported the Club for 8 years right from the start in our
King’s Arms days, before we moved to the Conservative
Club. Our condolences to her family and friends.
We welcomed for the first time Jazz Signs; Dave Barker
(keyboard), Ed Taylor (guitar), Paul Mason (drums), Ted
Fuller (electric bass), Terry Hope (trumpet) and Emily
Gore-Rose (vocals).
The layout looked rather odd; the rhythm section
and guitar clustered together, on, and in front of the
stage, with Terry on his own well to the left. So it was
very ‘stereophonic’ with the trumpet’s big bold sound
from the left and the rest playing as a tight-knit unit.
We would like to thank Emily for standing in at the last
moment for Cate Downes, their regular vocalist. Emily
has a good ‘jazz feel’ and went down very well. The band
has a great asset in Terry, who not only played some fine
solos, but was also a great compère both informative
and funny!
The band stood out not just for the high quality of
individual solos, but also for its well rehearsed intros.
and endings. We hope they will come back soon.
Unfortunately I missed the April session. What follows
has kindly been written by a newcomer to the Club,
Grahame Poole. This was a first for us at SJC. We had
come to see Graeme Culham (drums) Nigel Portass
(keyboard) and John Willmott (sax) who we had seen
a number of times. John played in the first jazz band I
ever saw - “Rent Party” a jump jive band playing round
London in the early 80s. The singer, Tom Melvin, was
new to us and a pleasant surprise. The band as usual
did not disappoint. Tom’s vocal was a great addition to
the line up. And the band they rocked!
If you enjoy the American Songbook I can recommend
one of the regular jazz evenings at SJC. A very pleasant
evening with very agreeable staff and members.
Next month’s line up looks great — Ivars on bass is an
excellent player, and in the distant past I have played with
Mark Jolly who is an outstanding violinist. Phil Brooke is
a new name to me but I look forward to hearing him.
Coming Up:
Phil Brooke’s Jazz Trio:
Phil Brooke (guitar), Mark Jolly (jazz violin), Ivars
Galenieks (double bass).
Tuesday 9th May 7.30 - 10 pm. Swaffham Conservative
Club. 23 London Street, Swaffham PE37 7DD.
£10 cash on the door. More information from Norman
01760 722384 or Geoff 01366 328730.

Swaffham
Branch
01760
725801
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familyactionswaffham
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Coronation Celebration
Heirlooms Car Boot Sale
Coronation Celebration
Heirlooms Car Boot Sale
at at
on
Coronation Celebration
on
Heirlooms Car Boot Sale
Sunday 14 th at
at May 2023
9.30am to 2.30pm
Sunday 14
By kind permission of the on Chief Executive of Fakenham th May 2023
Racecourse Ltd
Sunday
9.30am
14 th May 2023
to 2.30pm
9.30am to 2.30pm
By kind permission of the Chief Executive of Fakenham Racecourse Ltd
By kind permission 9.30am of the to 2.30pm Chief Executive of Fakenham Racecourse Ltd
By kind permission of the Chief Executive of Fakenham Racecourse Ltd
In aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
Registered Charity No. 1146420
Pitches by invitation only
Coronation Celebration
Heirlooms Car Boot Sale
Sunday 14 th May 2023
Admission £5 per person, Children under 16 free
Refreshments available, free car parking
Pitches by invitation only
In aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
Registered Charity No. 1146420
Admission £5 per person, Children under 16 free
Refreshments available, free car parking
on
Pitches by invitation only
Admission £5 per person, Children under 16 free
Refreshments available, free car parking
Pitches by invitation only
In aid of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity
Registered Charity No. 1146420
Admission £5 per person, Children under 16 free
Refreshments available, free car parking
Rotary President's Corner
Swaffham Another month passes and at last the
signs of Spring are emerging - with this in mind the Club
is holding a 'Gardener’s Question Time'. Gardening
makes us feel better and now the warmer weather
approaches we thought it would be helpful to have
some local experts to help with queries and advice.
