Swaffham Newsletter

SN
Online
October 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 bids fond farewell
to Family Action's Clare
Read all about Clare's time at the charity on p.12/13
"Countless people have benefited from her
support, kindness and compassion"
"She is an inspiration to us all with her passion
and commitment"
"Clare has always made time to listen and
guide with humour and kindness."
"She will be a hard act to follow and
will be greatly missed"
"The passion and professionalism that
underpins her work is an inspiration."
REGULARS
Swaffham
Heritage
Action
Zone
p.3
Swaffham
Rotary
Club
p.14
Wissey
u3a
p.21
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 Lions/High St Heritage Action Zone
4 Church News
5 Local WI Groups
7 Swaffham Arts/Hospital/NarVOS
8 NarVOS/Friends of Swaffham Heritage
9 Swaffham Players/National Heritage
12 Farewell to Clare Peak
14 Swaffham Rotary/Silver Swans
17 Climate Group/Community Hospital
18 NGS/Ashill & Hale Garden Club
20 Jazz Club/The Magpie Centre
21 History Group/Wissey u3a
22 Swaffham Town Council
Swaffham & District Lions Club
On bank holiday weekend the Branch
Club Lionesses were at the Classic Car
Show on the Swaffham recreation ground,
selling programmes at the gates and also running
our own Tombola and Bric-a-brac stall. Everyone
enjoyed a lovely sunny day until about 1.30 when a
thunderstorm and torrential rain put paid to it!
Our next fund-raising event will take place on Sunday
24th September when we will be holding an Afternoon
Tea for Macmillan Cancer Support at Lioness Karen’s
home.
A Lions' social event is planned for the 8th October
when we will be paying a visit to the Old Hall in King’s
Lynn, followed by Sunday lunch at Wenn’s.
On Saturday 28th October our Lions Zone will be
hosting a Social Evening at Great Dunham Village Hall
from 7pm-10pm, with a Beetle Drive and Hot Supper.
This is open to anyone, cost £7 per person. Please call
01760 336296 to book.
Swaffham & District Lions
Swaffham High Street
Heritage Action Zone
It has been an exciting and busy summer period for the
High Street Heritage Action Zone project (HSHAZ). The
building works have been continuing and there have
been successful events taking place on the Market Place.
The HSHAZ work to the front façade of the Assembly
Rooms is now complete – it is looking fantastic and the
building has had the Regency Room's roof repaired,
render repairs and new breathable paint applied which
will allow the building to remain in a good state of
repair. The smaller scale repairs were also completed
to Jewellery Unique which were also completed using
traditional materials. The main new project are the
heritage shopfronts to Tutankhamun’s and Mr Chips.
The shopfronts are a reconstruction based on the
original photographs with Tutankhamun’s being based
on an original International Stores shop front which was
a chain store which used to occupy the building. The
photographs show the original shop front and the new
design to be started in October.
1
PAY MONTHLY
20's Plenty For Us Campaign
Community Speed Watch
We would love your support! If you
appreciate the benefits to all by
slowing the traffic down, do consider
joining our Speed Watch Group. To
receive a Norfolk Constabulary application
form (either in person or digitally), please email:
swaffham@20splentyforus.org.uk
Update Regarding Swaffham's
20's Plenty For Us Campaign
A successful (and well-attended) meeting was held on
Monday 3 October at the Assembly Rooms to discuss the
campaign to reduce the speed limit throughout Swaffham
to 20mph.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
The campaign has now received full backing from
Swaffham Town Council, Breckland District Council, and Ed
Colman, Norfolk County Councillor for Swaffham. He says:
"I am fully supportive of trialling the 20mph speed limit
across the whole of Swaffham. The 20's Plenty For Us
group in Swaffham has worked hard to pull together a very
compelling case for a trial period of at least six months to
see if the 20mph speed limit can improve the safety of
roads throughout the town for pedestrians, cyclists and
motorists. It is clear that there is strong local support for
the campaign and Norfolk County Council is now working
on how this is taken forward, and will announce further
details shortly on the timescale and work required between
now and potential implementation."
Email: swaffham@20splentyforus.org.uk
3
New bus shelters with real time information and green
roofs were also installed over the summer with support
from the High Street Heritage Action Zone and Norfolk
County Council. They will help support green transport
into Swaffham.
There was a successful heritage craft fair and food
festival which took place on the 13th August and please
look out for the Harvest Horkey on the 29th September
– this Harvest Fair has been taking place in Swaffham
for over 100 years. These events run by the Cultural
Consortium are playing a vital role in enlivening the
centre of Swaffham.
If you own or lease a historic property around the
Market Place and are interested in a grant next year to
repair the building or to create a traditional shopfront
then please get in touch – Joe.Warburton@Breckland.
gov.uk

St Peter & St Paul, Swaffham
Services for October 2023
Sunday 1 st October
9.30am Sung Eucharist
6pm Evensong
Sunday 8th October
9.30am Sung Eucharist
Sunday 15th October
8am Holy Communion
9.30am United Benefice Sung Eucharist
joined by the people of Sporle.
Sunday 22nd October
9.30am Sung Eucharist
Sunday 29th October
9.30am United Benefice
Sung Eucharist joined by the
people of Sporle.
3.30pm All Souls Service
An opportunity for those journeying through
bereavement to come together to remember in
prayer before God their departed loved ones.
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
Choir Practice on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to
8.15pm - meets in Church. New voices welcome.
A Bible Study Group meets – on Wednesday 4th
October at 2.30pm at 15 Wroxham Avenue. New
members welcome.
