SNL Sept 23 for web

SN
Online
September 2023
Your free town newsletter published by Iceni Partnership
SWAFFHAM
newslet ter
version available to view at www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
NEWS EVENTS INFORMATION
Town's Food & Artisans'
Fair a big hit with visitors
Read all about the event in the article on page 5
FOOD &
Artisans’
FAIR
REGULARS
Swaffham
& District
Lions Club
p.8
Swaffham
Rugby
Club
p.16
Swaffham
Town
Council
p.18
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 WEA/Swaffham Sparklers/Iceni Antics
4 Church News
5 Swaffham Rotary/Cultural Consortium
7 Swaffham Arts/Hospital/NarVOS
8 Swaffham & District Lions/Merle Boddy
9 Wissey u3a/Royal British Legion
10 Swaffham History Group
12 Ashill & Hale Garden Club/NGS Norfolk
15 Local WI Groups
13 Jazz Club/Friends of Swaffham Heritage
14 The Magpie Centre/Authors, Books & Cakes
16 Climate Action Group/Rugby Club
18 Swaffham Town Council
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Swaffham WEA
WEA has gone through several changes
in the last couple of years, and some
tutors have stopped being official WEA lecturers and
now operate as guest lecturers. Mary Fewster will be
returning to Swaffham Community Centre in September
as a guest lecturer running a 3 week course, part 1 of
“Health, Medicine and Social Care”, the development
and practice of care through the centuries. We have
booked her to carry on with part 2 in the spring term.
Mary has taught several very interesting topics over the
years, and we look forward to this latest area of history.
It is good to be feeling more relaxed about meeting in
groups again, but in the meantime we have lost our
Friday morning slot, so our courses will be running
on Wednesday afternoon beginning on Wednesday
September 20th from 2pm to 4pm. We will, of course,
break for a cup of tea midway!
The enrolment process has changed slightly, but you can
still go online: wea.org.uk or phone: 0300 303 3464.
Now we must enrol first, and they will ask for payment
(£36) later. The course reference number is Q 00011225.
Mary is a very popular lecturer, and we look forward to
seeing old friends and new faces for her latest course.
Swaffham Sparklers
Swaffham Sparklers annual coffee morning to support
the MacMillan Cancer
With the help of the local community and other Red Hat
groups we raised over £700 last year for Macmillans.
Swaffham Sparklers feel that this an important charity
with many of us living with a cancer diagnosis or
supporting someone in our family so it was decided that
we would run the event to support the wonderful work
done by Macmillan Cancer support in providing physical,
emotional and financial support.
Alongside the coffee morning there will tombola,
jewellery, preloved clothes and more. This year's coffee
morning will be held at Swaffham Conservative Club
on Friday, 22nd September from 10am - 2 pm.
All are welcome to come and support this wonderful
charity. If you can’t make it to this coffee morning there
will be others in and around Swaffham on different
days and times.
Sue Travis Co-Queen, Swaffham Sparklers
Iceni Antics
Since the start of 2023 Iceni Partnership have
been running the Swaffham Social Group (formerly
known as Age Concern) once a month on a Tuesday
afternoon at Swaffham Assembly Rooms.
Activities organised so far have included an afternoon
tea with therapeutic guinea pigs, illustrated talks and
musical performances.
In July the activity was a workshop with Sarah, who as
well as working at Iceni, is also a trained florist. The
workshop was making 'kokedama' balls - the Japanese
equivilant of a hanging basket which consists of
a plant that has its roots wrapped up in moss. Indoor
'fittonia' plants were used, which should grow nicely
in their new homes with a regular misting of water.
There is still plenty more to look forward to this year,
with coach trips to Sheringham and Ely and a Theatre
performance yet to come. If you would like to find out
more about the group, contact us on 01760 722800.
In August we were lucky enough to receive several
boxes of store cupboard items from Swaffham Police.
Pictured below is Beat Manager PC Justin Johnson
with Iceni Partnership manager Claire Cotterill and
our volunteer Charlotte.
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If you would like to know more about what we do,
visit our website: www.swaffhamcommunityhub.
co.uk. Alternatively, you can call us on 01760 722800
or please feel free to pop into the office and see
us in person. We are open between 9am and 4pm,
Monday to Friday.

St Peter and St Paul, Swaffham
Services for September 2023 - All are Welcome
Sunday 3rd
9.30am
6pm
Sung Eucharist
Evensong
Sunday 10th
9.30am Sung Eucharist
Sunday 17th
8am Holy Communion
9.30am United Benefice Sung
Eucharist joined by the people
of Sporle
Sunday 24th
Harvest Thanksgiving weekend
9.30am Sung Eucharist
3pm Community Harvest
Thanksgiving on The Campingland -if
wet in the parish Church.
Sunday 29th
Michaelmass Day
9.30am
United Benefice Sung
Eucharist joined by the
people of Sporle
Mid week service every Wednesday Morning - 10am
Holy Communion (said)
Saturdays Coffee and Cake 9.30am to 12noon
The Church is open daily for Private Prayer and for
Visitors between 9am and 4pm
The Swaffham Mothers Union Branch meets on the
second Thursday of the month in the Baptist Church
Room. There will be no meeting in September.
