Reepham Town Council is currently considering the viability of Stimpson’s Piece pavilion, which is located on the recreation ground. It recently sent out a questionnaire that outlined six options following an appraisal in autumn 2013 by Ingham Pinnock Associates. However, this survey attracted only 154 responses, of which 42% want to see the pavilion refurbished, 15% said do nothing and 13% want the building replaced.
 
The trustees have made several attempts in recent years to resurrect a management group to run Stimpson’s Piece, which would include hall users and members of the public. Such a group would be tasked with examining the various options and seeking funding as appropriate.
 
A public meeting will be held at Stimpson’s Piece on Thursday 20 November at 7.30 pm. This will give members of the public the opportunity to have a look around the pavilion, ask the trustees questions and make suggestions.
 
According to Recreational Reepham, the Stimpson family offered land to provide a sports field for Reepham in 1945 as part of thanksgiving for victory at the end of World War 2. In 1987, the Stimpsons gifted the freehold of the land to Reepham to be held in trust. There were restrictions on the land, including that:

• it must be used and enjoyed as a recreation ground and park in the interests of the social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life of the inhabitants of the parish of Reepham and the neighbourhood thereof;
• no house or building or other erection shall be erected or put upon Stimpson’s Piece other than pavilions, refreshment rooms, community centre, or similar.
   

A further seven acres were purchased by the Town Council. The pavilion was constructed in 1995 and has been used by sports groups within Reepham ever since, including the football club, ladies hockey club and cricket club.
 
Currently, the pavilion is the home of Reepham Town Football Club, which has grown to include three adult teams and three youth teams. There are regular exercise classes, such as Zumba and tai chi, and bowls during winter.
 
The pavilion also houses Reepham Nursery School, and the grounds are the training place of Reepham Runners, which has doubled its membership this year and is looking for the pavilion to be its future headquarters. Jenni Egmore, secretary of Reepham Runners, said: “Stimpson’s Piece is such an asset for Reepham now and in the future and we need to ensure it is fit for purpose and used.”
 
Recreational Reepham added: “In an age where more and more people are undertaking exercise and with the current clubs based there, this should be encouraged. With the planned increase in housing in Reepham it is important there are suitable facilities for residents.
 
“The current hall does not necessarily meet the needs of the future of Reepham and with refurbishment could be more flexible and generate more income, as well as meet the needs of the local community.
 
“However, unless enough support is shown for Stimpson’s Piece we are in danger of losing this important asset. Although Reepham has other halls and centres, no other has advantages, such as car parking and outside space, that Stimpson’s Piece offers the community. Let us ensure the legacy that the Stimpson family left Reepham continues to grow and does not fall at the first sign of problems.”
 
View the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/997/451/455/recreational-reepham-save-stimpsons-piece/#
 
View the Stimpson's Piece consultation report: http://www.reephamtowncouncil.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Stimpsons-Piece-consultation-final-report.pdf