The Swaffham Mothers Union Branch meets on the
second Thursday of the month in the Baptist Church
Room 9.30am for 10am. All welcome. On 12th
October the Speaker is Phil Jesson on Modern Day
Slavery. Phil volunteers for the “Unseen Organisation”
This is an open meeting – all welcome. Enquiries to
Julia on 01760 720041. New members welcome.
Contact may be made via email: swaffhamchurch@
gmail.com or 01760 725051
Weddings at Church
Are you interested in having a wedding at church in
2023,24 or 25? Swaffham Church is a beautiful setting
for your special day. Not only is it a Grade 1 listed
building but it has an excellent choir, outstanding
bells and is the perfect venue for your special day.
If you are interested in booking a wedding please
contact:- adrian.bell4@uwclub.net or 01760
627039. Also if you are interested in being married
at St Mary's Church Sporle please contact me as well.
Swaffham Methodist Church
• Sun 1st October 10.45am HARVEST FESTIVAL and
PARADE SERVICE with GUIDES and BROWNIES. Rev
Jacqui Horton.
• Tues 3rd October 10am-12noon. The Meeting
Place Drop In.
• Fri 6th October 9.30am-10am. Power of Prayer.
Phone 01760 722611 for details.
• Sat 7th October 9.30am-12noon. Church Coffee
Morning and Stall selling Books and Jigsaws.
• Sun 8th October 10.45am. Morning Worship led
by Quentin Stephen. Refreshments served.
• Tues 10th October 10am-12noon. The Meeting
Place Drop In. All welcome.
• Thurs 12th October 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship
Group. Speaker Quentin Stephen.
• Fri 13th October 9.30am. Power of Prayer.
Contact 01760 722611 for details.
• Sat 14th October 9.30am-12noon. Coffee
Morning organised by Swaffham Scouts.
• Sun 15th October 10.45am. Morning Worship
led by the Worship Leaders. Refreshments served.
• Tues 17th October 10am-12noon. The Meeting
Place Drop In. Free refreshments. Friendly
atmosphere. All welcome.
• Fri 20th October 9.30am. Power of Prayer.
Contact 01760 722611 for details.
• Sat 21st October 9.30am-12noon. Coffee
Morning organised by the Hospital League of
Friends.
• Sun 22nd October 10.45am. Morning Worship
led by Deacon Jen Woodfin. Refreshments served.
• Tues 24th October 10am-12noon. The Meeting
Place Drop In. Everyone welcome.
• Thurs 26th October 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship
Group. Sharing our memories of growing up. Free
refreshments.
• Fri 27th October 9.30am. Power of Prayer. Please
phone 01760722611 for details.
• Sat 28th October 9.30am-12noon. Coffee
Morning organised by TOSH am dram group.
• Sun 29th October 10.45am. Big Sunday. Led by
Rev Jacqui.
• Tues 31st October 10am-12noon. The Meeting
Place Drop In. All welcome.
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
Pickenham's WI
Our speaker at our September
meeting was Sarah Bunn, Break
Fundraising Manager, who explained
that the purpose of Break is to improve life for
vulnerable young people. The organisation started in
East Anglia in 1968 and provided holidays for children
with disabilities. Now care is provided all the way
through their lives, when and where it is needed, as
sometimes the cycle continues. Norfolk, Suffolk and
Cambridgeshire are now covered by Break. Care is most
often for children aged 8-13 and everything possible
is done to help the young person, with community
support, activity breaks and therapeutic services.
Projects include 'Staying close, staying connected' as
well as providing care and support. Financial support
is much appreciated; every £1 donated saves £2 in
social care. There is a Coffee Break van that goes
along to events. Sarah has worked for Break for over
20 years and is fully committed to the need to ensure
that no young person is left on their own; Break will
provide the care when it is made aware of a problem.
Following a tea break, we held our meeting and
welcomed two new members. Our President, Carol,
gave us a resume of the summer, including our very
successful Mystery Tour to How Hill. Plans are now
underway for our forthcoming events, including the
Annual Norfolk Federation Meeting on 13th October.
Next Meeting: Tuesday 10th October - 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 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 WI
Our meeting, on Wednesday 6th
September commenced at 2.30pm
with a warm welcome given by our
President to the speaker for the afternoon Cheryl Cade
a Somelier who gave a presentation about Cheese
Tasting. We experienced blind tasting and cheese
served on different types of crackers to explain how the
taste can be enhanced. Norfolk Goats Cheese and local
Blue Cheese were included and we learnt many useful
tips on storage and quantity required when preparing
a cheese board. It was a very entertaining presentation
and several questions followed. A thank you was given
by one of the members at the end of his presentation.
Before our business meeting the President gave out
the sad news of the passing of Eileen Lawrence one of
our long time members. A minutes silence was held in
memory of Eileen who will be deeply missed.
Three ladies were celebrating their birthdays in
September and each were given a card and a small gift.
Three other ladies joined us as visitors and we hope
they enjoyed the afternoon.
Boards were available before and after the meeting to
sign up for future outings and events.
The outing to South Pickenham Vineyard is taking place
on Wednesday 13th September and a good number will
be attending.
The next Ten Pin Bowling session will be on Wednesday
20th September meeting at the Theatre Street car park.
Knit and Natter meeting for September wll be on
Monday 25th September 2pm.
The Pentney Autumn Lunch is on Monday 23rd October.
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 4th October at
2.30pm in the Community Centre the speaker will be
David Jones and the subject Hidden Histories. We will
also be holding a Craft Sale consisting of items made by
members.
