Swaffham Newsletter

SN
Online
April 2024
Your free town newsletter published by Iceni Partnership
SWAFFHAM
newslet ter
version available to view at www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
NEWS EVENTS INFORMATION
Heritage Week Events
across town a big hit
See more pictures of activities from the week on page 9
Swaffham
Heritage Week
Sat 9 th - Sat 16 th
March 2024
th - Sat 16
th
REGULARS
Swaffham
& District
Lions
p.8
Swaffham
Rotary
p.11
Garden
Group
p.12
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 RBL/Community Hospital
4 Swaffham Arts
5 Church News
6 Jazz Club/Bowls Club/The Hive
8 Swaffham Lions
9 Cultural Consortium
11 NarVOS/Rotary
12 History Group/FoSH
14 Garden Club/NGS Norfolk
15 Merle Boddy/Manor Farm PPG
18 Swaffham Town Council
PAY MONTHLY
Royal British Legion
Poppy Appeal 2023
I am pleased to report that nationwide
the 2023 Poppy Appeal was a huge
success; with donations totalling in excess of £50m.
In Swaffham our volunteers and local businesses and
organisations helped raise over £27,000, however this
is not the final figure as donations are still coming in.
Our sincere thanks go to all those who contributed to
raising this amazing amount.
Our RAF Bear
As part of Swaffham’s appeal we ran a competition to
win a teddy bear dressed in RAF uniform. Courtesy of
the RAF this bear was flown to Kuwait, then Kenya and
onto Somalia and back again. We asked people to guess
the correct number of miles he travelled, by putting
their name on a square against a mileage figure they
thought was correct. I am pleased to announce that the
winner of the Bear was Anne Thorpe with an entry of
11,614 miles.
Quiz Night – 1st March 2024
On Friday 1st March we held a Quiz Night @the Conni
with John and Jo as our quizmasters. The evening was
well supported with a total of 15 teams so the room
was full to capacity. Competition was strong with the
evening ending in a tie break between three teams,
with the eventual victors being “The Pride of Swaffham”
– Swaffham Lionnesses. Well done! We hope to arrange
more quizzes in the future.
Diary Date - Saturday 8th June – D-Day Celebrations
There will be an evening of 40`s style entertainment
in the Assembly Rooms to celebrate the D-Day 80th
Anniversary. Plans are well underway for this joint
venture between the Swaffham RBL and Swaffham
Town Council. It will be street party themed with various
40's style entertainment booked. This will be a “ticket
only” event and we hope that tickets will be on sale next
month. This will be an opportunity, if you wish, to dress
in 40s style and enjoy the songs popular during the war
years.
NEXT MEETING OF SWAFFHAM RBL - Tuesday 16th April
at 8pm at The Conni new members are always welcome.
Community Hospital LOF's
As indicated last month, Tesco in Swaffham agreed to help
us in our plan to provide Easter eggs for all the patients.
Thanks to them and you the public for your support.
A date for your diary - Saturday 6th April - Coffee Morning
at the Methodist Church to raise funds for the Hospital.
Lots of home made goodies available.
Our Coin collection at home scheme is really helping us
so please keep collection your small change. As ever it can
be left at Hospital reception or can be collected from you.
As the weather has improved we have started again in
maintaining the front and rear Hospital Gardens. Any
spare plants, especially small shrubs, that you can spare
would be welcome.
The Hospital is as busy as ever and the staff are working
hard. That is one of the reasons that we are supplying the
Staff Room with extra provisions to help keep up morale.
As I have explained in earlier articles we still sometimes
get patient admissions where they arrive with only the
clothes on their backs. To help address this the "Friends"
ensure that the Hospital Housekeeper has some funds to
purchase basic essentials for their stay
Happy to provide more info on what we do. Give me a call
on 07767 262108.
Colin Houghton (Chairman)
Narbeck Junior Billiards League
Narbeck Jnr Billiards League Coaches its 600th player!
The West Acre based N.J.B.L introduced its 600th
player to cue-sports recently when Swaffham
boys Marcus Martinen, Arthur Martinen and Rene
Stankievice (pictured) tried Snooker and Billiards for
the first time.
1
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
3
The League has been running on Mondays afternoons
after school since 1997 and welcomes all youngsters
over the age of 7 years.
During this time approaching 250 players have
competed in the league proper, with 13 or our players
becoming national Junior Champions.
Matches and training take place on Mondays between
3.30pm and 7.30pm with no experience needed.
All coaching staff are NGB accredited.
For more detail please contact the NJBL on 01760-
755337, or welham308@yahoo.com or visit our
Facebook page.

Are you aged 65+ and live in Swaffham?
NHS Norfolk and Waveney, the Borough Council
of King’s Lynn and Breckland Council are delivering
a project to help people keep active, safe and
independent in their own home.
We can offer the following services for FREE
• Handyperson service – Following a home
assessment, we can fit low level prevention measures
to help keep you safe in your home; for example hand
rails, half steps, stair rails, key safes etc. All minor
adaptations are free of charge.
• Exercise classes suitable for your ability to help you
stay mobile and active. These can be provided in a
community setting or on a one-to-one basis in your
home by a personal trainer.
To register for these services, please contact Breckland
Council by email communitysupport@breckland.gov.
uk or telephone 01362 656870 and request a Welfare
Officer. Please note this service is only available for
residents of Swaffham and the following villages:
Beachamwell, Beeston, Beetley, Croxton, Cockley
Cley, Foulden, Gt and Lt Dunham, Great Cressingham,
Litcham, Lexham, Lynford, Mileham, Mundford,
Narborough, Oxborough, Rougham, Sporle,
Stanford, South Pickenham, South Acre, Tottingham,
Wellingham, Weeting, Weasenham and Whissonsett.