We are lucky to have the services of Jeremy Darby, an
international specialist in fruit and berry plants. Olley
Forrest, Head Gardener for Lord and Lady Fairhaven of
Kirtling Tower Estate - a 25 acre garden. Barry Dayton,
Desert World, an expert on cacti, orchards and regular
on BBC Cambridgeshire. It will take place in The Pedlar’s
Suite of The George Hotel, Swaffham on 20th May
at 7.30pm. The bar will be open and the entrance
fee is £8. All the proceeds going to the victims of the
Ukraine War. Tickets are available via our website www.
swaffhamrotary.org.uk or at the door on the night.
Last month we held a Wine Tasting in Oxborough
Village Hall, being the second such event we have held
there. It featured wines carefully chosen to pair with
equally carefully selected cheeses. Everyone seemed
to enjoy the evening very loudly! The event was held
as a fund raiser for the relief efforts for the earthquake
victims in Turkey/Syria and £530 was raised. This with
Gift Aid added plus a small addition from our Charity
Account enough money was raised to add to the
collection featured in last month’s Newsletter to fund
a 5th Shelterbox. This means that the Club has donated
virtually £3000 to this dreadful disaster.
At the time of writing this column Scott Stones of Waites
& Stones has left for his 8th visit to the War Zone of the
Ukraine. We have been very pleased to have helped him
financially with his wonderful humanitarian challenge.
This time he is transporting mainly Generators, as well
as the aid donated by the people of Swaffham & District.
15
SCALGA
Greetings from the allotments
It is a long time since I wrote our news from the plots. It
seems to have been a long and tedious winter followed
by so much rain. We have not been able to get our
potatoes in and whilst some would say early April is too
soon, others have planted. Last week we had bright sun
but a frost in the early morning so still the earth was not
warming as it should. I did take the plunge and put some
earlies in potato bags. Others use tyres and stack them as
they need heaping. I think a lot of gardeners (especially
with small areas) are looking for alternative methods
for growing spuds. Thank goodness for the internet and
Facebook. There is a huge mine of information to be had.
I decided to put my broad beans into pots to start them
off, we’ll see how they progress. Other than that I and
others are again starting the seeds off in cells. It will be
interesting to see if they are ahead of stuff grown directly
into the soil. Belt and braces, I’ll do both as it gets warmer.
This year we have had more Avian Flu and the birds have
been locked up for even longer. Unfortunately, this causes
hen pecking and outright fighting.
Because of a problem with the Regency Rooms in the
Assembly rooms we have not been able to book our AGM
until the 7th June. We hope to see you there. We are
looking for volunteers to take over the running of SCALGA
and more Committee members.
Forthcoming Events
• SCALGA AGM 7th June, 7pm to 8.30pm. Tea and coffee
will be served. We hope to see you there.
Campingland PPG
Campingland Patient Participation Group are hosting
an open meeting : “Better Care For Armed Forces
Veterans” on 24th May 2023 at 1pm at Swaffham
Community Centre on the Campingland. This event
is open to everyone, regardless of which surgery you
attend.
The speakers will be:
• Air Commodore Kevin Pellatt
• Norfolk Armed Forces Commissioner
• Dr Andrew Hayward NHS GP Advisor.
If it is possible to let us know you are attending it
would help for us to know numbers, or if you require
more information ring: Ann – 07887 516565 or
anewmeir1@sky.com
Swaffham Speed Watch
Fed up with speeding traffic?
Swaffham Speedwatch volunteers are slowing traffic
in 10 locations around the town; if you would like to
volunteer we can try to encourage more responsible
driving, reduce pollution and make Swaffham a safer,
cleaner, healthier place. Contact Swaffham Speed
Watch at swaffhamcsw@gmail.com

1
2
3
4
5
A
OPEN
CLEAR
6
7
8
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B
Merle Boddy 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.
Many of you will probably not be aware that the Merle
Boddy Day Centre is actually overseen by a charitable
organisation called the Swaffham and District Mental
Health Association (SDMHA for short). The SDMHA has
a board of directors who are all volunteers and receive
no remuneration for being directors. The purpose of
the board is to look after the finances and some of the
administrative business of the Centre, allowing the
professional paid staff to concentrate on the core service
to our clients.