Should you wish for any more information please
contact our President Pauline Senton on 01760 788046
or our Secretary Christiane Hewitson on 07389 813386.
4
5

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
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
Pre-paid funeral
plans available
Behind every
PAID TILL FEB 24
independent
business is
a family
that cares
www.tfs.co.uk
INCORPORATING CHAPMANS FUNERAL SERVICES
King’s Lynn 01553 771399 | Dersingham 01485 598598 | Swaffham 01760 721305

NarVOS
Indoor meeting at The Assembly Rooms,
1 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7AB
Wednesday 25 October 2023 at 7.30pm
“Geology of the Breckland”
Tim Pankhurst is the Regional Conservation Manager at
Plantlife International which is at the heart of a worldwide
network that is spearheading the
race to save wild flowers, plants
and fungi. We need wild plants and
fungi to survive. Unfortunately, both
wild flowers and pollinators are
disappearing rapidly. The Breckland
heath and woodland form a unique
and richly diverse ecosystem
providing habitats for the notable species of birds and
fauna which are special to this area of East Anglia.
Tim’s role in applying threatened plant conservation
programmes here in East Anglia is critically dependent on
understanding the Breckland Geology which underpins
this outstanding landscape and supports the intriguing
Breckland Flora. Tim’s presentation gives us a perfect
opportunity to understand how we might support our
environment and what makes Breckland special.
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
Hope
Sunday
15 th October
11am - 12 noon
A café style service
Coffee + donuts from 10.30am
‘JAM’ for school age children
Meet people – Make friends
Hear how Jesus changes + helps lives
Contemporary music
Healing prayer available
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)
Friends of Swaffham Heritage
By the time you are reading this our trip to the
Sheringham 1940s weekend will have taken place;
all the places were taken and everyone was looking
forward to a great outing.
We have now fully booked the Ely Cathedral
Christmas Market and
are looking forward to
that in late November.
The Friends of
Swaffham Heritage
committee have now
started to plan for
trips and events next
year, so keep an eye
out for notices in the
Swaffham Newsletter
and on the Swaffham
Heritage website.
Swaffham Heritage trustees invited the Town
Councillors to a tour of the Museum at 5.30pm on
Wednesday 27th September as the Town Council
provides a grant to support the work of Swaffham
Heritage. The trustees also invited the Friends of
Swaffham Heritage to come along from 6.30pm on
the same day, in recognition of the support of the
Friends; we hope that the visit was enjoyed by all.
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 September 2023 were:
• £40 – no 2296
• £20 – no 2220
• £10 – no 2207
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 resubscribe as our draw
year commences in October and runs until next
September. New numbers starting 23…. will then be
issued. If you are not already a member of the 100
Club, you can apply to join. It’s £20 for the year, for a
chance to win one of the monthly prizes of £40, £20
and £10, and a twice a year the chance to win £100!
You also have the satisfaction of knowing that your
subscription helps the work of our museum, even if
you don’t win.
For further information about the Friends of Swaffham
Heritage and the 100 Club 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#friendsof-
swaffham-heritage or call in to the Museum.
Swaffham Players
A Bunch Of Amateurs – Rehearsals In Full Swing
Swaffham Players are busy rehearsing their latest comedic
offering “A Bunch of Amateurs”, written by Ian Hislop and
Nick Newman.
The play recounts the problems encountered by a
struggling amateur theatre group who decide to stage
a production of “King Lear”. They are joined in this
endeavour by fading Hollywood action hero, Jefferson
Steele, who they have recruited in a desperate attempt to
save their theatre, a converted barn, which is under threat
due to lack of council funding. Their guest star is under
the impression that he is playing the role at Stratford
upon Avon with the RSC, instead of which he is joining a
cast of amateur actors in the village of Stratford St John
in Suffolk. This proves to be a great blow to his greatly
inflated ego which along with further misunderstandings
ensure that rehearsals rarely run smoothly.
This extremely cleverly written and well observed play
should provide its audience with a funny, uplifting and
enjoyable evening out.
Performances- October 20th/21st at Swaffham
Conservative Club 7.30pm Tickets available from
Swaffham Conservative Club and The Market Cross Café
in Swaffham Market Place. £10 each.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
8 9
The National Trust
New National Trust Book Looks Behind the Doors
Of 60 Buildings, Spanning 900 Years of History
The National Trust cares for over 10,000
historic buildings, more than 300 of which are open to
the public. They span 900 years of architectural design.
From an Italianate Palace built to display fine art at
Ickworth to an atomic testing site on the Suffolk coast,
they span a myriad of designs, styles and purposes.
Popular TV presenter, architect and life member of
the National Trust, George Clarke has written the
introduction. While previous books about National Trust
properties tended to focus on their historic owners and
the collections they acquired, this new book puts the
buildings themselves firmly in the spotlight.
Packed with fascinating information about architectural
periods, styles and influences, it also provides fresh
insights into the work of the UK’s ground-breaking
historic architects and the people who commissioned
them. The book concludes with a detailed glossary of
architectural terms that will help readers understand
National Trust places in more depth and detail than ever
before.
Buildings are vast and intimate, and they speak of
wealth, poverty and human endeavour. They showcase
the richly varied regional building styles, materials and
techniques found across England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, and embody skills, traditions and knowledge
passed down through generations.
They are also a record of changing ways of life, social
division and political and religious struggles. Buildings
such as Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk show the lengths to
which people went to hide their religious beliefs during
the Reformation.
Oxburgh Hall
Oxburgh Hall, in Norfolk, is a high-status house typical
of the Tudor period, with a spectacular gatehouse,
handsome brick-built exterior and surrounding moat.