Enquiries to Julia on 01760 720041.
The Vicar The Revd Janet Allan retired on 21st July
and we wish her and James well for the future. There
follows a period of vacancy whilst a new parish priest
is sought.
Contact may be made via the website: www.
swaffhamparishchurch.org or 01760 725051.
Swaffham Methodist Church
• Fri 1st Sept 9.30am. Power of Prayer.
(Contact 01760 722611 for venue)
• Sat 2nd Sept 9.30am. Church Morning with Home
Baking Fundraising Stall. Please feel free to join us.
• Sun 3rd Sept 10.45am. Morning Worship led by the
Worship Leaders and followed by refreshments. All
welcome.
• Tues 5th Sept 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. Free refreshments. Come along and meet new friends
for a chat.
• Fri 8th Sept 9.30am. Power of Prayer. Contact 01760
722611 for venue.
• Sat 9th Sept 9am-5pm. Swaffham Heritage Weekend.
Church open with tea/coffee/biscuits. Come and have a
look at our lovely old building, bring your children to see
the mural, sit quietly or join others for a chat.
• Sun 10th Sept 10.45am. Morning Worship, led by
Rev Jacqui Horton and including the Celebration of Holy
Communion. Refreshments afterwards.
• Tues 12th Sept 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. Feeling lonely? New to Swaffham? A warm welcome
awaits you. Free refreshments.
• Thurs 14th Sept 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship Group
reconvenes after the Summer break. Rev Jacqui is leading
a’Guess the Object’ game. Refreshments served.
• Fri Sept 15th 9.30. Power of Prayer. Contact 01760
722611 for venue.
• Sat Sept 16th 9.30-12noon. Coffee Morning organised
by the Swaffham Players.
• Sun 17th Sept 10.45am. Morning Worship led by the
Worship Leaders. Refreshments afterwards.
• Tues 19th Sept 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. All welcome. Free refreshments.
• Fri 22nd Sept 9.30am. Power of Prayer. Contact
01760722611 for venue.
• Sat 23rd Sept 9.30am-12noon. Coffee Morning
organised by the Royal British Legion.
• Tues 26th Sept 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. Great atmosphere. Free refreshments. All welcome.
• Thurs 28th Sept 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship Group.
Rosemary Nattriss talk entitled ‘A little bit of sweet stuff.’
Refreshments served.
• Fri 29th Sept 9.30am. The Power of Prayer. Contact
01760 722611 for venue.
• Sat 30th Sept 9.30am-12noon. Coffee Morning
organised by Swaffham Guides.
If your organisation would like to hold a coffee morning
using our premises please contact David on 07806
435066. Still a few Saturday spaces left.
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
Rotary
Swaffham
President's Corner
I have been volunteering with
Rotary ever since I joined in
1994 and although I originally joined for my own
selfish reasons, it didn’t take me long to realise that
I could make a difference to people less fortunate
than myself by working with other members. The
fulfillment I get out of Rotary is knowing I have done
something to help improve someone else’s life.
Also Rotary should be about having fun. Dr. Seuss
said, “Fun is good” I mean, if Rotary isn’t fun, why
would you turn up to meetings? Over the nearly
thirty years I’ve been a Rotarian, I believe I have
made a difference to our local and international
communities, but the added bonus is I’ve had fun.
Our world today is fast-paced, and it’s easy to forget
how important it is to contribute to our community. If
everyone in the world made an effort every day to
have a positive impact on someone’s life, especially
people they don’t know, the world would be a vastly
better place. If you are interested in finding out
more about Rotary then please contact me via our
club website www.swaffhamrotary.org.uk
Reverend Ray Burman
President Swaffham Rotary Club
Open with a Welcome
Saturday Sept 9 th
9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Sunday Sept 10 th
12 noon – 4.00 pm
There is a special Heritage service on Sunday
10 th at 10.45 am to which anyone is welcome
Swaffham Methodist Church
Swaffham Cultural Consortium
Swaffham and its neighbourhood and visitors came
out in force for the Food and Artisans’ Fair on the
Marketplace. With a wide selection of foods, drinks
and the cooking theatre, as well as a superb display
of craftmanship in the newly decorated Assembly
Rooms, there was plenty for visitors to enjoy.
A clanging bell constantly announced the arrival of a
youngster (and adults) at the top of the climbing wall.
Many thanks to everyone who volunteered,
participated and attended.
The event was organised by the Swaffham Cultural
Consortium and funded by Historic England as part of
the High Street/Historic Action Zone initiative.
Please note and put in your diary
The Consortium’s last Marketplace event for this year
is the Harvest Horkey on 24th September, followed
by a non-denomination Harvest Thanksgiving
Gathering on Campingland.
The Horkey – a tradition that goes back at least 100
years is a funfair which will fill the Marketplace. There
will be a small one off charge of £3 for unlimited rides
and there will be both traditional and modern rides
for all ages. Tickets can be bought at the museum in
advance. The Horkey is from 11am to 3pm.
Following the Horkey celebrate Harvest at a Gathering
on Campingland. Bring your own picnic and chair
– both can be left at the parish church under safe
keeping during the Horkey.