This month we are bidding farewell to three of our
directors who, after long service, have decided to step
down from the board: they are Ian Pilcher, Sue Pilcher,
and Stan Sole. Ian and Sue have worked tirelessly over the
past three years to get the Centre finances into shape, and
thanks to their efforts we are now on a sound footing, with
sufficient reserves to meet all our financial obligations.
This was despite the significant challenges of the lockdown
period during the Covid-19 pandemic when we could not
operate, and as a result lost a lot of income. Stan has been
involved with the facilities of the Centre including heating
and lighting. We are indebted to them for their many
hours of diligent work for the Centre, bearing in mind that
this was purely voluntary with no remuneration.
We are now on the lookout for new volunteers to join
our board and help us take
forward the work of the
Centre.
At the end of March we
had a second visit from the
wonderful PAT (Pets And
Therapy) dog Hugo and his
handler. Lots of attention
to this gorgeous boy and
no wonder after looking at
that smile! Just one of the
amazing interactions we have had last month.
We also had great fun getting ready for Easter. We loooove
Easter Eggs!
If you are interested in our work and would like to be
involved, we always welcome volunteers, friends and
supporters to help us. We also welcome your donations,
small as well as big. You can give by visiting our website and
clicking on Fundraising, where we have a link to JustGiving.
If you want to know more, find us on Facebook – @
merleboddycentre - or see our website - www.
merleboddy.org.uk - or email to us at office@merleboddy.
org.uk - or phone the Centre on 01760 724527.
Wissey u3a
The guest speaker at our April
meeting was Andy Moore, whose talk on the short
WWII history of Bexwell Airfield, also known as RAF
Downham, kept us fascinated with little-known
facts, and many amusing anecdotes regarding the
personnel who served there. Andy also brought
with him a large collection of old photographs and
mementos relating to his subject, which members
were able to inspect after the meeting.
On Thursday 4th May we shall be having our Annual
General Meeting, which all members are encouraged
to attend. It is important that The Wissey u3a is
seen to be operating in an accountable and proper
manner as required by the Charity Commission.
Non-members may attend but will not be able to
vote. The St Catherines Belles, a team of handbell
ringers, will entertain us, after the business of
the AGM has been concluded, and there will also
be a short slideshow of photographs taken by our
Photography Group, one of the 20 Activity Groups
organised by our members.
At our monthly meeting on Thursday 1st June, our
guest speaker will be Saffron Summerfield, whose
presentation is titled ‘When Birds Sing’. This will be
a digitally illustrated, Inspirational talk with her own
recordings of birdsong and calls, photos and videos.
Why, how and when do birds sing? How birdsong
is good for our well-being. Also, how they have
influenced our greatest poets and composers. Tips
on how to identify birdsong in gardens and parks.
Monthly meetings are held at The Pavilion, Holme
Hale. We open for refreshments and socialising
from 9.45am with the meeting starting at 10.30am.
More information is available from Chairman,
David Moncaster, tel: 01760 724755 or email:
d.moncaster@btinternet.com or visit our website:
www.wisseyu3a.org.uk
Swaffham Walking Group
Swaffham Walking Group is a small friendly group
of keen walkers who enjoy the countryside and
cake. Meeting every Wednesday at 9.30am and
every Sunday at 10.00am in various locations
around Swaffham and the surrounding villages to
enjoy a walk from around 3 to 6.5 miles. Afterwards
enjoying Tea, Coffee &
Cakes/biscuits.
For more information
and details on the next
walk, please contact
Graham Lathwell on
07486 901 948.
Authors, Books and Cakes
Don’t delay booking for…
Exciting events happening in Swaffham. We are
welcoming a range of authors to share with us
information about the books they have written and
their research.
• 14th May - Panel of authors writing crime books
based in our local area. Panel will include Joy Ellis,
David Blake and J.M. Dalgliesh
• 11th June - Robin Ince - from The Infinite Monkey
Cage on Radio 4.