This project is currently funded until September 2024
and is subject to availability.
Swaffham Arts
It was a brass player in Ensemble East who asked us if
we were interested in inviting Cawston Brass Band to
play in Swaffham, and when we listened to the clips
of them playing on their website we realised how
good they are.
Formed in 1886, Cawston Band is the East Anglian
Brass Band Associations reigning Champion Band.
They have contested nationally at a number of venues
including Wembley and Harrogate International
Conference Centre. Over the years they have
progressed through the competitive sections, and are
now in the First Section nationally.
Locally they have played all over Norfolk: in Norwich
Cathedral, Wymondham Abbey, Eaton Park, Cromer
Lifeboat Station and the Fat Cat Brewery Tap.
So we have invited them, and they will be coming to
play in the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Swaffham,
on Saturday May 18th at 7.30pm. They play a wide
repertoire to suit the occasion, from classic brass
band music to Queen. We will have more details next
month. Tickets will be £12. We hope to see you there!
St Peter & St Paul, Swaffham
swaffhamchurch@gmail.com or 01760 725051
Services for April 2024 - all are Welcome
Sunday 7th April
9.30am
6pm
Sunday 14th April
9.30am
Sunday 21st April
8am
9.30am
Sunday 28 April
9.30am
Sunday 5th May
9.30am
11.30am
Sung Eucharist
Evensong
Sung Eucharist
Holy Communion
United Benefice Sung Eucharist
Sung Eucharist
Said Communion
Rogation Service at Town Farm,
Sporle -followed by picnic Lunch
Mid-week service Wednesday Mornings 10am Holy
Communion (said)
Tuesday 23rd April - 12 noon St. George’s Day Lunch in
Church. Saturdays Coffee & Cake 9.30am to 12noon on
Saturdays 6th, 13th, 20th & 28th April
The Church is open daily for Private Prayer and for
Visitors between 9am and 3pm
A Bible Study Group meets on Wednesday 3rd and
17th April at 2.30pm at 15 Wroxham Avenue. New
members welcome.
Choir Practice 7.15pm to 8.15pm - Tuesday evenings -
New Voices welcome.
Bell Practice 7.30pm to 9pm Friday evenings. Contact
may be made via email: swaffhamchurch@gmail.com
or 01760 725051.
Swaffham Mother's Union Branch
Thursday 11th April - Mother's Union
Speaker Maggie Anderson from Baby
Basics, West Norfolk. We offer support for
each other within our group in our prayers.
We are always happy to welcome new members or
visitors. Contact: Julia Higbee for details 01760 720041.
Swaffham Methodist Church
• Tues 2nd April 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. Open to all for free refreshments and friendship.
• Fri 5th April 9.30am. The Power of Prayer. Praying for
our needy world. Phone 01769722611 for venue.
• Sat 6th April 9.30am-12noon. Church Coffee Morning
and Home Baking Stall.
• Sun 7th April 10.45am. Morning Worship led by the
Worship Leaders and followed by refreshments.
• Tues 9th April 10am-12noon. The Meeting Place Drop
In. Free refreshments. A warm welcome awaits all.
• Thurs 11th April 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship Group.
Deacon Jen talks about ‘Finding God in the everyday ’.
All welcome.
• Fri 12th April 9.30am. The Power of Prayer. Phone
01760722611 for venue.
• Sat 13th April 9.30-12noon. Coffee Morning in aid of
the Hospital League of Friends.
• Sun 14th April 10.45am. Morning Worship led by
Deacon Jen and followed by refreshments.
• Tues 16th April 9.30am-12noon. The Meeting Place
Drop In. Many are finding it a great place to be. Free
refreshments.
• Fri 19th April 9.30am. The Power of Prayer. Phone
01760722611 for venue.
• Sat 20th April 9.30am-12noon. Coffee Morning in aid
of The Royal British Legion.
• Sun 21st April 10.45am. Morning Worship led by Mrs
Avril Temple and followed by refreshments.
• Tues 23rd April 9.30am-12noon. The Meeting Place
Drop In. A warm and friendly atmosphere where
everyone can enjoy meeting old friends and new. Free
refreshments.
• Thurs 25th April 2.30pm. Swaffham Friendship Group
meet. All welcome.
• Fri 26th April 9.30am. The Power of Prayer. Phone
01760722611 for venue.
• Sun 28th April 10.45am. Morning Worship led by the
Worship Leaders and followed by refreshments.
• Tues 30th April 9.30am-12noon. The Meeting Place
Drop In. Bring your knitting or crochet or just have a
good chat over free refreshments.
Swaffham Baptist Church
38 Station Street, Swaffham, Norfolk PE37 7HP
Swaffham Baptist Church is a caring
and friendly congregation. As a united
church body, we seek to explore and
deepen our Christian life together
by serving God in the local community.
If you are interested in finding out more about the
Christian faith or if you are a Christian looking for a
loving and friendly fellowship, then you will find a
warm welcome at any of our services or activities.
*A warm welcome is extended to all*
SUNDAYS
• 10:00 - 10:30 – Weekly prayer time in the church
hall prior to regular worship service.
• 10:45 – Weekly Morning Worship Service, followed
by fellowship with Tea/Coffee/biscuits served in the
hall.
MONDAYS
• 10:00 – 12:30- Foodbank Distribution Centre Open
WEDNESDAY
• 19:00 – 20:30 – The 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the
month- Bible study in the church office.
www.swaffhambaptistchurch.org.uk
t: 01760 725684
e: swaffhambc2020@outlook.com
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
Fountain Of Life Church, Swaffham
folchurch.co.uk
Find us on Instagram & Facebook:
folchurchswaffham
We are a new, friendly congregation
with modern, charismatic style worship.
