Local Lynx No.151 August/September 2023

LOOKING AFTER LOCAL LYNX
Local Lynx is a not-for-profit community paper
covering the villages of Bale, Binham, Cockthorpe,
Field Dalling, Gunthorpe, Langham, Morston,
Saxlingham, Sharrington and Stiffkey.
Published every other month, it contains community
news as well as news and articles from each of the
villages together with details of church services and
news from the local school in Langham.
Currently distributed to over 1,100 households it has
an estimated readership of over 2,000 as well as over
800 readers on-line at www.locallynx.co.uk.
The paper is produced entirely by volunteers with
the editor supported by village reps who collate the
stories, distributors who pop the paper through each
letterbox, proof readers who try to catch the typos, a
designer who can add style and of course those that
write the interesting articles and news.
Financially the paper is supported by the parish
councils and parochial church councils of the villages
concerned and by the wonderful local businesses who
place their adverts with us. We also have great support
from our readers. If you like what you read and would
like to make a contribution to the running costs of the
paper then these can be made by contacting the editor at
lynxeditor@pobox.com or by direct bank transfer to:
Local Paper a/c 65004288 sort code 09-01-54.
Lynx Internet Banking and Standing Orders
Account Name: Local Paper
Account number: 6500 4288 Sort code: 09-01-54
And please don’t forget….
Lynx 151 and all back issues are permanently available
on our website at www.locallynx.co.uk. The website now
has an Ads Directory, an ‘In More Detail’ page and a
‘Local Charities’ page to cover relevant articles in
greater depth. (Paper copies of website articles are always
available from Roberta on 01263 740188.)
4
COMMUNITY nEWS
INTRODUCING A NEW
LINK FOR LOCAL LYNX
Pinpoint Info
We are trying a new way to share
helpful information on local services and
support in our area.
Over the next few issues we will be highlighting
what is already out there to help with things like door to
door transport to surgeries or meeting with a real person
at your bank hub. Further ideas might look at how
Assistance Allowance works, help with hearing tests,
how does a volunteer first responder work and also
tackling harder questions such as who could I first talk
to if I am worried about something or someone.
If you have an idea for a good bit of pinpoint
information, please let us know. Contact your rep or
send an email directly to lynxeditor @pobox.com. You
can also ring me on 01263 740188. Please note all
information received will remain confidential. We will
also be creating a permanent page on our website to list
(and update) all information gathered. RH (ed.)
L151 PINPOINT INFO
Fakenham Age Concern
Community Minibus Service
Need assistance getting to supermarkets,
appointments or banks in Fakenham?
Well, here’s where you can find help.
Fakenham Age Concern area minibus provides a number
of regular door-to-door services to Fakenham from villages
covered by the Local Lynx for people over 55.
These routes are flexible and can divert to take in visits to
health centres, dentists, banks and other vital destinations.
They charge £6 for collection and return from
surrounding villages into Fakenham.
Wheelchairs and walking frames can be taken onboard,
and a lift is available if you require assistance in entering the
bus.
Their drivers and helpers, all volunteers, are wonderfully
flexible and will look after you and your shopping and assist
you on your return home.
To book your weekly return trip, or to find out more
about this invaluable community service, contact Adrian
Hill on 0799 002 6839.
MC
COUNTY COUNCILLORS’ NOTES
…from Steffan Aquarone
Bank Hubs and Doctors' Surgeries
Rural services are in dire decline, and I am deeply
worried about the lack of dentists, doctors’ appointments,
and mental health services available in our area - none more
so than the proposed closure of Blakeney GP surgery.
Surgeries can't just open and close as they wish - they're
contracted as part of an overall plan, managed by Norfolk
and Waveney Integrated Care Board, for meeting the health
needs of the people in our area.
The initial request for closure put forward by Holt
Medical Practice is, however, a worrying thing for our area
as it could mean losing local surgery provision.