This was proposed following a well-attended public meeting on 20 November, when around 130 residents and users of Stimpson’s Piece packed the room to discuss the future of the beleaguered community facility, which is facing a serious shortfall of revenue as increasing maintenance costs are forecast over the next few years.
 
Representing Reepham Town Football Club and Reepham Runners, Ken Ewing said it was vital to keep this facility going and proposed the formation of a committee to run the pavilion, which would report to the Trustee of Stimpson’s Piece (i.e. Reepham Town Council) and provide fundraising ideas.
 
Praising the efforts of Recreational Reepham, which had helped to secure such an enthusiastic turnout in a short space of time, Mr Ewing pointed out that the pavilion is almost self-financing on a day-to-day running cost basis, which is not a bad return for ratepayers if one-off costs are excluded.
 
He pointed out that Stimpson’s Piece was gifted by the Stimpson family as a legacy. “As Reepham is expanding with new houses planned to be built, it would be a disaster if such an important asset to the town and surrounding villages was lost.
 
“We should be expanding and improving recreational facilities, and sincerely hope that Reepham Town Council can see a future for the pavilion.”
 
Other residents and user groups reiterated their support for Stimpson’s Piece, arguing that the pavilion is a community asset and that “everyone has to work together” to secure its future.
 
There was some concern expressed about the legal relationship between the Trustee and the Town Council and how this may need to change to allow a newly formed management committee being able to make a positive impact. The original Trust Deed, too, may need to come under further scrutiny.
 
As one observer commented: “It was good to see so many people come out and be prepared to express their opinions, but this now needs to turn into action – not inaction. People can’t just sit on their hands and bemoan from the sidelines.”
 
It will now be up to a management committee, if one can be formed and is well led, to define a clear vision that has benefits for the whole town.
 
The example of how Bawdeswell gained a new, fit-for-purpose and sustainable village hall demonstrates how this can be achieved.
 
See our earlier news stories:

• Online petition to ‘save’ Stimpson’s Piece
• Football club says Stimpson’s Piece pavilion is ‘adequate’
• Future options outlined for Stimpson’s Piece pavilion
• Stimpson's Piece needs your ideas