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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
NarVOS
Indoor meeting at The Assembly
Rooms, 1 Market Place, Swaffham PE37
7AB Wednesday 27 September 2023
at 7.30pm “W.H. Hudson: A Victorian
naturalist with strong East Anglian connections”
Conor Mark Jameson, an award-winning writer and
naturalist will talk about the Victorian naturalist W.H.
Hudson, following publication in August 2023 of his
book ‘Finding W. H. Hudson the Writer Who Came to
Britain to Save the Birds’, the first biography to focus
on Hudson’s role as a campaigner for nature and
supporter of the women who founded the RSPB.
Conor Jameson has written for the Guardian, BBC
Wildlife, the Ecologist, New Statesman, Africa
Geographic, NZ Wilderness, British Birds, Birdwatch
and Birdwatching magazines and has been a
scriptwriter for the BBC Natural History Unit. He is a
columnist and feature writer for the RSPB magazine,
Nature’s Home. He is the author of Silent Spring
Revisited, Shrewdunnit and Looking for the Goshawk
and has worked in conservation for over twenty years.
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
Presented
by Julian
Pursehouse
AUTUMN INSPIRATION AT
THE HIVE
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday 14 September 3.00 ‐ 4.00 | THOUGHTS ON THURSDAYS
Saturday 23 September 11.00 ‐ 3.00 | WALK AND TALK
Thursday 12 October 3.00 ‐ 4.00 | THOUGHTS ON THURSDAYS
Thursday 19 October 11.00 ‐ 12.30| MILITARY MEMOIRS . . . ‘BOY SERVICE’
Saturday 28 October RETREAT ‐ FRAMES
11.00 ‐ 3.00 | OF REFERENCE
Saturday 11 November 2.30 ‐ 4.30 | YOGA TO STRETCH AND BREATHE
Saturday 25 November 2.30 ‐ 5.30 | AUTUMN SING ‐ CASUAL CHOIR
Follow us on
facebook
Saturday 2 December THE HEART’S TIME ‐ MUSIC
3.30 ‐ 6.00| AND POETRY FOR ADVENT
All our events are
free ‐ donaons
welcomed
Presented by
Jonny Bell
Thursday 9 November 3.00 ‐ 4.00 | THOUGHTS ON THURSDAYS
Friday 17 November 3.00 ‐ 4.30| CELTIC JOURNEYS ‐ SEASONS
Sunday 10 December 2.30 ‐ 5.30 | CHRISTMAS PLAY READING
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
Book at
eventbrite
Swaffham Community Hospital
Firstly a thank you to Swaffham Football club. Some
years ago they ran what was known as the "Hospital
Cup" competition. Through Covid etc. it did not run,
but this year it has been rescued and the Friends have
received a generous sum from the competition. Lets
hope it runs again next year.
As before with our fundraising activities being
curtailed, I would ask again for your support with our
home coin collections. Any loose change you can put
aside over time is very welcome.
A reminder of our next coffee morning at the church
on Saturday morning the 21st October.
As you are probably aware our main mission for the
"Friends" is to provide those extras for the patients
and staff, that the main NHS does not. One thing we
find is that quite a few new patients come to Swaffham
with virtually no personal items such as toiletries or
even nightclothes. To help address this we work with
the staff to ensure there is a small local supply of
such items to give to those who need them. We also
provide "treats" from time to time. In recent times
we have provided "Activities" materials to help the
patients fill in the day and keep them active mentally.
Work continues in the gardens and we are pleased
that the new plants in the front are now getting more
established.
If you are interested in knowing more of what we do,
please give me a call on 07767 262108
Colin Houghton (Chairman)
Swaffham Arts
We are looking forward to the return visit of Eastern
Ensemble, who will be giving a concert in the Church
of St Peter and St Paul, Swaffham, on Saturday
September 23rd at 7.30 pm. We are so lucky to have
such a beautiful venue for an orchestral concert; the
acoustics are much appreciated by the musicians.
The programme will consist of Mozart’s Symphony
No. 40 in G K550, one of Mozart’s final works, dark
and emotional; Debussy’s Danse Sacree et Profane, a
piece that features harp and strings; Faure’s Masque
et Bergamasque, light-hearted music; and Prokofiev’s
Symphony No. 1 in D opus 25 “Classical”. The leader of
the orchestra is Christine Rayfield, and the conductor
is Philip Hesketh. The orchestra’s performances have
been enjoyed wherever they play in the county.
Tickets are on sale, priced at £15, from The Green
Parrot, 01760 724704, and will be available on the
door. This concert is part of Swaffham’s celebration
as a Market Town with a vibrant social, commercial
and artistic life. We are grateful to Swaffham Cultural
Consortium and Historic England for their support for
this event.

Swaffham & District Lions Club
In July 3 Lions (Lioness Branch club
members) visited Essex to attend a Charter
Anniversary Afternoon Tea put on by the
Lions Lioness Club of East Anglia, and had a lovely tea,
meeting up with many of our friends in the south of
the District.
On 6th August the Lions were out in force at the
Wayland Show, manning the entry gates as we
have done for many years now, and also giving out
Children’s wristbands. These bands have the parent’s
mobile phone number written on them, so if a child
gets lost, the parent can be contacted straight away.