We are linked to Fountain of Life Church in Ashill.
You are very welcome Sunday mornings in Swaffham
Community Centre, Campingland. 9:30am for tea,
coffee and chat, service starts at 10am.
4
5

6
Swaffham Town Bowls Club
The 2024 outdoor bowling season is fast approaching
and once again Swaffham Town Bowls Club is
preparing to take part in local league and County
bowls competitions. Last season was a mixed bag
for the Club in that one team was unfortunately
relegated and four others finished in mid-table
placings. However, there was some success in the
Monday evening Rosie Smith League where the team
finished as Champions.
The Club has a good membership and apart from the
above-mentioned competitions we hold afternoon
bowling sessions every Tuesday and Thursday,
together with a number of social events throughout
the year.
Each year we hold an open weekend and this year
we will open the gates on Saturday 11th and Sunday
12th May 2024 from 10am to 4pm each day. So, if
you are interested in joining a friendly and sociable
Club why not give it a go. All you need to do is turn up
with a pair of flat shoes and the Club will provide the
rest. There will be Members on hand to ‘show you
the ropes’ and tea and coffee will be provided. Our
bar will be open too.
You can find us at: Myers Playing Field, Shoemakers
Lane, Cley Road, Swaffham, PE37 7NT
For further information call 07485 624087.
The Hive, Great Cressingham
It has certainly been a fertile time at The Hive over
the past two months with many different activities
to share our values of ‘creativity, spirituality and
well-being’. The Hive community has gathered for
a great variety of events and brought new people
with them and others have found their way to us
through various avenues of advertising, including the
Swaffham Newsletter – thank you!
We have walked (on Easter Saturday) talked at
Thoughts on Thursdays, listened to fascinating
presentations on Norfolk Life (Rod Goddard) and how
to read the skies – Weather Watch (David Jones). We
have reflected in Celtic Journeys for St David’s Day
and the Retreat with creations of poetry, jigsaw and
almost-Easter bonnet.
We have stretched and breathed in yoga and the
Spring Sing casual choir, brought books and read
plays. We are now beginning to look forward to the
new season when, with warmer weather, we can
enjoy the beautiful natural setting of The Hive in
Great Cressingham.
To find out more, visit our facebook page - https://
www.facebook.com/GreatCressinghamHive
or contact us at thehiveplace@gmail.com
Swaffham Jazz Club
Before the March session, which featured Jazz Signs I
met up with Paul Mason the band’s drummer,
son of Colin Mason who was the Club’s resident
drummer in the early days.
Paul was born in Wisbech, but the family moved to
Wereham where he was brought up. In his teens
he was into Rock music and particularly liked The
Jimi Hendrix Experience and Led Zeppelin and
especially their drummers – Mitch Mitchell and
John Bonham. He wanted to take up the drums
like his Dad, but didn’t have a kit to play on as
Colin had just sold his to buy their first family car.
When Colin saw young Paul’s interest in becoming
a drummer he bought him a snare drum. Gradually
tom-toms, cymbals, a high hat and bass drum
followed.
Paul, together with some friends, formed their first
band, Crackletube, and were soon playing in local
venues. They then re-formed as Meadowlane.
Paul stopped playing when he went to Uni. He
then got married and didn’t take up the drums
again until his mid-thirties. Colin once more
helped Paul buy a kit, such that his son Harry
(Colin’s grandson) also grew up hearing the sound
of drums and he too wanted to play from an
early age. Harry, now fifteen, is drummer in the
Downham Market Swing Orchestra.
Colin was a founder member of Jazz Signs but
when he became ill, Paul sat in to help out. He
then became their regular drummer when Colin
sadly passed away.
Outside of music, Paul likes to “be in the open
air close to nature”. He particularly enjoys fishing,
especially when he is on a Norfolk beach, wading
through the surf with his fishing rod in his hands.
He also brews his own beer, but not necessarily at
the same time.
Next up: Tuesday 9th April at 7.30pm Dave
Jackson Quartet.
Ivan Garford piano, Derek Saville vibraphone, Joel
Human bass and Dave Jackson drums.
Swaffham Conservative Club. 23 London Street
PE37 7DD. £10 cash on the door.
More information from Norman 01760 722384 or
Geoff 01366 328730
Swaffham Jazz Club
at
Swaffham Conservative Club
Dave Jackson Jazz Quartet
Ivan Garford piano
Jazz Club
Swaffham
Tuesday 7:30pm
April 9 th
Cash on door £10
Call us today 01760 724424
www.hayesandstorr.co.uk
London Street
Dave Jackson drums
Joel Human bass Derek Scurll vibraphone
Norman 01760 722 384
Geoff 01366 328 730
bar
HAYES + STORR SOLICITORS
SWAFFHAM LEGAL SERVICES
Swaffham | Fakenham | King’s Lynn | Holt | Sheringham
PAID TILL JUNE 24
Your legal matters in safe hands
• Property Sales and Purchases
• Children and Family Law
• Wills and Probate
• Lasting Powers of Attorney
• Employment Law
• Business and Company Law
• Agricultural Law
• Commercial Property
1 Beacon House, Turbine Way PE37 7XJ • Free on-site parking with disabled access

Swaffham & District Lions Club
The Lions, Lionesses and partners recently
got together for an evening out at the
Russian Restaurant Rasputin in Swaffham
Market Place. It was a really enjoyable social occasion
with excellent food being served.
Easter Egg baskets are around the town in local pubs
and businesses, being raffled off for our Charity funds,
and the Lioness Branch Club run their usual Easter
Egg tombola stall this time in the Friday market at the
Assembly Rooms.
We recently sent our Lioness quiz team to take part
in the British Legion Quiz to raise funds for the Poppy
Appeal, and guess what, we won!