The bold choice of brick as the principal material
at Oxburgh is a grand architectural statement,
demonstrating the status and self-confidence on the
part of the Bedingfield family, who built the hall in 1482.
Followers of Catholicism faced a very precarious time
during the English Reformation and had to go to great,
and potentially claustrophobic lengths, to hide their
faith. The priest’s hole at Oxburgh is a rare surviving
example of one of these places of sanctuary.

1
2
3
4
5
A
OPEN
CLEAR
6
7
8
9
0
B
Borough Council of Lynn & W. Norfolk
Ukraine Independence Day celebration 'a feast of
vibrant colour'
Please find attached photos from yesterday's
celebration of Ukraine Independence Day: around
150 people came to enjoy the activities and
entertainments on offer.
The event heard from the Mayor, Cllr Margaret
Wilkinson, Leader, Cllr Terry Parish, and the council's
Cabinet Member for Tourism, Events and Marketing,
Cllr Simon Ring. They spoke of the good relations
between the people of west Norfolk and the Ukrainian
community, and their hope that the people of Ukraine
would once again enjoy the ability to celebrate with
a true feeling of freedom. A number of other cabinet
members and councillors attended in support.
Manor Farm Medical Centre PPG
Manor Farm Medical Centre PPG first met in November
2022 and although we have elected our Chair, Treasurer
and Minute Secretary our progress has been quite
slow during the 11 months since our inception. We do
have a core group of six enthusiastic members none
of whom have previous experience of membership of
a PPG. We have therefore had to rely on the guidance
of the Manor Farm Medical Centre Practice Manager
who represents the Practice at our meetings. Earlier
this year a new Practice Manager, Sara Briggs, joined
Manor Farm and with her previous experience of
working with PPGs has been able to guide us in
understanding the role of PPGs Campingland PPG have
also been helpful in giving advice as to our function.
Our principle aims as a PPG are quite simple, they
are to:
• Give patients and practice staff the opportunity to
meet and discuss topics of mutual interest
• Provide a means for patients to become more
involved and to make suggestions about the healthcare
service offered
• Explore patients’ concerns and patient surveys
contributing to action plans and help monitor
improvements.
Hopefully you will have seen our notice board in the
main waiting area where we will soon be displaying our
Constitution and Terms of Reference. We also hope
to display some photos of our members to enable
patients to recognise us.
Our Group have offered to help at flu vaccination
clinics when required hopefully you will see us there.
Unfortunately there has been some problems setting
up a group email address, however until this can be
resolved we are contactable via manorfarmreception@
nhs.net attention of Sara Briggs.
Last year we received
over 62,000 alarm
calls, and 97% of them
were answered within
60 seconds.
PAID TILL DEC 23
We are here to help.
Careline
alarm
Buddy
Button
(GPS tracker)
Vibby
Fall
Detector
To find out more, call us on 01553 616200
or visit careline-cs.org.uk and careandrepair-wn.org
Supra
Keysafe
1170-120-6
Martin Chisholm, Assistant Director: Operations and
Commercial, said: “This was the second time we have
celebrated Ukraine Independence Day in west Norfolk
and what a celebration it was! In an event jointly
organised by the council and the local Ukrainian
community, there was music, poetry and dancing,
crafts and a feast of vibrant colour. We also used the
opportunity to showcase King’s Lynn’s historic trading
links with northern Europe. It was a privilege to work
with some of our refugees to stage the event and I am
delighted that so many people came along to enjoy
themselves. The atmosphere was fantastic.”
10
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

Farewell Clare - Swaffham is going to miss you!
After over 20 years working for Family Action here in Swaffham,
Clare Peak retired from the charity at the end of September.
We wish Clare all the best and hope she gets some well earned rest!
Q & A with Clare Peak
Q: Tell us, Clare, about your first day at Family
Action in Swaffham?
A: It was 4th September 2002. At that time Family
Action was known as the Family Welfare Association
and was based in Swaffham Cottage Hospital. My
first role was as a Family Support Co-ordinator
within the WellFamily service in a small team
consisting of Gill, Linda, myself and our manager
Gerry. I am proud to say that the WellFamily Service,
which began in 1998, is still supporting Swaffham
families to this day. I was so nervous as I had just
qualified as a Social Worker but I was made to feel
very welcome. I hadn’t heard of the Family Welfare
Association before but when I saw the job and
asked my dad about it (he worked for NCH at the
time) about it he said the charity did ‘old-fashioned,
community-based social work’ and this really
appealed to me. Family Action has always focused
on developing services to help and support people in
their own communities and making a difference to
their lives. From the earliest days I knew I wanted to
be a part of that.
Q: What are some of the highlights of your time
with Family Action?
A: I have had so many highlights with Family Action
that I will need to pick just a few.
The first which comes to mind was when I was part
of a group from Family Action who accompanied
children and their families to Downing Street to
present a Child Poverty Action Group petition to
the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. We went through the
famous gates into Downing Street and the children
presented the petition to Tony Blair himself. He then
invited all of us into number 10 and I didn’t have
to be asked twice! It was such an unexpected and
exciting honour. We then took the children on the
London Eye and it was just an amazing day for all
involved. The family from Norfolk had never been
on a train to London before and it was all a great
adventure.
I was nominated by Family Action to attend a Royal
Garden Party at Buckingham Palace at which HM the
Queen was present. I went with other Family Action
colleagues including Emmanuel Kode and it was a
very special occassion. I was lucky enough to also be
invited to another Garden Party at Sandringham.
