The Norwich‑based Academy of St Thomas will welcome back internationally renowned clarinettist Michael Collins (pictured) for its annual concert at Salle Church at 7.30pm on Saturday 20 June.

He will lead the orchestra in clarinet concertos by Finzi and Tartini, showcasing the breadth and warmth of the instrument. The evening opens with Haydn’s rarely heard and spirited overture L’isola disabitata, with Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 bringing the programme to a close.

Widely regarded as one of the most complete musicians of his generation, Michael Collins has enjoyed a distinguished career as both soloist and conductor. He is known for championing new repertoire for the clarinet and has an extensive recording catalogue covering an exceptional range of works.

Founded in 1973, the Academy of St Thomas is one of the region’s leading ensembles, made up of professionally trained musicians and performing three concerts each year under prominent conductors.

Audience members are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy beforehand in the peaceful surroundings of Salle Church. Luxury Portaloos will be available. Please note: although access to the church is flat, all toilet facilities are reached via steps.

Tickets: £25/£22, under‑18s £5 (plus booking fee). Book HERE.

Photo: Jack Lewis Williams

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As a Reepham resident of advancing years, I have been monitoring with dismay the length of time that the bench by the bus stop on the Dial House side of the Market Place has been missing.

Eventually, I emailed the town clerk to ask when the bench might be returned. I received the following response: “The bench was removed by the gentleman who damaged it, for repair. I will chase it now.”

Bearing in mind that the bench has been absent for almost six months, I was astonished to be told that the member of the public responsible for the damage was permitted to take it away and fail to return it.

I was under the impression that the town council is responsible for the maintenance/upkeep of the benches in the Market Place.

I am sure I am not the sole resident who has mourned the loss of this bench over the past months and am appealing to whomever is responsible to reinstate it.

Ruth Buley, Bircham Road, Reepham

A bench, similar to the one above pictured in 2021, has been missing from the Market Place for six months. Photo: Hugh Ivins

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The Liberal Democrats narrowly won the Reepham Division seat in the Norfolk County Council election on Thursday 7 May.

The Lib Dem’s Dave Thomas (pictured) won the seat by 27 votes ahead of Reform UK’s Geraldine Gray.

The seat was previously held by Greg Peck (Conservative), who did not stand for re-election.

The full results were:

• David Thomas (Lib Dem) – 1,344
• Geraldine Gray (Reform UK) – 1,317
• Peter Bulman (Conservative) – 900
• Sarah Morgan (Green) – 402
• Jo Emmerson (Labour) – 191

Turnout: 4,154 (49.7%)

Mr Thomas, who lives in Reepham, also represents the Eynsford Ward on Broadland District Council, which covers Cawston, Foulsham, Guestwick, Heydon, Salle, Themelthorpe and Wood Dalling.

The 84-seat Norfolk County Council is now under no overall political control, after Reform UK missed out on a majority by three seats. It had been controlled since 2017 by the Conservatives, who saw major losses, with Reform UK, the Greens, the Lib Dems and Great Yarmouth First making gains.

The total number of councillors elected to the new county council is:

• Reform UK – 40 (+40)
• Liberal Democrat – 13 (+5)
• Green – 12 (+9)
• Independents and others – 10 (+9)
• Conservative – 8 (-52)
• Labour – 1 (-11)

The total number of votes cast was 325,335, which is 45.4% of the electorate.

See our earlier story:
Reepham Division candidates announced for county council election

Photo: Facebook

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Panther Brewery is preparing to move its brewing operation out of Reepham, with plans progressing for a new purpose‑built facility on Norwich’s Sweet Briar Industrial Estate.

The business has already relocated its shop to Last House, 21–23 Burnet Road, Sweet Briar Industrial Estate, Norwich NR3 2BS, at the bottom of the estate, next to the new Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve. The shop is open Monday–Thursday, 8.30 am – 4 pm.

Panther Brewery was founded in 2010 by Reepham resident Martin James, following the closure of the original Reepham Brewery, established in 1983 by Ted Willems. The name was inspired by several reported sightings of a large panther‑like animal in the area.

The brewery currently operates from what is believed to be the oldest brewing site still in use in Norfolk. It was taken over in June last year by Norwich businessman Ivan Browne.

The company is now working through the planning process for a new brewery building on the Norwich industrial estate, which will become its future base once approvals are secured.

See our earlier stories:
Brewing to remain in Reepham for the foreseeable future
Brewery plans to relocate to Norwich

Image: Panther Brewery

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At the end of March, 22 Reepham High School and College students from Years 9–13 headed to Villefranche-de-Rouergue in the south of France for an unforgettable week as part of an exchange with their partner school.

They threw themselves into school life, attending lessons and experiencing French culture first-hand.

Highlights included laser tag, bowling, a cinema trip, exploring a local market, a supermarket challenge and a fantastic final evening enjoying delicious French dishes prepared by catering students of the school.

Time with host families was just as special, filled with new experiences, laughter and a real taste of everyday life in France. Some students are even planning to go back there this summer.

Melissa Teillet, Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Reepham High School and College

Above: Najac near Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Photo: Reepham High School and College

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This will be my last “View from County Hall”, as I have decided not to seek re-election as your county councillor at the election on 7 May.