Authors Books & Cakes
Sunday 3rd March saw the return of a selection of
award-winning authors to Swaffham in the Assembly
Rooms with a delightful afternoon tea. Cressida Mc
Laughlan was in conversation with Heidi Swain,
enthralling people from as far as Birmingham,
Bedford and Clacton on Sea with tales of their
books and writing ways. Participants were reluctant
to leave until they had their photo taken with their
favourite author.
The next event on the 21st April is with Nicci French,
pseudonym for the writing partnership of
journalists Nicci Gerrard and Sean French who
write psychological thrillers. Limited tickets still
available.
Don’t delay booking for:
• 12th May - Lisa Jewell Lisa Jewell is a British author
of popular fiction. Her books include Ralph's Party,
After The Party, Then She Was Gone, The Family
Upstairs, Invisible Girl and The Night She Disappeared.
Her latest book None of This is True was published in
July 2023.
• 9th June - C L Taylor, the eight times Sunday
Times bestselling author of ten gripping stand-alone
psychological thrillers: The Accident, The Lie, The
Missing, The Escape, The Fear, Sleep, Strangers, Her
Last Holiday, The Guilty Couple and her newest book.
Swaffham Cultural Consortium
Many thanks to everybody who have taken part
between January 2022 and March 2024
The time is up; the money spent.
Enjoyment by the ton.
Dig and Craft and Dance and Food,
Our job superbly? done
We brought together old and young
And spent town time together.
Important too, for every “do”
We welcomed sunny weather.
So many thanks to everyone
Who came, who worked, who backed us.
And glad that, although not quite perfect,
Nobody has sacked us.
Images of The Final events: 9th – 16th March
West Norfolk Rock Choir on the Buttercross
Chaos Collective Concert in the Assembly Rooms
Buttercross illustration by student from TNHA
Our Lions District Convention takes place every
March, this year’s being held at Dunston Hall near
Norwich. Lions International is a worldwide service
organisation, and the goal for the coming year is
to reach 1.5 million members globally. In May our
Swaffham Club will be welcoming two Lion visitors
over here from New Zealand.
Sadly the Chat and Play group we have supported
has now closed, but the organiser Sue Chittock has
kindly donated the surplus funds to our Club. We are
using this donation to support a young Lion member
(a Leo) in our District called Sophie, who has Cerebral
Palsy and needs help to purchase a specialised trike
to help her get around.
The 40th Charter Anniversary of Swaffham & District
Lions Club will be celebrated on the evening of
Saturday 25th May in The Pedlar Suite at The George
Hotel. Any members, ex-Lions and Lioness members,
families, friends and supporters are very welcome to
join us for this special occasion Dinner & Dance, cost
£35. Please phone us on 07736 795678 if you would
like to come along. For more information email the
Lions on swaffhamlions@gmail.com.
• 8th September - Susan Lewis is a British author
living in the west of England who has written 50
novels as well as an autobiographical memoir – Just
One More Day with a follow-up memoir One Day at a
Time. Susan will be in conversation with Kate Jewell.
• 6th October. Day with East Anglian Authors -
hosted By Sarah Perry , who wrote The Essex Serpent.
11am Sarah Perry in conversation with Stephen Buro
and DL Taylor
12.30 Polly Crosby, author of Vita and the Birds.
2.30 Panel discussion with Karen Agenlico, Rachel
Hore and Kate Sawyer. Refreshment will be available
all day to purchase. Day Ticket for all 3 events. £15.
• 3rd November, By popular demand Alison Weir,
Melita Thomas and Pearl in the Egg duo who will
be providing Tudor music. Opportunity to meet well
known authors and new authors while raising money
for the Norfolk Hospice. (Lisa Jewell and Kate Sawyers
books are both currently in the Times ten best books).
All events will commence at 3pm. Doors open at
2.15pm. Except the 6th October which will be an allday
event.
Tickets can be obtained from The Green Parrot in
Swaffham or online at Norfolk Hospice. For further
information contact Lynette on 07900570765.
Junior Academy clay sculpture of the Buttercross
Finds from the Campingland Dig
Iceni Partnership ladies at the 40's Tea Dance
Mosaic workshop items
So...are we ready for more?!
8 9

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
NarVOS
Indoor meeting at The Assembly Rooms,
1 Market Place, Swaffham PE37 7AB
Wednesday 24th April 2024 at 7.30pm
The Birds and Wildlife of the Holkham NNR
Presented by Andrew Bloomfield
Andrew (Andy) Bloomfield is an experienced birdwatcher
and naturalist born at Holkham North Norfolk where he
works as a Conservation Warden on the Holkham Estate.
A child of the 60’s, Andrew was born on the Holkham
Estate, went to school in Wells and has lived his life in
North Norfolk. He has been able to combine his hobby
of Birdwatching with that of his career as a Warden
on the Holkham National Nature Reserve - the envy of
many I am sure! Andrew is also a singer of rock and roll,
a former UK Old School Wrestler and a dedicated father.
He wrote Birds of the Holkham Area in 1993 and had
major contributions in The Birds of Norfolk 1999 and The
Turn of the Tide 2005 along with many smaller articles
in a range of ornithological journals. His illustrated talks
and guided wildlife tours are always in demand.
Andrew’s knowledge of the Holkham NNR is second to
none, covering all aspects of wildlife and fauna within
the Holkham Estate. However it is as a “Birder” that
Andrew excels and his ornithological observations and
photography will I know be enjoyed by all.
Please come along. Visitors welcome. Admission £4 on
the night; free to NarVOS members.