In 2019, our Escape Allotment Project, based in
Swaffham, was invited to participate in the Family
Action garden at the Chelsea Flower Show which
went on to win a gold medal. A group of our staff,
volunteers, students and service users helped to
prepare the garden and they had a wonderful day
and a unique experience.
The Escape Allotment Project went on to design and
build a show garden at the RHS Tatton Park Flower
show last year and won a silver gilt and just this
year designed and built a garden at the inaugural
‘Sandringham in Bloom’ event. Also based at
Escape, another highlight was seeing the first cohort
of students completing and getting their certificates
for the Level 2, City & Guilds Certificate in Practical
Horticulture Skills including some students with
additional needs. For some attending this was the
first qualification they had ever achieved.
The growth of our Neurodiversity Support Services,
which work with families in Norfolk and Waveney
and in West Suffolk, has been another great
achievement. Finding new ways to engage with and
support families and develop this service during the
Covid crisis and period of lockdown was particularly
challenging and I am proud of the job we did.
I am also immensely proud of the number of
volunteers in many of our services for whom
volunteering eventually led to paid employment
within Family Action.
Q: And what makes you proud outside of work?
A: First and foremost, my family. My husband and I
have four children and six grandchildren ranging in
age from 2 to 16 years. I am immensely proud of each
of my children. Our eldest son is a Police Sergeant,
the next is a Paramedic, the next son toured the
world as a professional dancer and is now settled
down as an Estate Agent and my daughter, also in
the Police force, played rugby for England Women
Under 21 team for two seasons. Most importantly
though they are all good people with good values.
When I look back, I am also very pleased and proud
that I managed to successfully return to education
while also raising a family. This was only possibly
because of the love and support of family, friends
and my wonderful husband.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to teenage
Clare?
A: Be true to yourself and worry less about what
people think.
Q: What are you planning for your retirement?
I will continue to volunteer for King’s Lynn Child
Contact Centre which is a truly worthy cause and I
am considering further volunteering opportunities.
I sing (I use the term loosely!) in a community choir
so will continue with this. I have no doubt there will
be plenty of childcare and I hope lots of coffee with
old and new friends.
I am moving house which will keep me occupied for
quite a while and I am also starting the Level 2 C&G
Certificate in Practical Horticulture Skills at ESCAPE
the week after I retire!
I was fortunate enough some years ago to be
funded by Norfolk County Council (and supported by
Family Action) to complete a Post Qualifying Degree
in Children and Families and a Post Graduate
Certificate in Practice Education so I hope to continue
as a Practice Educator.
Q: If you were Prime Minister for a day, name
three things you would do?
A: 1. Insist that my government embraces and
reflects Family Action’s values and behaviours!
2: Raise taxes and invest in services for the benefit
of all.
3: Ensure that the most vulnerable in society are at
the heart of government thinking.
Q: What would you like to say to friends/
colleagues/service users who may be reading
this?
A: Just a simple, ‘Thank you’ - Thank you for the
support you have given me over the past 21 years.
• Thank you to Family Action colleagues who I do
not meet every day but without whom I could not
have done my job, in areas such as HR, IT, Finance
and Fundraising.
• Thank you to my line manager Julie for all her
support and for always making me feel valued.
• Thank you to the people of Swaffham and beyond
who have used our services.
• Thank you to the Market Cross and Costa in
Swaffham for fortifying me with skinny lattes!
• Thank you to Swaffham Community Centre and
Iceni Partnership who are the most thoughtful and
attentive landlords.
• Thank you to Swaffham Town Council who have
always been so supportive.
12 13

Silver Swans
Have you heard of Silver Swans?
In 2017, the Royal Academy of Dance started ballet
classes for the over-55s. With Covid, these also moved
online and now classes are taught all over the world,
in the comfort of your own home! Sarah joined Janet
Lomas School of Dancing online in 2022, after classes
at Dizzie’s Dance Studio in Swaffham closed.
The RAD will be holding a Silver Swans Gala Day on
1st October, and Janet Lomas School was one of
10 picked to make a video to be shown on the day.
Sarah’s teacher, Johanna, has edited together footage
from her many students, from Canada, USA, France,
Germany, Portugal, Republic of Ireland and even
on a narrowboat! Sarah filmed her section at the
Swaffham Assembly Rooms.
Rotary
Swaffham
President's Corner
Having driven past the base
very many times, I was eager to
accept an invitation to visit RAF Marham in company
with twenty or so fellow Swaffham Rotarians and
guests. After passing security we were briefed by
Warrant Officer Mo Howard MBE on the history of
the base, and how it operated.
PAID TILL JUNE 23
PAID TILL DEC 23
Angela Rippon is the Silver Swans’ Ambassador, so
she will be closely followed and supported by her
Swans on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. Queen
Camilla is also an enthusiastic Silver Swan!
Silver Swans is open to all, you don’t have to have any
previous experience or dance training. It’s a beautiful
way to exercise and be part of the ballet world, it’s
never too late to shine!
The Janet Lomas School of Dancing’s online classes
have been featured on ITV Tonight’s ‘How to Age
Well’ with Martin Kemp., Woman’s Weekly, Breathe
Magazine and RAD@Home. If you’d like more
information about online Silver Swans classes, please
visit: www.janetlomasdance.co.uk.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
I hadn't realised that it had been an airfield as long
ago as 1916, when aircraft were deployed to head
off Zeppelin airships. Things really geared up though
in the Second World War when Wellington bombers
flew from Marham. Since then Vulcans and Tornadoes
have taken off there, though now it is home to the
F35 Lightning, a state- of-the-art fighting aircraft.