The weather wasn’t too bad, only a quick downpour
at about lunch time!
Why do Lions choose to become Lions?
By seeking to make a difference in the world, Lions
create an even greater difference in themselves.
There are various reasons why people choose to
donate their time, often depending on where they
are in their life journey.
The choice to volunteer is, perhaps, seeking
something new and rewarding. Someone who may be
looking towards developing their future aspirations
and personal fulfilment. Maybe you are one of those
kinds of people. It’s in your personality and character
and you are meant to be involved. Where there’s a
need, there’s a Lion.
We welcome your interest in Swaffham and District
Lions Club and encourage you to contact us. For more
information, please contact David on 01760 441260
or adminlead@lions105ce.org.uk
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.
We are pleased to report that we have two new
members of staff, Rebecca and Bethany, who have
joined our dedicated professional team at the centre
looking after our lovely clients. This is timely, as we
now have an increased number of clients.
You might recall that we told you about Francesca,
who was working towards her qualification at the
University of East Anglia as an Occupational Therapist,
and was coming to the centre for work experience.
Fran has now finished the course and has started
with us within the last few weeks. She has been
employed at the centre as an occupational therapist/
administrator. She is working 5 days a week, one of
those days will be paid for by the UEA from September
as we have applied to join a dementia study and we
are pleased to say that we have been selected, Fran
will be the contact. (Of course, our clients’ privacy
and confidentiality will always be respected.)
We currently are looking for people with business or
charity experience to join our management board
as we have recently lost some key board members.
This may interest you if you are recently retired or
work part-time and want be active in the community.
It is purely voluntary work; the Merle Boddy Day
Care Centre is run by the Swaffham and District
Mental Health Association, a charitable not-for-profit
company.
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 speaker for our August meeting
was Debbie Gill who gave an extremely interesting
and informative talk on India and her family trade
connections to the country. Originally from Glasgow it
was in the early 19th century that a great grandfather
went to Bombay and set up a successful sawmill
business. At that time India was ruled by the East India
Company, but dissatisfaction with company rule led
to the Indian Rebellion in 1857 and was afterwards
taken over by the British Raj. There was the plague in
1896. It was in 1947 that India was partitioned into
the Dominion of India and Dominion of Pakistan. With
many photographs Debbie gave us a fascinating insight
into life in India and her family history there.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 7th September when
the guest speaker will be Sarah Doig whose talk is
entitled ‘Norwich at Work’.
Our monthly meetings are held on the first Thursday
of every month at the Pavilion in Holme Hale. New
members are very welcome, and if you are interested
in learning more about the u3a, the website is www.
wisseyu3a.co.org, or contact our Chairman, David
Moncaster on 01760 724755 for further information.
Royal British Legion
Swaffham Branch of the Royal British
Legion will hold their meeting at 8pm
at the Con Club on Tuesday 19th
September. All are welcome to join us. It doesn’t matter
if you’ve never served in the Armed Forces.
Special Note To Veterans
We would love to meet with you and hear your stories.
We all need each other.
Campingland PPG
Campingland Patient Participation Group are pleased to
announce we now have a full Committee who all look
forward to assisting patients and the practice. We are
currently planning more events. For more info contact :
anewmeir1@sky.com or 07887 516565
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PAID TILL JUNE 23
Festive North Yorkshire
Festive North Yorkshire
Monday Monday 18 th December 18 th December – Friday 22 – Friday nd December 22 nd 2023 December 2023
Four Four nights nights Dinner Dinner Bed & Breakfast Bed & Breakfast at The Royal at Whitby The Royal Hotel Whitby Hotel
Holiday Holiday Highlights Highlights
• FESTIVE CASTLE HOWARD
• HISTORIC
• FESTIVE
PICKERING
CASTLE HOWARD
• SEASIDE • HISTORIC WHITBY PICKERING
• RESORT • SEASIDE TOWN WHITBY SCARBOROUGH
• RESORT TOWN SCARBOROUGH
Price £394.00 (based on two sharing)
Price £394.00 (based on two sharing)
PAY MONTHLY
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9

Coffee Morning for East Anglian
Air Ambulance
Coffee & Cake Experience in the Garden
Join Sharon and Gordon in their garden at 100 London
Street, Swaffham for a morning of refreshments
in aid of East Anglian Air Ambulance on Friday 8th
September from 10am - 1pm.
Entry is £5 per person, which includes ether a sausage
roll or shortbread, a slice of homemade cake and a
tea, coffee or cold drink.
For more information call 01760 725654. We look
forward to seeing you.
watch repairs
Swaffham
Indoor Market
Now back at Swaffham Assembly Rooms
managed by
crafts
plants
refreshments
free parking
Open every Friday * from 9am - 2pm at Swaffham Assembly Rooms
*check the ‘what’s on’ page of our website for details of roll-over Saturday markets
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
local food
bric a brac
10
Swaffham History Group
Swaffham History Group, which normally meets on
the second Monday of the month, now has a new
Chairperson, Monika Rieger-Ridd. Monika, a long
standing member of the group, succeeds Barry Ellis.
Barry continues to look after the Group’s archives. In
addition, Pete Coombes remains as Financial Controller,
and Gerry Brown continues as the Group Secretary.
