Haveringland Parish Church will host a free conference for anyone interested in the plight of rural churches.

To be held on Friday 15 May from 10 am – 4.30 pm, the event is the final part of a transformational project in the church, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and others, which has delivered extensive repairs and improvements to the building, along with a programme of events and community engagement initiatives.

Churches in rural areas face significant challenges and many are finding it hard to think positively about the future. The conference will explore the realities of rural parish life and provide inspiration.

There will be keynote talks from the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen, and Nigel Walter, founding director of Archangel Architects, Cambridge, as well as panel discussions on church buildings and the environment, community health and well-being, transforming governance structures and exploring different models of church.

Cawston Vicar, Revd Andrew Whitehead, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this day conference as part of the Heritage Fund-supported project in Haveringland.

“We’d like to share the experiences we’ve had and the lessons we’ve learnt, as well as offering a place for people to come together and ask their own questions.

“Being involved in a rural church can make you feel vulnerable and isolated, and we hope we can provide an opportunity for mutual support and encouragement.”

The venue for the conference is the Haveringland Parish Church & Community Hub, NR10 4FW. The conference marks the end of a £500,000 project, which has seen the remote and dilapidated church building transformed into a well-appointed facility that serves its community in fresh ways.

Attendance at the conference is free, with lunch and refreshments provided throughout the day, owing to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which has been the major funder of the work at Haveringland. Places are limited; click HERE to register.

Photos: Andrew Whitehead

The post Free conference to tackle the future of rural churches appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

By Victoria Plum

Always surprises. The only honesty that has appeared for a few years in my garden has been the ordinary, dark-green leaved one. But several years ago I was given some variegated honesty that doesn’t seem to self-seed every year.

The leaves are gorgeously marked with subtle, pale variegations, which later in the year assume a ghostly presence at dusk – the leaves are so pretty in the half light after dinner on the terrace on a warm summer’s evening.

The flowers on mine are usually a pale mauve, though I’m told some are white or have a richer purple colour. This year, thank goodness, it has reappeared and is looking gorgeous already.

Plants like this I now never sow; I leave them completely to their own devices. They can look after themselves and surprise me when they grow and hybridise.

I’m pleasantly surprised by the Echinacea seedlings I sowed last year and left outside in a sheltered spot. I have tried different ways of growing these and in desperation bought plug plants, but never with much success.

However, these seedlings grew easily in the late summer, looked dreadful in the winter, but are now doing well, so I’m optimistic that they have been growing strong root systems and this year will be successful.

I don’t usually buy plants from supermarkets. They are often uncared for and in insubstantial light compost (to make transport cheap and easy) with enough fertiliser to last a few weeks only. They seem to be treated as disposable short-term decoration.

However, last year I felt sorry for a lonely leftover Conference pear tree at the Co-op in Reepham, so I brought it home and cut it off at knee height to encourage branching.

I watered carefully last spring and summer, which was dry (I usually leave a watering can full of water beside plants like this on “special care” to remind me to water every time I pass) and now this year it has 28 flowers. I doubt whether it will have that many pears!

Named “Conference” because in 1885 a conference was held to promote the cultivation of pears on home soil, and of the 600 surveyed this was the best. There are, of course, more delicious pears, but few grow well in this country.

This week’s Reepham & District Gardening Club AGM was swift and amusing as ever. There were some slight changes in the committee, thanks were given to those retiring and encouragement offered to new members.

Following the AGM, Guy Barker chatted to us about pretty plants that give good spring value in the garden. He mentioned honesty and Soloman’s seal. Sometimes the latter suffers from sawfly but seems to return absolutely fine the next year. I have the usual variety and also the stunning black one, which I think is very unusual.

Join us on Tuesday 19 May at 7.30 pm in Reepham Town Hall, Church Street, to hear Annette Hurt talk about “Changing from Chemicals to Nature”.

There is no plant sale this year, but please bring any spare plants to this next meeting to be sold by donation for club funds. This could become a regular feature.

Above: Variegated honesty. Below: Black Solomon’s seal. Photos: Tina Sutton

The post Spring surprises: honesty, Echinacea and one determined pear tree appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 20 April appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Department for Education has confirmed that Reepham College, part of the Synergy Multi Academy Trust, has achieved the best A-level value-added progress in Norfolk across all state and private schools and colleges in summer 2025.

College director Sarah Steele said: “This is a wonderful reflection of the hard work, commitment and ambition of our students, together with the dedication and support of our staff.

“Since opening, the college has built a strong reputation for high expectations, excellent teaching and a supportive learning environment where students are encouraged to achieve their best.

“Year after year, students go on to secure places at top universities, including Oxbridge, as well as on highly competitive courses such as medicine.

“Our students also progress to some of the most sought-after apprenticeships, including opportunities with organisations such as Rolls-Royce.

“We are very proud of what our students achieve and grateful to everyone who contributes to their success.”

Photo: Reepham College

The post ‘Outstanding’ A-level progress puts Reepham College top in Norfolk appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

County Councillor Greg Peck has announced that he is retiring from his position and will not be standing in the county council elections on 7 May. Thanks were passed to him for all he has done for Reepham over the years, including the recent increase in parking allowance in the Market Place to two hours.