After a visit to the Heritage Centre, RAF Marham's
fascinating museum, we boarded a bus and toured
the station, learning about the workplaces and lives
of the RAF Squadrons based there as well as the many
civilians employed on the base.
It was a memorable day, and many thanks to WO Mo
Howard MBE and the other officers and staff we met
who took time out to show us around on the other
side of the fence.
Local resident and haulage business owner Scott
Stones has regularly been driving a truck to the
Ukraine loaded with essentials to help with the relief
effort there. We are very pleased that Scott is now a
member of Swaffham Rotary Club. We look forward
to offering him all the assistance we can to aid further
such trips.
In the meantime we are busy organising our 'Antiques
& Collectables Valuation Day' on October 21st at the
George Hotel, and 'Art Exhibition' 27th - 29th October
at the Assembly Rooms, which together form the
'Swaffham Rotary Visual Arts Festival'. For further
details please visit www.swaffhamrotary.org.uk.
Richard Skinner
THE ANTIQUES AND
COLLECTIBLES
VALUATION DAY
Is it valuable? What's it worth?
What's it's history?
All items will be accepted from furniture,
jewellery, china through to toys and comics etc.
Three experts from Keys Auctioneers will give
their verdicts at Swaffham's "Antiques Roadshow".
Bring it all to the Pedlar's Suite, The George Hotel,
Swaffham on Sat 21st October 9:30am to 4PM.
Event sponsored by
£2 per item; £5 for 3
PAY MONTHLY
14 15

Swaffham
Branch
01760
725801
http://www.family-action.org.uk
familyactionswaffham
building better families
THE SOLICITORS THAT CARE
Expert legal help and advice from
Swaffham’s most recommended solicitors
star-hal
Talk face to face with your local lawyers, at our
London Street office, who are here to help by
giving you clear and practical legal advice.
Divorce and Separation • Employment Issues • Wills, Trusts and Probate
Settling a Dispute • Moving Home • Personal Injury • Commercial Services
01760 721992
wardgethinarcher.co.uk
Chatteris • Dereham • Downham Market • Ely • Heacham • King’s Lynn • Swaffham • Watton
Swaffham Climate &
Environment Group
Swaffham Climate Action
Swaffham Social was a great opportunity to talk to people about our
You may have noticed the new title?
We have decided to change the name
of the group from Swaffham Climate Action
to better reflect our interests. Initally the focus was
entirely on climate change but this has expanded to
include many environmental issues and these are all
interconnected. We look forward to launching a new
logo to put in very the money soon. saved At the can be August a good incentive. meeting we welcomed
Kevin Holland from The Solar Shed who gave some
interesting answers to our varied questions on all
aspects of renewables.
Tip of the month – reduce your food waste
8 – 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are
estimated to come from food waste. A large
proportion suggestions, and is receive wasted all meeting before notes it and gets information. to the shops but
there are still many ways we can help to reduce waste,
you probably do some already as it makes sense and
saves money too:
• Check your fridge and cupboards before you go
shopping and make a list
• Try to plan your meals for the week ahead
• Don’t buy more than you need
• Store food in the fridge if it will deteriorate at
ambient temperatures
• Freeze any leftover food to eat another time, or use
in future cooking. Frozen
vegetables can easily be
used later to make tasty
soups, curries, risottos
and stir fries, and fruits
used in delicious cakes
and desserts.
• When eating out or getting a takeaway only order
what you will be able to eat
Come and join us
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 as they can vary.
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!)
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
17
Swaffham Community Hospital
Writing this at the time of our Sept mini heat wave. Lots
of extra watering at the Hospital gardens and a special
delivery of ice creams and lollies for the patients and
staff. A special mention again for Swaffham Football
Club. They kindly run what is known as the Hospital
Cup competition and I was grateful to attend the
Club to receive a generous cheque from them. This
competition seems to date back to the very early
1900s. I personally do not know the history of this
but would like to find out more. Do any of you know
about the early history. Perhaps a past relative/family
member may have had a connection. Any info would
be welcome.
A reminder of our planned coffee morning at the
Methodist Church on Saturday 21st October. Please
come and see us to enjoy some home made goodies.
On Saturday 25th November the Swaffham Rotary
Club are organising a Charity Fair in the Assembly
rooms in Swaffham. All charities are welcome and we
will have a stall. As well it is possible that the "Friends"
will be invited to run the refreshment stall, and if so
we will provide all the items and any profit made will
come to the Friends Charity.
AS in the past, another plug for our Coin collection
Scheme. Please keep putting your small change away
and it can either be collected or dropped off at Hospital
Reception.
A mention of what we do for patients arriving in
Hospital. Sometimes they turn up with only the
clothes they have on. We therefore have a supply
of emergency items to help them out. This includes
toiletries, so if you have any spare or wish to donate,
these would be welcome.
As ever I am pleased to be contacted, as below.
Colin Houghton (chairman)
07767 262108
Royal British Legion
Our next meeting will take place at Swaffham
Conservative Club on 17th October at 8pm.
Please remember that you don’t have to have served in
the armed forces to attend our meetings. I’m pleased
to say that we are increasing our membership so lots of
good humoured banter.