The Group usually meets at 2pm in the museum learning
room. Anyone can join and there is no subscription. Our
chief interest is the history of Swaffham and surrounding
district; some of us undertake research of the rich history
of Swaffham, its buildings and people, while others
come along just to hear about it. We also have invited
speakers to present interesting, locally related, historical
topics, and have outings to places of historic interest
in the region. If that sounds like something that would
interest you, please feel free to drop in for a ‘taster’.
Many of you will be aware of the current Historic Action
Zone initiative that started in 2022 with the Carter 22
theme, and is continuing this year with the theme of
‘Under the Eye of the Buttercross’. As part of the latter,
the History Group were commissioned by the Swaffham
Cultural Consortium to undertake detailed research of
the Town’s historic Market Place, taking in the three sides
of Market Place plus the Shambles. This will include the
history of the various premises, their uses and different
owners, not forgetting some of the characters and
families who played a role in the businesses. On 12th
June, the History Group held an event in the Assembly
Rooms called ‘Mapping the Market Place’, to which
members of the public were invited to come along and
help us fill in some of the gaps in our understanding
of what shops and businesses stood where and who
some of the memorable characters were. It was quite a
success, with not only current local residents dropping
in, but also people who had grown up in Swaffham and
the surrounding district and then moved away; we had
a visit from someone from Hertfordshire who recounted
her childhood in Swaffham.
Our research is now concluded, and Barry Ellis has done
a phenomenal job in pulling everything together. Part of
the commission was to produce an illustrated written
account. After some discussion in the Group, it was
agreed that we will produce a series of booklets, block
by block, of Market Place. How many will depend on the
final editing of the material, but the aim is to have these in
the museum shop in early spring next year. The booklets
will include ‘then and now’ photos, with old and new
maps, as well as historic details, timelines and accounts,
and stories related by those who we interviewed. It is
also the aim to have an interactive presentation on the
Swaffham Cultural Consortium’s website using some of
the material. Details will be available on the SCC website
https://www.swaffhamculture.org/

The National Garden Scheme
September and there is still plenty of colour
in the garden
September is upon us already but there is still plenty
of colour in the garden. The two gardens opening for
the National Garden Scheme this month are a joy and
not to be missed. At High House, Shipdham you will
find a delightful plantsman’s garden, with traditional
shrub borders and orchard. There is an exciting mix of
exotic and tropical at Waldemar Avenue and garden
owner Sonja feels that “To make a garden is to believe
in tomorrow”. Both gardens will have inexpensive
plants for sale.
Sunday 3rd September
• 33 Waldemar Avenue, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6
6TB. 10-5 adm £5 chd free. Home-made teas.
A surprising and large suburban garden with different
areas which include a mix of exotic and tropical plants
combined with unusual perennials. There is a quirky
palm-thatched Tiki hut, a treehouse draped in plants
and a wildlife pond with rare plants.
Sunday 10th September
• High House Gardens, Blackmoor Row, Shipdham
IP25 7PU. 12-5 adm £5 chd free. Home-made teas.
Opening for twenty years for the National Garden
Scheme. A Well-developed plantsman's garden in
3 acres with colour themed herbaceous borders, an
extensive range of perennials & shrubs. box edged
rose and shrub borders, large vegetable garden.
If you have a garden you wish to share and would like
to open your garden for the National Garden Scheme
please contact fiona.black@ngs.org.uk
Before visiting a garden visitors are advised to check
the website ngs.org.uk for up-to-date information.
Ashill & Holme Hale Garden Club
Website: ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Email: ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com
How to Grow & Care for Hostas
Our July meeting was all about Hostas. Our speaker
was Ken Abel who came from East Suffolk to enlighten
us on how to grow and care for our Hostas. Ken is a
prize winning grower of Hostas and Pelargoniums and
gave a well illustrated talk on all the different aspects
of growing Hostas. Hostas are widely cultivated
herbaceous perennial shade-tolerant foliage plants that
are native to northeast Asia (e.g. China, Japan, Korea)
and was named in honour of the Austrian botanist
Nicholas Host.
Ken discussed how to care for hostas, and the advantages
and downsides of growing in pots, as opposed to
planting directly in the ground. If grown in pots it is
important to give a nitrogen feed to get best results. It
is best to let the leaves die naturally over winter rather
than cutting them off as they wilt. Common pests of
hostas are snails and slugs, the snail usually eats from
the middle of the leaf, while slugs will start from the
edge. A good remedy to deter slugs is to spray with a
garlic infused solution, which can be made by boiling up
a full globe of garlic cloves in water and straining off. Ken
finished his talk by going through many of the different
types of hostas you can grow in your garden, with a
surprising number of options available.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Our August meeting (August 24th) will incorporate our
Annual Fruit & Vegetable Show, with 11 classes of entries
covering all fruit and vegetables and also homemade
Jam. In addition there will be a brief AGM followed by a
Gardeners’ Question Time panel, where
4 experts will answer members gardening queries. The
September meeting (Sept 28th) will be presented by
Kathy Gray on The Diversity of British Gardens, which
will include a discussion on plant heritage. Monthly
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.
Swaffham Jazz Club
Unfortunately, I missed our July session featuring Jazz
Signs, so I cannot give an account of the evening, but
Norman tells me that we had a full house and the
band were excellent!