• 10th September - Louise Doughty - author of Apple
Tree Yard and Platform Seven.
• 15th October - Alison Weir - acclaimed author of
historical fiction. The event will include music by
Pearlintheegg, historical musicians.
• 5th November - Sarah Perry - author of The Essex
Serpent and Julie Walker whose debut novel was
‘Bonny and Read’. (Two women pirates of the 17th
Century).
All events will be held at Swaffham Assembly Rooms
at 3pm. Tickets cost £20 and include a full afternoon
tea. All money raised in aid of Norfolk Charities.
To avoid disappointment please book a place at
Ceres Bookshop - tel: 01760 722504. For further
information please phone Lynette on 07900 570765.
Swaffham History Group
Wanted
If you have seen buildings like this around the
Swaffham Market Place? We need your assistance
with information regarding their occupiers, owners,
unusual stories relating to these buildings. It is for
a very important project that the Swaffham History
Group are undertaking in conjunction with heritage
England. There is a workshop planned for 12th June
2023 at the Assembly Rooms between 10am till 3pm.
If you think you can help us with our enquiries please
come along and view what we have accomplished so
far, you may hold that vital piece of information we
are seeking.
For further details of the History Group please contact
01842 879140 or Email; jbaz@go-plus.net.
16 17
Last year we received
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calls, and 97% of them
were answered within
60 seconds.
We are here to help.
Careline
alarm
Buddy
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(GPS tracker)
Vibby
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To find out more, call us on 01553 616200
or visit careline-cs.org.uk and careandrepair-wn.org
Supra
Keysafe
1170-120-6

In Touch With Your Town
Mayors Civic Reception
The Mayor Cllr Stewart Bell and
Consort Mrs Debbie Bell held a
Showman’s Themed Civic Reception
at George Hotel, Swaffham. Dignitaries,
councillors, local charities and local groups were
entertained by live singers and dancers, the event was
an amazing tribute to the work done by the Mayor
and councillors over the past year.
Cllr Shirley Matthews was made Honorary Citizen of
Swaffham. Shirley has been Mayor of Swaffham seven
times, with 36 years of service as a Town Councillor, as
well as serving for many years as both a Breckland and
Norfolk County Councillor, her dedication to public
service also extends to serving for many years on the
executive of the Norfolk Association of Local Councils.
At her first meeting on 13 May 1987, she was greeted
by the Town Mayor Cllr Paul Ison, also elected to the
Town Council that year was Cllr Paul Darby, who was
also present at her last Full council meeting on 12th
April 2023, Shirley was tasked with saying a prayer
prior to the meeting and left the Council with the
wise words of Reinhold Niebuhr. “God grant me the
serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the
courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to
know the difference.”
Mayor Cllr Stewart Bell & Consort Debbie Bell
Town Clerk Richard Bishop stated “Shirley served on
five of her seven occasions as Mayor during my time
as Town Clerk, she served the town well, as she was
a good chair as well as doing the civic side of things
with dignity, grace, and authority. Never afraid to take
difficult decisions, and as Mayor remaining apolitical,
despite remaining a staunch Conservative, and there
are many examples of this on record. My standout
memory of Shirley as Mayor was in our twin town of
Couhe, as Shirley addressed our French and German
friends in their own language, before addressing the
English contingent too! It was a proud Town Clerk
moment, when I thought to myself, I wish all our
Swaffham residents were here to stand and applaud
her, as she did Swaffham proud. But this she did, time
and time again, and there could be no-one more
deserving of the accolade of Honorary Citizen of
Swaffham.”
Mayor Cllr Stewart Bell & Cllr Shirley Matthews
King’s Coronation
To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III,
Breckland District Council and Swaffham Town Council
have jointly funded a mobile LED screen, this will be
located at the Market Place on Saturday 6th May,
showing the King’s Coronation in the morning and Top
Gun: Maverick at 6.30pm. On Sunday 7th May Roald
Dahl’s Matilda,The Musical will be showing at 2.30pm
and the Coronation Concert from 7pm. Please bring
your own chairs and picnics or visit one of the fantastic
local establishments in Swaffham.