Message from our Chairman
The Swaffham & District Branch of the RBL, as well as
collecting for the Poppy Appeal, is now able to offer
support to Veterans and their dependents through
the Branch Community Support Programme. We have
trained volunteers willing to visit and talk to Veterans
in difficulty, and can help them obtain the support they
may need. Contact us via the RBL helpline (0808 802
8080), Veterans Gateway (0808 802 1212), or at info@
britishlegion.org.uk

The National Garden Scheme
October; Autumnal with a touch of the
Exotic and Tropical
‘I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers’
(Anne of Green Gables). The month which is a
rewarding and fruitful time of year for gardeners and
there is still plenty for visitors to enjoy at these two
beautiful gardens opening for the National Garden
Scheme. Remember your visit can make a difference
and help to raise money for the nursing and health
charities that the Scheme supports.
Sunday 1st October
• Holme Hale Hall, Swaffham, IP25 7ED
12-4 adm £7 chd fee. Light refreshments.
This popular private garden has all year-round
interest with a walled kitchen garden growing a soft
palette of herbaceous plants which include some
unusual varieties. Also a greenhouse, plenty of
vegetables, trained fruits, and roses. Wildlife friendly
with wildflower meadow.
Holme Hale Hall, August 2017
Saturday 14th October
• East Ruston Old Vicarage, NR12 9HN
12-5.30 Adm £13 Chd £2. Light Refreshments.
There are an amazing 32 acres to explore in this exotic
coastal garden, with a variety of interesting areas and
an exciting mix of plants you will not be disappointed.
We advise that you check our website for any up-todate
information www.ngs.org.uk
Ashill & Holme Hale Garden Club
Website: ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Email: ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com
AGM, Fruit & Vegetable Show and a GQT
Our August meeting was a busy one, we held our AGM
prior to holding our annual Fruit & Vegetable show
followed by a Gardeners Question Time Q&A with a
panel of experts.
AGM
A total of 66 members attended the August meeting
to hear a review of the club’s 2022-2023 activities from
our Chair, Neville McBrien, as part of the AGM. The
annual financial accounts were also adopted and the
management committee for the coming club year (August
2023 to July 2024) was also appointed. Membership
remains strong with over 100 members signed up as of
July 2023. The annual membership fee for the coming
club year was kept at £6, which provides access to 11
monthly meetings, including refreshments.
Annual Fruit & Vegetable Show
There was a good number of entries from members to
the 11classes of the club’s Annual Fruit & Vegetable show.
Vegetable classes included lettuces, tomatoes, potatoes,
onions and courgettes, while the fruit entries included
pears, chillies, apples and berry fruits. Our independent
judge, David Taylor, had the difficult task of picking the
winning entries to each class, with a large number of
entries in the tomatoes and fruit classes in particular. The
winners of each class were presented with certificates.
Gardener’s Question Time
After a well earned tea break the meeting re-convened
with a panel of 4 experts, which included our judge
David Taylor, along with club members Pam Rutty, Jezz
Hookham and Peter Banbury. Our panel of experts dealt
with a range of questions. The session was a lively one with
views from the panelists and the audience contributing
to an entertaining and informative interchange of ideas
on all things horticultural.
Upcoming Meetings
Our October meeting (October 26th) will have Barry
Gayton presenting both a talk on ‘Cacti for their Beauty’
as well as conducting a Cacti clinic.
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.
18

Swaffham Jazz Club
Recently I was interested to hear that the London
music establishment has (for the first time since
starting in 1992) awarded the Mercury Prize for
the ‘2023 Album of the Year’ to a Jazz band - the
Ezra Collective Quintet. The leader of the band was
so surprised he fell off his chair! In an acceptance
speech he said they now wanted to play at the
Royal Albert Hall, and then the Emirates Stadium.
Personally, I prefer to listen to small Jazz groups in a
Jazz Club and leave the large venues to the Big Bands.
For example, the 17-piece Ted Heath Band of the
60s and 70s played every Sunday afternoon at the
London Palladium.
For our September session we welcomed the vocalist
Melody Brooker with her Quartet: Paul White, piano:
Colin Borrville, guitar: Joel Human, double bass: Dave
Jackson, drums.
Melody told us during the evening that Paul is her
Dad. We’ve never had another band with this
combination, but it certainly works well! Melody has
a strong voice and the rhythm section know how to
swing, and each one is a great soloist. The audience
were totally absorbed for the whole of the evening. I
certainly enjoyed Melody’s singing but the highlight
for me was a purely instrumental number towards
the the end of the evening called “Cute” - a Count
Basie number. Each musician played superbly, and
with wonderful solos coming one after the other.
The climax was a long drum solo — everyone was
spellbound.
As Dave Brubeck once put it: “…that wonderful
atmosphere that you find only in a well-run Jazz Club”.
Next up: The James Lewis Quartet.
Tuesday 10 October 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
The Magpie Centre
A Busy Autumn Lies Ahead For The Magpie Centre
The evenings may be drawing in, and ponies growing
their winter coats, but there are no signs of slowing
down at the Magpie Centre, home of West Norfolk
Riding for the Disabled Association, based at
Wallington Hall, South Runcton, PE33 0EP.
Children aged from five years are welcome to join us
for some spooky fun at half term on Thursday 26th or
Friday 27th October (various times available).
There will be an hour of treats, no tricks!, to include
a Halloween Crafting Session, a Spooky Ride and a
Treat to take home. The cost is £25 per child, and
Fancy Dress is encouraged. To book or for more info,
email: magpiecentrewnrda@hotmail.co.uk.
And on Saturday November 25th, we shall be holding
a Quiz Night with Hog Roast Supper (plus vegetarian
option) at Stowbridge Village Hall, Downham Road,
Stowbridge, PE34 3PW. The meal includes a huge
range of salads and home-made desserts. Dare I say
‘All You Can Eat’? Doors open at 7.00 pm for a 7.30 pm
start. Bring your own drinks. Teams of 4 – 8 people are
usual, but singles and couples are welcome to make
up teams on the night. To book tickets, £12.50 each,
call: 07715 467866 or email: magpiecentrewnrda@
hotmail.co.uk. All proceeds go to the Magpie Centre.
