The idea for a Reepham Society goes back 40 years when a few residents decided to work together on behalf of the town and its community. Their aims were to inspire enthusiasm for and knowledge of Reepham to protect the best of the old and to make sure that the new would be to high standards and in the interests of the community. They set out to achieve those goals by working with local organisations, supporting charities, researching and publishing the heritage of the town, and giving talks and exhibitions.
 
Those aims have not changed. Today the Society has nearly 200 members, whose practical help and subscriptions help to keep Reepham a good place to live in. Members have free entry to the presentations the Society arranges, usually six a year, and priority booking for any events that have limited numbers. Members have their say in the running of the Society, informally and by voting at annual general meetings, or by joining the committee. Volunteers are always welcome to help with the running of the Society and working to develop the Reepham Archive, which is run jointly with the Bircham Centre.
 
The full list of events in 2015 has not yet been fixed, but the first will certainly be of interest to many people in Reepham. Most of us know only too well the sad state the Old Brewery House had fallen into and now enjoy the sight of the revived Dial House looking out onto the Market Place. Iain Wilson, whose vision and determination made this happen, and Sarah Tribe, who has been his partner in the work, will give an illustrated talk about the Dial House project; how it came about, the aims and standards that have driven it, the challenges of working on the building and what is still to do.
 
The talk will be at 7.30 pm in the Town Hall, Church Street, Reepham, on Tuesday 10 February. Everyone welcome; entrance is free to members and £2 for non-members. There will be wine and non-alcoholic refreshments and snacks beforehand, so please feel free to arrive from 7.15 pm onwards.
 
If you’re not a member why not spend £5 and give it a try? You can join on the door, call 07553 149422 or visit the website www.reephamsociety.org.uk and complete the contact form for general enquiries.
 
Mike Cowdrey, Chairman, Reepham Society