For more information contact Paul Fuller or Alan Schpot
via paul.fuller123@btinternet.com
or alan.schpot@talktalk.net or go to www.narvos.org.uk
Rotary
Swaffham
Swaffham Rotary
Talks from guest speakers form an
important part of our fortnightly
meetings at Swaffham Rotary. Many speakers tell us
about local charities and the work they do to benefit
the community. Through our fund-raising activities
we are able to consider helping them with a donation
or perhaps some practical assistance.
Alice Stevenson told us recently about the Boom
Project which she runs as part of the Benjamin
Foundation. It is estimated that there are between six
and twelve thousand young carers in Norfolk, young
people relied on by members of their family who
cannot live without support. These youngsters often
show poor socialising skills, they may have irregular
school attendance and often feel isolated.
The Boom Project organises fortnightly meetings
so that young carers can briefly step away from
their duties and get together for chat and some fun
activities.
Alice mentioned the problem of arranging transport
to the meetings for those living in remote locations.
Alice was thanked by Swaffham Rotarian Kurt Oliver
after her informative talk.
KS Tree Care
For all your tree, hedge care,
landscaping & fencing needs
kstreecaree@gmail.com
Call Kyle for a FREE QUOTE on 07716 301656
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.
PAY MONTHLY
In the February Swaffham Newsletter I mentioned
our plan for a Beer Festival to be held on May 26th.
This event has proved to be difficult to arrange on
this date and has now been postponed. I'll keep you
posted!
Richard Skinner
11

12
The Swaffham History Group
The Swaffham History Group, normally
meets on the second Monday of the month
at 2pm. Anyone can join and there is no subscription
except an annual registration fee of £1.
During our recent meeting on 11th March, we
discussed the imminent publication of the books
about the history of Swaffham Market Place shops
and premises prepared by The Swaffham History
Group. The proposal is to produce four books
respectively for the East, West, and North sides, and
the Shambles.
At our last meeting in February group member and
treasurer Peter Coombes showed us a first prototype
copy for the books, and thought that it would be
quite a task to prepare a book for just one side in
time for the finale of the HAZ project and the end
of Swaffham Heritage Week on Saturday 16th March.
However, Peter surprised us all by presenting three of
the books at our meeting in March.
Peter produced the books using publishing software,
but it took many, many hours of work to compile
them. We are so grateful to Peter for his tremendous
effort in bringing these books out in time for the final
weekend of the HAZ project.
The three books about the East and West sides of
Market Place, and the Shambles respectively, were to
be on show in the final event of Swaffham Heritage
Week on Saturday 16th March at the Assembly
Rooms. The books will, we hope, go on sale in the
Museum Shop from April.
At the same time, Swaffham Heritage is launching
an interactive website with some of the information
from the books.
For our next meeting at 2pm on Monday 8th April
we will be going to Narborough Museum. It is
proposed to meet up at
1.30pm in Theatre Street
(Swaffham) car park, and
car share for the trip to
Narborough.
For our meeting in
May we will probably
be convening in the
museum learning room;
to be confirmed.
You can find out
more about us online in the Swaffham Heritage
website at https://www.swaffhammuseum.co.uk/
history/swaffham-history-group or just drop in
at our next meeting. Alternatively, please email
theswaffhamhistorygroup@gmail.com for further
information.
New members are always welcome; you are not
required to do any research or have any qualifications
just, obviously, an interest in our local history.
Friends of Swaffham Heritage
We have now decided that the day trips for the
Friends of Swaffham Heritage this year will be:
• Spalding Flower Festival, Sunday 12th May
We’ll spend a couple of hours at Springfields Shopping
Outlet before the onward journey to the Festival
showground. There will be 50+stalls along with food
stalls and games. You can also view all the floats from
the parade on Saturday (40+) which will be parked
around the grounds. Coach Cost, Friends £15.00,
Guest’s £18.00
• Felixstowe Museum & Landguard Fort, Thursday
11th July
Visiting the Felixstowe Museum, and the Landguard
Fort situated at the entrance to the port of
Felixstowe. You can also visit the Nature Reserve and
Bird Observatory and maybe take a trip on the foot
ferry to Harwich which runs daily. Both the Museum
and Fort have cafés and there is also the Viewpoint
Café which serves snacks and meals daily. Coach Cost,
Friends £17.50, Guest’s £20.00 Note: The cost of entry
to the Fort and to the Museum is extra, but they do
offer a reduced rate if visiting both places, also English
Heritage members get free entry to the Fort.
• Bressingham Gardens & Steam Museum, Thursday
12th September
Trip to visit Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum
on a Steam Day, entry includes Bressingham Steam
Experience, Dad's Army Collection, Bressingham
Gardens (both Dell and Foggy Bottom gardens),
unlimited narrow gauge railway rides and three (non
consecutive) rides on the Gallopers Roundabout.
Cost for Coach Friends £12.50, Guest’s £15.00 Plus
cost of entry Adult/Senior £13.50, Child £8.50.
Anyone wishing to go to the Spalding trip on the 12th
May, please book early with Stuart (contact details
below) and arrange payment either by dropping
cheque or cash into the Museum marked 'Spalding
12th May' or by bank transfer quoting 'Spalding' as
reference we would be grateful.
100 Club
Winners for March 2024 were:
• £40 – no 2331
• £20 – no 2347
• £10 – no 2385
For the 100 Club and for trips contact the Membership
Secretary, Stuart Clapton, by email stuartclapton@
aol.com. For further information about the Friends of
Swaffham Heritage see our webpage, on the Swaffham
Heritage website https://www.swaffhammuseum.
co.uk/support-us#friends-of-swaffham-heritage, or
email to friends@swaffhammuseum.co.uk, or call in
to the Museum.
2024 SUMMER OF MUSIC
S A T U R D A Y 4 T H M A Y A T 4 P M
Serendipity, a trio of marvellous performers on flute, clarinet and
bassoon return, presenting a selection of classical and modern music.