It has been an honour and privilege to serve as your county councillor for the past nine years. I was also a Broadland District Councillor (part of the time as a “twin hatter”) prior to that, so 11 years in total. Long enough, I think.

After a long career in industry, where I spent a lot of time working abroad (Germany, France and Japan), I chaired a couple of charities on retiring. I fell into local politics by accident but hoped that this would allow me a good opportunity to change things for the better. For six of the past nine years, I was honoured to serve in the Cabinet at County Hall.

I would like to say how much I have enjoyed working with your town council. People who put themselves forward for what can sometimes be a thankless task for the good of their community deserve a lot of credit; they work hard for us all. And to those constituents I have met, and possibly helped in some small way, I wish you all the best for the future.

One of the reasons I decided to step down, but not the only reason, is my deep disappointment and astonishment at the government’s decision to create three unitary councils for Norfolk under Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

Norfolk County Council made a robust bid for a single unitary council for Norfolk under the proposals for LGR. This was based on sound financial information with the primary purpose of protecting frontline services, while ensuring value for money.

Norfolk County Council already delivers 85% of local services in Norfolk, so a single unitary authority was the easiest to implement, would ultimately save money for taxpayers and was the most obvious choice for the county. It was also backed by key stakeholders such as the NHS and the police.

None of the other proposals, which would split services and cost more to implement and run, stacked up. It is therefore disappointing that, despite the three-unitary councils proposal not meeting the government’s own criteria, that this is the option chosen.

This may be more a political decision than a practical one and seems irrational. Norfolk County Council also expressed serious concern following the government’s announcement that the planned 2026 mayoral election for the Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority will be deferred until 2028. This sudden decision means that Norfolk will now receive only around one-third of the investment previously promised under the devolution programme.

It also means that my successor is likely to be in place for just one year, before another election in May 2027 to the new unitary authority. They will spend a year as a shadow authority setting up the new unitary authority. I did not want to spend a year implementing a plan I fundamentally disagree with and I believe will be to the detriment to Norfolk residents.

I hope I see some of the friends I have made in Reepham when I am in the town, using the excellent facilities on offer, such as the Kings Arms and Motts Pharmacy (where my wife and I get our jabs), the post office and all the other traders in the town.

Finally, I want to thank Geoff Fisher, editor of Reepham Life, which is the best community website in the county, for allowing me to write this occasional column. Also, for his understanding when I have been tardy in providing my contribution.

Cllr Greg Peck, Norfolk County Council, Reepham Division
Tel: 07972 230282
Email: greg.peck.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk

Image: Reepham Community Press

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Award‑winning author Mitch Johnson (pictured) visited Reepham High School recently to talk to Year 7 about his book Toxic, the themes of which include the Amazon rainforest, environmental responsibility and poisonous frogs.

Mr Johnson’s visit coincided with Earth Day, so it was apt to hear about the inspiration behind the book and its message about protecting the natural world.

Toxic is a fast‑paced rainforest adventure. It follows Jessica, Renata and Briony‑Rose as they uncover a dangerous secret hidden deep in the Amazon – a frog with the power to keep people young forever. Their mission to protect it leads them into conflict with a billionaire mogul and her armed guards.

After the talk, a group of pupils took part in a creative writing workshop, where they learned the importance of hooking a reader into a story with an intriguing first line. There was also the opportunity to buy Mr Johnson’s books and to get them signed.

The event was intended to motivate young readers and writers, sparking interest in environmental issues, creative expression and a love of reading.

Students’ comments:

• “I enjoyed Mitch Johnson’s talk about Toxic and his other books.” – Seb.
• “I learned about different frogs and which ones are poisonous.”– Mabel.
• “I think Mitch Johnson’s visit was very educational and he answered lots of our questions.” – Freddie.
• “I liked when he told us that a frog’s bright colours can mean that it’s poisonous and that some camouflage with their surroundings. I found that interesting.” – Edith
• “I really like how he made his talk interactive with pictures of frogs that I wouldn’t have been able to imagine.” – Kayleigh.

Photo: Reepham High School

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Five candidates have been confirmed to stand for election to Norfolk County Council in the Reepham division on Thursday 7 May. They are:

• Peter Bulman (Conservative Party)
• Jo Emmerson (Labour Party)
• Geraldine Gray (Reform UK)
• Sarah Morgan (Green Party)
• David Thomas (Liberal Democrats).

The current county councillor, Greg Peck (Conservative), is not seeking re-election. He has represented Reepham since 2017 and served as a member of the council’s cabinet.

In the previous election held in May 2021, Cllr Peck received 1,388 votes (49.3%), ahead of Sue Catchpole (Liberal Democrats, 893 votes, 31.8%), Sarah Morgan (Green Party, 310 votes, 11%) and Tom Rednall (Labour, 222 votes, 7.9%). The turnout was 40.9%.

The 2026 election will take place under new county division boundaries, with all 84 seats at Norfolk County Council being contested. The election marks the final vote before a planned local government reorganisation that will replace the current county structure with three new councils.

Polling stations will be open from 7 am to 10 pm on 7 May. Voters must bring an accepted form of photo ID to cast their ballot.

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