And finally, a note to readers who are responsible for
booking speakers for their local friendship groups. If
your group would like to know a bit more about Riding
for the Disabled in general and the Magpie Centre in
particular, we have speakers who would be happy
to come along, in exchange for a small donation to
Magpie Centre funds. Just call the Centre on 01553
810202 to be put in touch with a local speaker.
Wissey u3a
Our guest speaker at our September
monthly meeting was Sarah Doig whose illustrated talk
titled, ‘Norwich at Work’, proved to be a fascinating
history of the City’s importance as a manufacturing
base since mediaeval times.
Taking us through the centuries since then, right up
to the present time, and explaining the many changes
that have taken place over the period, we were given
a comprehensive and most interesting insight of the
development of ‘A Fine City’.
At our next monthly meeting which will be on
Thursday 5th October our guest speaker will be
Charlie Haylock, presenting Charlie and “The Dig”.
This is an intriguing look behind-the-scenes in the
making of the Netflix film ‘The Dig’ which is based on
the novel of the same title about the famous Sutton
Hoo ship.
Charlie Haylock with Ralph Fiennes
Photo by Larry Horricks / Netflix © 2021
The monthly meeting is only one side of the u3a. We
also have over 20 Activity Groups, organised by our
members, where shared interest and knowledge, of a
wide variety of subjects, make an ideal focus for new
friendships.
We are keen to recruit people from all backgrounds
and age groups, the only condition being that you are
not in full-time employment.
For further information please visit our website:
www.wisseyu3a.org or email our Chairman at:
d.moncaster@btinternet.com or telephone him on
01760 724755.
Swaffham History Group
Swaffham History Group, normally meets on the
second Monday of the month at 2pm in the Swaffham
Museum learning room. Anyone can join and there is
no subscription except an annual registration fee of
£1 (this so that our Group Secretary, Gerry, can keep
the register of members up-to-date).
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’.
The History Group has been very involved in the
‘Mapping the Market Place’ project and we will be
publishing a series of booklets on this theme early
next year. These will be on sale in the Museum shop.
To produce the booklets we have been fortunate
to acquire an A3 laser printer with a grant from the
Swaffham Cultural Consortium funds from the ‘Under
the Eye of the Buttercross’ Historic Action Zone
project. This will enable us to produce the booklets
at an affordable price. 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 during
the project. 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 in due course on the SCC website https://
www.swaffhamculture.org/
Did you know that the History Group has produced
many booklets over the last decade or so, covering
many aspects of Swaffham history? One of our most
popular series is about the pubs of Swaffham, of
which there were more than 30 in the early 20th
century! These are all on sale in the Museum shop.
The Group’s earliest publication was the ‘Book of
Swaffham’ which is still available.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
20 21

In Touch With Your Town
Car Show
On Sunday 27th August Swaffham
Town Council held the annual Classic
Car Show and family fun day. It was a
great day enjoyed by many. It was great
to see the community enjoying this free family event.
Swaffham Town Council would like to thank Kerry
Furnass, Graham Watkinson, Des Barlow, DJ Emmo,
KL1 Radio, the Swaffham Lionesses, Swaffham Army
Cadets, Breckland District Cllr Jacob Morton and
Swaffham Town Councillors for their help on the day.
Swaffham Christmas Light Switch on event
Swaffham Town Council are excited to announce
that the Christmas Light Switch on event will be
held on Sunday 3rd December between 10am-5pm.
There will be a Christmas market, craft stalls, Santa's
Grotto, funfair and entertainment throughout the
day. Swaffham Town Council are now accepting stall
applications for the Christmas food and craft market.
Application forms are available online at: www.
swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk. Tickets for Santa’s
Grotto will be released nearer the time.
Tesco
Swaffham Town Council have secured a space in
Tesco’s Stronger Starts funding project. Look out for
Swaffham Town Council’s Community Defibrillator
project in the Swaffham store. Supporting this project
may mean the installation of a new Defibrillator in
the town for community use.
Swaffham Youth Group Festival
On Saturday 28th October Swaffham Town Council
are hosting an event to bring Youth Groups in the
area together. It will be great to see the young
people of Swaffham come together to celebrate
their groups. There will be an opportunity to deliver
a demonstration of their groups activities.
If you are involved with a youth group and
would like to take part in this event, please get
in contact with Leanne Jarrett on deputyclerk@
swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
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
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.
Town Council Committee
meeting dates - OCTOBER 2023
• Wednesday 11th 6:30pm Full Council
• Monday 23rd 1pm Finance
• Tuesday 24th 11am Planning & Built Environment
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
22 23

A FANTASTIC
RANGE OF
DESIGNS FROM
CONTEMPORARY
TO CLASSIC
A WORLD OF CHOICE AT REEDS
UNBEATABLE PRICES FROM A FAMILY BUSINESS YOU CAN TRUST!
SOFAS | CHAIRS | FURNITURE | BEDS | MATTRESSES | FLOORING | CURTAINS | BLINDS AND MORE!
Opening Times: Mon – Sat 9am to 5pm in Ely and Downham | 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, Lancaster Way Business Park, Ely CB6 3NX T: 01353 669754
REEDS Furniture, Flooring, Bed Centre & Homestore, Bridge Street, Downham Market PE38 9DS T: 01366 382213