S U N D A Y 2 N D J U N E A T 4 P M
Estevao Davides, the classical guitarist who thrilled our audience last
summer, returns with a programme of classic and modern guitar pieces
S A T U R D A Y 2 2 N D J U N E A T 4 P M
Josh Kemp Jazz Duo bring the vibrant sounds of saxophone and guitar -
a first excursion for us into the sounds of jazz.
S U N D A Y 7 T H J U L Y A T 4 P M
A welcome return of Graham and Alison Cracknell on keyboard and
violin.
S U N D A Y 1 4 T H J U L Y A T 3 P M
St Mary’s annual Thanksgiving Service
S A T U R D A Y 3 R D A U G U S T A T 4 P M
A first performance at St. Mary’s by Leo Popplewell, a talented young
musician on the cello presenting a broad classical repertoire.
S A T U R D A Y 2 4 T H A U G U S T A T 4 P M
David Flood, formerly of Canterbury Cathedral, will host a performance
by his daughter and son in law, both classically trained singers.
S A T U R D A Y 7 T H S E P T E M B E R A T 4 P M
And finally, our wonderful supporters the Pot of Gold Shanty Crew will
close our summer season with rousing songs of the sea!
Full details at: www.houghtonstmarys.org.uk/news-and-events#Events
Wine and light refreshments will be available
Parking at the Church
www.houghtonstmarys.org.uk
admin@houghtonstmarys.org.uk
St. Mary's Church, Browns Lane, Houghton-on-the-Hill,
North Pickenham, PE37 8DB
Registered Charity No. 1069758

The National Garden Scheme
What better place to enjoy Spring than in a
garden open for the National Garden Scheme.
Why not book a private view to one of our gardens?
Chestnut Farm, West Beckham near Holt opens for the
National Garden Scheme this month. Matured over some
60 years under the careful guidance of the extremely
knowledgeable garden owners, John and Judy McNeil
Wilson, you will find all sorts of little treasures. The garden
has been opening its gates for many years, and the McNeil
Wilsons are living proof that gardening is good for you.
Many gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme
are open By Arrangement which means that a group of
friends, clubs and societies can have a private tour by
booking directly with the garden owner and arranging a
time which suits them. By arrangement gardens are listed
in our booklet, on the website https://ngs.org.uk/norfolkby-arrangement/f
and are also listed below:
Sunday 14th April
• Chestnut Farm, Church Road, West Beckham, Holt
NR25 6NX. (Open 11-5) Admission £5. Chd free. Also
open by arrangement for groups Feb - July. Wheelchair
access is tricky if wet. Dogs allowed. Plants for sale. Light
Refreshments.
Mature 3 acres of garden developed over 60 years by
the owners. Collections of many rare and unusual plants
and trees. Seasonal flowering shrubs. Wood anemones,
fritillary meadow, wildflower walk, pond and small
arboretum. Always something new.
By Arrangement Gardens to visit in April & May
• Cobweb Cottage, 51 Shingham, Beachamwell,
Swaffham, PE37 8AY contact 01366 328428
susannahbunting@btinternet.com
• The Old Rectory, School Road, Catfield Great
Yarmouth NR29 5DA contact 07887 584790
penny.middleditch@me.com
• Manor Farm, Coston, Coston Lane, Wymondham,
NR9 4DT contact 07754 584471
• Old Manor Farmhouse, The Hill, Swanton Abbott,
Norwich, NR10 5EA 07768376621 info@hostebarn.com
• Wretham Lodge, East Wretham, IP24 1RL
01953 498997 grdalexander@btinternet.com
For any up-to-date information: www.ngs.org.uk
Ashill, Hale & District Garden Club
Website: ashillgardeningclub.wordpress.com/
Email: ashillholmehalegardenclub@gmail.com
Rethinking Your Garden
The Garden Club’s February 2024 meeting saw the
return of the excellent gardening lecturer Andrew
Sankey; who gave an engaging presentation on
rethinking your garden. Andrew is a nationally
recognised expert on the English Cottage Garden,
published garden author and lecturer.
Andrew’s talk was full of ideas for re-designing parts
of your garden, such as hiding eyesores, creating
new borders, making the garden low maintenance or
putting in a feature.
Andrew started his presentation by covering some
basic principles when re-designing your garden and
finished his presentation with a lively Q&A from the
members, who went away full of ideas on how to redesign
parts of their garden.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Our next monthly meetings will be held on Thursday
March 28th when Kristopher Harper will be talking
on ‘Care and Maintenance of Fuchsias’. Our April
meeting (April 25th) will have David Riches will be
giving advice on care of House plants and Succulents.
Meetings are held at Holme Hale Pavilion and start at
2.30pm. New members from anywhere in the district
are always welcome, so come along.
View Swaffham Newsletter Online
www.swaffhamcommunityhub.co.uk
Swaffham and District
Mental Health Association
at the Merle Boddy Day Centre
The Swaffham and District Mental Health
Association provides a warm and friendly social day care
service at the Merle Boddy Centre for people living with
dementia, including mental health problems and physical
disabilities, in Swaffham and the surrounding area.
Our exciting new plans for the Swaffham and District
Mental Health Association, which runs the Merle Boddy
Day Centre, are progressing at pace and we hope to
be able to share these with you in the near future! In
the meantime we continue to provide our caring day
service at the Merle Boddy Centre with our dedicated
professional staff. This much needed community service
will continue to be a key part of our plans.
Keeping active and developing skills are things we
encourage in our lovely clients. Trying something new like
tapestry making or decoupaging some beautiful pots and
flowers makes us feel more Spring like.