For our August session we welcomed another great
band, Equinox, with Terry Loane — piano, Danny
Silverstone — sax, Greg Loops — bass, James Lewis —
drums and guest Chris Lee — trumpet and flugelhorn.
They have a great jazz feel and I enjoyed all the solos
from everyone. I will single out just one, James’
splendid drum solo towards the end, in a number
called Saint Thomas. At one point he put down his
sticks and played drums and cymbals with his hands.
It was a performance of a virtuoso.
I took the opportunity during the interval to interview
trumpeter Chris. He told me he was born and brought
up in Cheltenham. In his early teens he played the
bugle in a local Church Lads Brigade band. When
he was 16 he heard a record of the brilliant modern
jazz alto saxophonist Charlie Parker and was ‘blown
away’ so he bought a trumpet and taught himself
to play jazz. His favourite players were Miles Davis,
Chet Baker and Clark Terry. In his early 20’s he joined
a funk band, ‘Pigbag’ which had a single (Papa’s Got a
Brand New Pigbag) that went to number three in the
charts and they appeared on ‘Top of the Pops’. Chris
went on a world tour with the band and he still gets
royalties for their recordings.
However, the band split over becoming more of a jazz
band or staying as a pop group. As a result , when he
was 25 he moved to London where he made a living
as a session player, at one point playing with ‘The
Police’.
After 35 years in London, Chris and his wife decided
to move to Norfolk and settled in a small village near
Acle. They like the open spaces and walking their two
dogs in the countryside and on the beach.
He is a serious chess player and played for a chess
club in London and now plays mostly online.
Next up: Melody Brooker and her Quartet. Tuesday
12 September at 7.30 am. Swaffham Conservative
Club. 23 London Street PE37 7DD. £10 cash on the
door. More information from Norman 01760 722384
or Geoff 01366 328730.
Friends of Swaffham Heritage
We are looking forward to our coach trip to the
Sheringham ‘40s theme weekend on Sunday 17th
September. If you are interested in going, there may
still be places available, so contact our Membership
Secretary, Stuart Clapton – contact details below.
Tickets for Friends are £10, and for guests/others
are £12.50.
Later in the year on Friday 17th November we have
a trip to the Ely Cathedral Christmas Fair. Tickets for
this coach trip including entry are now on sale. Again,
please contact Stuart if you would like to go. Tickets
are £20 for Friends and £25 for guests/others; this
includes the £5 entry fee. The absolute deadline
for booking for this event is the end of September.
Payment for the Christmas Fair event can also be
handed in at the Museum in an envelope please,
marked for the attention of the Friends of Swaffham
Heritage and, importantly, do include your details
ie name and address, or phone number, or email
address. If you do hand it in at the museum, please
do so at least a week before the end of September.
Swaffham Heritage trustees have invited the Town
Councillors to a tour of the Museum at 5.30pm on
Wednesday 27th September and hope that many of
them can come along. The Town Council provides a
grant to support the work of Swaffham Heritage. The
trustees are then inviting the Friends of Swaffham
Heritage to come along from 6.30pm on the same
day, in recognition of the support of the Friends; all
Friends are invited so mark your diary or calendar!
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 August 2023 were:
• £40 – no 2265
• £20 – no 2227
• £10 – no 2220
Cheques are on their way to our lucky winners!
Emails and letters will shortly be going out to remind
members of the 100 Club to re-subscribe as our
draw year commences in October and runs until
next September (don’t ask me why!) New numbers
starting 23…. will then be issued. If you are not already
a member of the 100 Club, you can apply to join.
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.
12
13

The Magpie Centre
Magpie Centre Open Day Is A Huge Success
A West Norfolk charity’s Open Day, making a return
post-Covid, netted welcome donations for two
charities. The Magpie Centre, home of West Norfolk
Riding for the Disabled Association, at Wallington
Hall, hosted an exciting day for the local community
on Saturday July 29, which raised a total of £1890 for
the Centre. The day included a host of equestrian
demonstrations, including an introduction to side
saddle riding for Yard Manager Natalie Dade, an
equine physiotherapy session, an Equine Assisted
Learning Therapy lesson, and a sample lesson for a
group of RDA riders, to showcase the Centre’s work.
In addition, the event gave an opportunity for the
Norfolk Writers’ Exchange, a group of creative writers,
to present donations of £350 each to the Magpie
Centre, and to West Norfolk Deaf Association. The
Norfolk Writers’ Exchange published an anthology of
poems and short prose entitled ‘Changing Tides’ and,
having covered publication costs, divided the profits
between the two charities.
Said ‘Changing Tides’ editor, Tim Cashmore, ‘The
Norfolk Writers’ Exchange are thrilled that our
creative endeavours have been able to raise funds
for two worthy local charities, as well as supporting
Biddles, a local printer, and giving enjoyment to the
readers of our anthology.’
There is no doubt that the donations were much
appreciated. Anna Pugh, Manager, West Norfolk Deaf
Association, explained how their cash would be used:
‘We always need money for our Children and Family
Services, including our Baby Sensory Group. Up to
90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents,
and those families need support in managing their
expectations and enabling their children to attain
their full potential,’ she said.