Elections
District and Town/Parish Elections are scheduled to
take place on Thursday 4th May 2023. Check out the
Breckland website – www.breckland.go.uk/elections
for more information on dates, nominations, and the
new ID requirements.
Breckland Council
Notice of persons nominated:
Judy Anscombe, Paul Darby, Jacob Morton, Leanne
Smart, Bob Wade, and David Wickerson.
Norfolk County Council
Notice of persons nominated:
Terry Land, William Nunn, and Josie Ratcliffe.
Swaffham Town Council
Notice of uncontested election:
Lindsay Beech, Stewart Bell, Wendy Bensley, David
Braithwaite, Stephanie Cooper, Paul Darby, Graham
Edwards, Caroline Ellerbeck, Graham Eves, Sarah
Pickard, Leslie Scott, Jill Skinner, and John Zielinski.
Thank you to our Retiring Councillors and Welcome
to our new Councillors.
In addition to Cllr Shirley Matthews standing down
after 36 years, two other Former Mayor’s in Cllr Colin
Houghton (eight years) and Cllr Judy Anscombe (four
years), with former Chair of Finance Cllr Ian Pilcher
(four years), all retiring from the Council 5 days after
the 4th May election date, paving the way for the
newly elected unopposed Council to take office from
their first meeting on 17 May 2023 at 6.30pm.
Please note that the newly elected Town Councillors
David Braithwaite, Caroline Ellerbeck, Sarah Pickard,
and John Zielinski; will sign their declaration of office
at their first meeting at the Town Hall. There will be
three meetings held on the same evening. The Annual
Town Assembly will be held at and followed by the
Annual Meeting and a full council meeting.
Save the date!
• King’s Coronation – Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th May.
• Sheep Fayre – Saturday 3rd June.
• Classic Car Show – Sunday 27th August. A longstanding
annual event planned this year– keep an eye
out for more communications on what is planned by
the car event volunteers.
If you have any queries about any of the items
mentioned or would like to hear more updates on
projects etc, please contact Swaffham Town Council
on telephone 01760 722922 or pop in and see us.
Remember we do not do bus passes however Norfolk
County Council do.
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.
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
Town Council Committee
meeting dates - MAY 2023
• Weds 10th May 6.30pm - Full Council
• Mon 15th May 6.30pm - Market Committee
• Weds 24th May 1pm - Assets & Open Spaces Committee
Did you know...all council meetings include a 15 minute session
set aside for public participation. This is your opportunity to
put questions to your Councillors about things that matter
to you and the town. Why not come along and see how your
Councillors manage the council's affairs.
Swaffham Town Council
Tel: 01760 722 922
www.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Town Hall opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 10am - 4pm.
Friday: 10am - 1pm.
reception@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Ian Sherwood
07795 236 878
ian.sherwood@
breckland.gov.uk
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. 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. Ian Pilcher
CllrPilcher.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Les Scott
CllrScott.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Jill Skinner
CllrSkinner.SwaffhamTC@gmail.com
Cllr. Stephanie Cooper
Cllr. Graham Eves
Officers:
Richard Bishop – Town Clerk
townclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Helen Carrier – Deputy Town Clerk
deputyclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
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Since 1906
Looking for a new throne or just
something to update your palace?
Our Downham Market store has been helping to furnish homes since 1906.
King George and Queen Elizabeth paid us a visit back in the 1930s.
As we welcome our fifth monarch since we opened, we welcome you
to come and enjoy everything we have to offer.
SOFAS | CHAIRS | FURNITURE | BEDS | MATTRESSES | FLOORING | CURTAINS | BLINDS AND MORE!
In order to allow all our staff to celebrate the King’s Coronation,
both our stores will be closed on Saturday 6 th May.
Opening Times: Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm in Downham and Ely | Sunday 10am to 4pm in Ely only
Visit the café in our Downham Market Store where delicious food and drink awaits you.
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