We always 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
– @Swaffham And District Mental Health Association –
or see our website - www.merleboddy.org.uk
– or email to us at office@sdmha.org.uk
- or phone the Centre on 01760 724527.
Manor Farm PPG
In his role as Interim Practice Manager David Brammer
has been able to update the group on various initiatives
being undertaken at Manor Farm Medical Centre.
Draft plans have been approved for the redesign of the
reception area. It is hoped that this will enable staff to
give an improved, efficient and confidential service.
It was confirmed that Manor Farm Medical Practice will
be signing up to deliver the Spring Covid Boosters (over
75’s and immunosuppressed). It is planned to deliver
them at the surgery on Saturdays towards the end of
April that the Enhanced Access Service is running.
The Practice has asked the PPG to conduct a patient
survey bi-annually and we are talking with them to
ascertain how they envisage this being run and what
their anticipated outcome will be to ensure the right
questions are asked.
Enhanced Hours Service run by the Primary Care
Network (PCN) is now fully operational with Manor
Farm functioning as the Swaffham Hub. The service
which runs alternate weeks on Saturdays and week
day evenings with Bridge Street Downham Market
will enable patients who are registered with surgeries
locally to book an appointment to see a clinician/
practitioner on Saturdays 09:00 – 17:00 and weekdays
18:30 - 20:00. This Enhanced Service is run by the PCN
totally independently from the Practice and is for all
patients registered at local surgeries in Swaffham and
Downham Market. All the Practices in the Swaffham
and Downham area will have access to book into these
clinics, these appointments are shared out equally to
ensure that all surgeries have equal access. The PCN
hope that this service will improve patient access to
general practice by having weekend and evening
appointments available. For more information about
this service contact your own practice reception team
during normal opening hours to book an appointment.
They will provide you with the time, date, and venue
for your appointment. Please note this is NOT a walk-in
service and is available by booked appointment only.
If you need urgent medical advice when the surgery is
closed, you should continue to call NHS 111.
Some of the services offered within the Enhanced
Access are:
• GP Consultations
• Health Care Assistant appointments
• Cervical Screening
• Spirometry
• Medication
•Nurse appointments including: dressings, asthma
and diabetes reviews, contraception reviews
For more information about the PPG our notice board
is located in the main waiting room on the outer wall
by the television screen if you are in the waiting room
do check this as we endeavour to keep patients up
to date with our activities and items which affect the
patients of Manor Farm Medical Centre.
14
15

Llandudno
Llandudno
Monday 3 rd June – Friday 7 th June 2024
£435.00 per person
Monday 3 rd June – Friday 7 th June 2024
£435.00 per person
PAID TILL Highlights: MARCH 24
Highlights:
Full Day Guided Tour of North Wales
Betws-Y-Coed
Llanberis Lake Railway Llandudno
Betws-Y-Coed
Llandudno
Full Day Guided Tour of North Wales
Llanberis Lake Railway
PAID TILL MARCH 24
Behind every
independent
PAID TILL MARCH 25
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
Swaffham RUFC
Our Senior Team have displayed skill and strength of
character and continuous improvement in their first
season in Eastern Counties Division One North – the
final league game of the season against Lowestoft and
Yarmouth will take place at North Pickenham Road on
6th April.
Following this game, we go into 3 weeks of Norfolk
Junior Cup fixtures, two of which will be at home:
• 13th April v Norwich 2nds (3pm kick off)
• 27th April v North Walsham 3rds (3pm kick off)
As always your support of our Community Club is
much appreciated, but especially for these last few
fixtures when our team continues to improve.
There is a possibility that we could, for the third year
running, make our way to the Norfolk Big Rugby Finals
Day at Diss on May 4th.
We look forward to welcoming everyone in our
Community to see some very competitive grass roots
rugby at North Pickenham Road and perhaps enjoy a
drink in our clubhouse.
Our Touch Rugby sessions on Tuesdays at 7:00
pm continue to attract participants of all ages and
genders.
Our Mini’s have visited both West Norfolk and North
Walsham festivals, given a very good account of
themselves and had a great time too! Training takes
place at 10:30am on Sundays.
The Senior Squad train on Thursdays at 7:30pm.
New participants in all the above sections of our
Club will be warmly welcomed – just turn up and get
involved!
The final Vice Presidents lunch of the season will take
place on the 6th April. New VP’s who would like to get
involved in the 2024/5 season should get in touch.
We are a Family Friendly Community Club run
entirely by volunteers – anyone who would like to
get involved both on or off the pitch, or would like
to explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact
chair@swaffhamrugby.co.uk
Wissey u3a
Our next monthly meeting will be on
Thursday 4th April when we will have a return visit of
“Three’s Company” with a new comedy routine.
At our meeting on Thursday 7th March our speaker
was Adrian O’Dell who showed a film ‘Stefan’s Journey
and in his footsteps’. It was a very moving experience
to watch this fascinating retracing of his Polish father’s
WW2 escape 80 years ago and his eventual arrival in
the UK to join the war effort against the Nazis.
In addition to our guest
speaker, our Art Group
mounted an exhibition of
their recent work.
Please visit our website
www.wisseyu3a.org and
if you are interested in
attending one of our
meetings as a guest to
‘test the water’ ring David
Moncaster on 01760
724755 or email d.moncaster@btinternet.com.
We meet on the 1st Thursday of each month in The
Pavilion at Holme Hale, with doors opening at 9.45am
for socialising and refreshments, and the meeting
starting promptly at 10.30 am. We finish by 12 noon.
Pickenhams WI
Our speaker at our March WI Meeting
was Tom Day, National Trust Area
Ranger for the Oxburgh Estate and Peckover. The
competition was 'a printed photo of our favourite
landscape' - it was very interesting to see the entries!