The Magpie Centre cash has been earmarked for a
project which helps Young Carers. Said West Norfolk
RDA Chairwoman Mrs Bee Ford: ‘This will enable us
to run our hugely popular sessions for Young Carers
this summer. We didn’t manage to secure a grant this
year, but with the generosity of people via JustGiving,
and this donation from the Norfolk Writers’ Exchange,
we have been able to run the sessions’.
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.
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
Authors, Books and Cakes
Afternoon Tea with an Author at Swaffham
Assembly Rooms
Next events will be on:
• Sunday 10th September - Louise Doughty for
the Norfolk Hospice, author of Appletree Yard and
Platform Seven.
• Sunday 15th October - Alison Weir for the King's
Lynn Night Shelter, widely acclaimed historical
fiction author.
• Sunday 5th November - Sarah Perry and Julie
Walker for the Norfolk Hospice, authors of The Essex
Serpent and Bonny & Read.
From 12th May all tickets can be bought from The
Green Parrot in Swaffham or online at the Norfolk
Hospice or by phone: Lynette 07900 570765.
Thank you all who continue to support the events
and help us raise money for charity.
The Sunday afternoon teas will continue to support
independent bookshops. We are pleased we will
be supported by Bookbugs and Dragon Tales. (Tel
Number 01603 964022). You can order any books
from the bookshop.
Pickenham's WI
On 8th August our we went on
our annual WI Mystery Tour. This
is arranged for WI members plus
friends and this year we had a very unusual coach
outing, starting at The Goat Shed Farm Shop and
Café at Honingham. After this very pleasant coffee
and cake break, we carried on to the How Hill Field
Study Centre by the River Ant near Ludham. There
we were given a fascinating talk and slide show about
the Wherry Boat, Hathor, which we later walked
down to see. Hathor belonged to the Colman family
of mustard fame and the interior is decorated with
Egyptian hieroglyphs. After lunch we explored the
beautiful and extensive How Hill grounds, including
going on board Hathor and also visiting the Toad Hole
Cottage Museum.
Our final stopping point on our way back home, was
Alby Barn and Craft Centre just south of Cromer,
where we enjoyed tea as well as seeing the craft
shops. Many thanks to Beth, who organised this highly
enjoyable and interesting trip for us. This month we
have also had our annual President's Tea Party.
Next Meetings:
• Tues 12th Sept - our speaker is Sarah Bunn, BREAK
Fundraising Manager;
• Tues 10th Oct - our speaker is Joan Hocking - Mezzo
Soprano.
If anyone would like more information, please contact
our President, Carol Richards on 07873 744971 or
our Secretary, Melanie Cousins on 07840 814417
Swaffham WI
Our August Meeting on Wednesday
2nd at 2.30pm was a celebration of
Swafham W.I.’s 48th Birthday. We were
all warmly greeted by our President and introduced to
three new ladies who we hope will be joining us. The
President then gave out small gifts and cards to three
of our members who had birthdays in the month. We
were pleased to hear that she and Janet had survived
and thoroughly enjoyed
their Gliding day which
had been arranged for
any daring WI members.
A short business meeting
followed which included
details of those going on
the two outings organised
for September, the visit to
WI Federation Office Open Day which includes a walking
Treasure Hunt around Norwich and a visit to South
Pickenham Vineyard later in the month. Fifty metres
of brightly coloured
bunting adorned the
hall, made by one of
our members. The
tables were decorated
with bright baskets of
flowers and the many
varied plates of food,
which were provided by the members, made for an
extremely cheery atmosphere.
We were entertained by “Three’s Company" who
performed a production of “Tea for Two” a variety of
poems and prose the focus being on Spring, Summer,
Autumn and Winter which was very entertaining and
provided many laughs and joy for us all. The President
thanked the performers on behalf of the members.
A birthday cake specially decorated completed the
celebrations and a good time of fellowship and was
enjoyed by everyone. Boards were available before
and after the meeting to sign up for future outings and
events:-
• An outing has been arranged to Langham Glass, with
the option to have a go at blowing the glass too, this will
be on Friday 6th October.
The next Ten Pin Bowling Session will be on 20 th
September.
Knit and natter will not be held in August due to the
holiday season.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 6 th September
at 2.30pm in the Community Centre. The speaker will
be Cheryl Cade and the subject will be “Cheesy Chats”
together with Cheese tasting.
Should you wish for any more information please
contact our President Pauline Senton 01760 788046 or
our Secretary Christiane Hewitson on 07389 813386.
14
15

Swaffham Climate Action
Action
Everyone is welcome to our regular
monthly meetings, usually on the second
Thursday of each month at 10am in the
Methodist Church, alternating between
business style meetings and engaging talks and
discussions on climate change and environmental
issues. Details of talks will be posted on our Facebook
page, Swaffham Climate Action Group, please follow
us and share posts with your friends! If you have an
interest in climate change and the environment do
come along and join us, we hope to find ways that our
community can collectively have a positive impact.
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 to check on meeting
dates and times.
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.
Swaffham Players
This Autumn a bunch of Swaffham Players amateurs
will be performing in “A Bunch of Amateurs" a
play written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. This
established writing partnership, well known for
the satirical show "Spitting Image”, have created a
masterly and for us, an accurate observation of what
it is like to be the member of an amateur dramatics
group. The message contained in this hilarious, but
respectful, observation of amateur dramatics has
created with us a new enthusiasm to continue the
hobby that we get so much pleasure from.
Swaffham Rugby Club
Swaffham RUFC are planning to celebrate the start of
the 2023/24 season with a Family Fun and Volunteer
Engagement Day on the 2nd September at North
Pickenham Road.
Having been promoted to Eastern Counties Division
One North at the end of last season, our Senior players
have been preparing in Thursday training sessions
since mid July. Our popular Touch Union sessions
have continued on Tuesdays throughout the summer,
and by the time you read this, our Youth section will
be back in action on Wednesday and Sunday. Our
Mini’s section will restart on Sunday 24 th September
at 11am.
In addition to grass roots rugby in Swaffham, we
are looking forward to the Rugby World Cup which
starts in France on Friday 8th September, with the
final on Saturday 28th October. Most members will
be supporting England, and all will be cheering on
England’s No 15 Freddie Steward, who started playing
at Swaffham.
Swaffham
Branch
01760
725801
http://www.family-action.org.uk
familyactionswaffham
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The discipline of a busy rehearsal schedule becomes a
joy when characters come alive and there is so much
laughter! We look forward to sharing this with you so
make date in your diary – Friday and Saturday, 20th
and 21st October.
This bunch of amateurs is looking forward to sharing
“A Bunch of Amateurs” with its community.
Jenny Groom
There aren’t many towns in England who can claim
association with a player in a national team, whatever
the sport! Come on Swaffham, support Freddie and
England!
All are welcome to come along to North Pickenham
Road on Saturday 2nd. We are planning a President’s
Game, demonstrations of Touch Union, rugby
themed activities for younger visitors, bouncy castles,
barbecue and our bar will be open too!
We are a Family Friendly Community Club run by
volunteers – we welcome to our club new players in
all sections and anyone who would like to get involved
both on or off the pitch.
Come along on Saturday 2nd and get a taste of what
we do. Entry is FREE.
16

In Touch With Your Town
Bus Shelters
Swaffham town have new bus
shelters with real-time information
screens and environmentally friendly
grass roofing. The advanced eco-bus
shelters are replacing older bus stop shelters based
in the town centre and are part of Norfolk County
Council's Bus Service Improvement Plan and are the
first shelters featuring these advanced digital and
eco-designed features in Norfolk.
throughout the day. It was a great event with a positive
atmosphere. It was wonderful to see the community
enjoying this free day of fun.
This summer make sure you know how to be dog
safe. The Dogs Trust are providing free dog safety
masterclasses for parents and caregivers which
you can access on The Dogs Trust Education and
Community team Eventbrite.
Swaffham Town Council have received numerous
complaints about dog fouling in the town and are
in the process of placing new signs across the town.
Your dog has done their duty so now it is time to do
yours, bag it and bin it!
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
Mayor - Cllr. Stewart Bell
bell@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Deputy Mayor - Cllr. Paul Darby
darby@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Lindsay Beech
beech@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Wendy Bensley
bensley@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. David Braithwaite
braithwaite@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Stephanie Cooper
cooper@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr Graham Edwards
edwards@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Caroline Ellerbeck
ellerbeck@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Graham Eves
eves@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Sarah Pickard
pickard@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Leslie Scott
scott@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. Jill Skinner
skinner@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Cllr. John Zielinski
zielinski@cllr.swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Officers:
Helen Carrier – Town Clerk
townclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Leanne Jarratt – Deputy Town Clerk
deputyclerk@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
Vandalism update on bus shelters
Swaffham Town Council have been informed of
vandalism on the new bus shelters. This is very
disappointing. The Police have been informed and
the Crime Prevention Officer at the Borough Council
of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk will be reviewing
CCTV from the area.
Grass cutting update
The external contractors are in the process of cutting
the grass areas in Swaffham. Swaffham Town Council
are inviting tendors for future grounds maintenance
to ensure that grass is cut in a timely manner during
the next grass cutting season.
Artisans & Food Fayre
On 13th August Swaffham Cultural Consortium held an
Artisan and Food Fayre in the town centre. The event
hosted a variety of stalls, food and entertainment
Save the date!
Afternoon tea with authors – Sunday 10th September.
Author Louise Doughty for Norfolk Hospice at the
Assembly Rooms.
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.
Town Council Committee
meeting dates - SEPTEMBER 2023
• Wednesday 13th 6:30pm Full Council
• Monday 18th 6.30pm Market & Tourism
• Tuesday 26th 11am Planning & Built Environment
• Wednesday 27th 1pm Assets & Open Spaces
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.
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
david.wickerson@
breckland.gov.uk
Cllr. Jacob Morton
Jacob.Morton@
breckland.gov.uk
Cllr. Judy Anscombe
Judy.Anscombe@
breckland.gov.uk
Cllr. William Nunn
William.nunn.cllr@
norfolk.gov.uk
Highway issues
Norfolk County Council – www.norfolk.gov.uk
– 0344 800 8020
- Highways issues - 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.
18
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