Also during March we have enjoyed meeting at
Margaret's Cafe for coffee and cake and going for
a WI walk at Lynford Arboretum. We have also
provided refreshments at the Pickenham Hub for the
Easter Craft Fayre. Two of us attended the Wayland
WI meeting when the speaker told members about
her travels 'Around the World in 23 years with the
US Air Force'! Several members went to the Norfolk
Federation Annual Meeting at the Norwich Theatre
Royal, when the guest speaker was none other than
Janet Street-Porter!
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, 9th April at
2.00pm at St Andrew's Church, North Pickenham,
when we will be entertained by the Necton Handbell
Choir. The competition will be 'a home decorated
Easter bonnet' and it will be very interesting to see
the variations that will be brought along!
We look forward to welcoming our members, plus
any visitors who wish to come along and join us.
If anyone would like more information, please contact
our President, Carol Richards on 07873 744971 or
our Secretary, Melanie Cousins on 07840 814417.
17

In Touch With Your Town
Saplings
On Wednesday 13th March and
Saturday 16 March Heartwood CE VC
Primary School and the local Scouts,
Cubs, Beavers, and Police Cadets all
supported Swaffham Town Council to plant saplings
at Orford Road play area. Swaffham Town Council
would like to thank the staff team at Swaffham Town
Council, the local youth community, Cllr Beech and
Cllr Braithwaite for their support with this. There will
be 315 saplings planted in the area this year.
Brightening up the Buttercross
In an attempt to brighten up Swaffham, Swaffham
Town Council have been working with community
groups to create a fantastic display of floral crafts
spiralling the pillars of the historic monument, the
Buttercross. Swaffham Town Council would like to
thank the community of crafters in Swaffham for their
dedication to this cause. The next mission is to create
poppies for the commemoration of 80 years since the
D-Day landings on Thursday 6th June.
If you would like to be involved Swaffham Town
Council have resources at the Town Hall. Please
contact comms@swaffhamtowncouncil.gov.uk.
Howard Carter Memorial
Head to the memorial site in the town centre to see
the new memorial space for Howard Carter. Swaffham
Town Council would like to thank Mike Marfleet for
his donation of the plaque that commemorates the
achievements of Howard Carter. It is a great addition
to the town.
Save the date!
• Festival of Flowers – Late Spring/early Summer
• Seasonal Decorations - Late March
• LIVE in Swaffham – Saturday 4th May
• Sheep Fayre – Saturday 11th May
• D-Day 80 – Thursday 6th June
• Youth Group Day – Saturday 15th June
• Classic Car Show – Sunday 25th August
Date of Council meetings
• Full Council - Weds10th April 6.30pm
• Finance Monday - 22nd April 1pm
• Planning & Built Environment - Tues 30th April 11am
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.
50th Anniversary of Swaffham
Town Council
1st April 2024 marks the 50th Anniversary of Swaffham
Town Council, which came into being on 1st April
1974. This followed the Local Government Act 1972,
which lead to hundreds of small District Councils
being amalgamated into large District Councils across
England and came into force in April 1974. This was
supposed to be in pursuit of efficiency.
Before April 1974, Swaffham town within the civil
parish of Swaffham had been governed by the
Swaffham Urban District Council (the UDC). At the
same time the civil parishes around Swaffham came
under the Swaffham Rural District Council (the RDC).
Both councils had their offices in Swaffham; the UDC
in the Town Hall, and the RDC in 30/32 Market Place,
the building next to Fitzroy House.
In April 1974, Breckland District Council came into
being, taking over from not only Swaffham UDC and
RDC, but also the Borough of Thetford, the UDCs of
Dereham and Attleborough, and several rural district
councils around those towns.
The Swaffham UDC did all the things that are now
done by Breckland Council, including important
roles such as determining planning applications, and
building, maintaining and letting council housing, as
well as for public health; the UDC was responsible for
all the sewers around the town, and for the sewage
treatment works along Watton Road.
The UDC also had some delegation from Norfolk
County Council to undertake highway maintenance
on minor roads. It also did all the things that the
present Town Council does, including looking after
public open spaces and the cemetery.
Swaffham UDC built practically all of the council
houses we have in Swaffham during a period from the
1920s until the 1970s, the last ones being the flats
in Queen Street, which were just completed in 1974.
Minutes of the Town Council from 1974 indicate that
the members of the Town Council were quite unhappy
with the new Breckland Council policy on housing;
Breckland Council did not build any more council
houses in Swaffham in any significant numbers.
The leader of the UDC was called the Chairman of
the Council; Swaffham had never had a Mayor until
the Town Council came into being. One of the Town
Council’s first acts was to resolve that the leader of
the Council would be styled as ‘the Mayor’ and the
deputy leader as ‘the Deputy Mayor’! In fact, the
Town Council is no more than a Parish Council but
like similar towns was permitted under the Local
Government Act 1972 to call itself a Town Council and
to have a Mayor.
An early tussle between the new Town Council and
Breckland Council was the status of the Saturday
Market. At first Breckland Council claimed control
of it, stating it was a street market under the Sale of
Food and Drugs Act 1876. However, thanks to Town
Councillor RE Drake, who undertook considerable
research, the Town Council proved that the Saturday
Market was actually a Charter Market from around
AD 1215, granted to the local parish, that being
Swaffham.
The following 50 years from the establishment of the
Town Council have seen many changes, but some
things do not change. One of the last councillors on
the old UDC, and then on the new Town Council, was
a certain youthful Councillor Graham Eves! Graham
has not, of course, been a councillor for all those 50
years, but has returned to the Town Council recently
with the wisdom of those years to bring to the
council. Graham recollects that on the UDC he had
some responsibility for allocating council houses, and
says it was very satisfying to be providing people with
their chance of decent housing.
18

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