Grants were awarded to the Reepham Classic Car Festival for £300 and to Whitwell Common Trust for £171.75.

The town sign is currently being renovated. The Ewing family has offered to donate 50% of the cost of the renovation, to commemorate Ken Ewing’s late sister, Diane Turner, who, as chair of Reepham WI, was instrumental in the original sign being erected. Thanks were passed to the Ewing family and Diane’s son, Craig Turner, for this generous gesture.

Although it is business as usual for the town council, owing to the upcoming county council elections in May there will be no new spending or major decisions taken by either the district council or county council in the next few weeks.

New lights have been installed at the Stimpson’s Piece car park, at the Bartle Court end, and will be installed in coming weeks in the Kerdiston Road car park.

Various highways issues were identified and will be reported. Highways issues (potholes, etc.) can be reported online at: https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/highwaysproblem

The county council has asked the town council if it would like to provide street lighting on the new housing development on Broomhill Lane. This will be discussed at the next town council meeting.

There are currently four vacancies on the town council. Anyone interested should contact the clerk for further information and an informal chat.

The next Reepham Town Council meeting is on Wednesday 13 May at 7.30 pm at Stimpson’s Piece Pavilion, Bartle Court, Reepham, with the Stimpson’s Piece Trustee meeting straight after at 8.30 pm. If you want to know more or get involved, just contact the clerk or check the council website.

The Town Hall and Stimpson’s Piece Community Hall & Pavilion are available to hire. Please contact the town clerk 01603 873355 or email for availability and prices.

Notes supplied by Reepham Town Council. Full minutes can be found on the town council website.

The post Events planned around Biodiversity Day appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The post Local traffic restrictions and roadworks from 13 April appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The Reepham Classic Car Festival will return to the Market Place on Sunday 27 September, running from 11 am to 4 pm.

This year’s event will raise funds for Reepham Primary School and is expected to attract a large attendance; entry is free for visitors. The festival will feature a wide range of classic vehicles alongside food, drink and live music.

Owners of classic cars interested in taking part can request an application form by email. Exhibitors are invited to make an optional £5 donation in support of the primary school.

Photos: rubythehealey

The post Classic motors to take over Market Place in September appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Your correspondent’s objections to the new Station Road electric vehicle chargers (Empty EV bays, full car park – a net zero own goal, 26 March 2026) would be more persuasive if they weren’t contradicted by the evidence published on the Reepham Life website.

The photograph accompanying the original news item (Green travel boosted with new EV charging points, 20 March 2026) appears to show an EV actively charging. So much for the claim that no one uses them.

The complaint about “losing” six parking spaces (looks more like five) also misses the mark. Those bays haven’t disappeared; they’ve been allocated to a growing category of vehicle.

Car parks have always evolved – for disabled access, parent‑and‑child bays, recycling points, safety upgrades – and EV charging is simply the next logical step. Modern infrastructure adapts to changing needs rather than freezing itself in a bygone era.

Public charging costs more than home charging, just as motorway fuel costs more than supermarket petrol. That’s not a flaw; it’s the nature of convenience‑based infrastructure.

And the idea that taxpayer‑funded transport improvements are some new imposition ignores the obvious: every road, bridge, streetlight and drainage system we rely on was paid for in exactly the same way.

What your correspondent also overlooks is the long‑term benefit of supporting EVs, which reduce local air pollution, cut noise, lower maintenance costs for drivers and help shield households from the volatility of global oil markets.

As the grid decarbonises, their environmental advantage only grows. Installing chargers now is how communities ensure they are ready for the next decade rather than scrambling to catch up with it.

Finally, the suggestion that councils should seek a referendum before installing a handful of charging points is unrealistic. Representative democracy entrusts elected bodies to plan for the future, not to poll the public on every lamp post and litter bin.

In short, the new chargers are a modest, sensible investment – and the published photo proves they are already doing precisely what they were installed to do.

G. Gerrard, Bawdeswell

Image: Reepham Community Press

The post Charging ahead, despite the naysayers appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

Reepham Tennis Club is opening its courts to the community on Saturday 18 April, offering a free tennis taster afternoon from 2–5 pm.

The Barclays Big Tennis Weekend Open Day welcomes complete beginners through to seasoned players, with a chance to meet the club’s coaching team, chat with members and enjoy high‑energy, on‑court sessions throughout the afternoon.

What’s on offer:

• Free taster sessions for all ages and abilities
• All equipment provided – simply turn up and play
• Exclusive Open Day discounts on coaching and membership

Families, friends and anyone curious about trying tennis are encouraged to come along and discover why it’s such a great sport for fitness, fun and social connection. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended. Book your place HERE.

The event is supported by the National Tennis Association, one of the region’s leading coaching providers. The NTA has delivered the junior coaching programme at Reepham Tennis Club for more than a decade and introduced adult coaching last year, helping the club grow participation and develop players of all ages.

Photo: Reepham Tennis Club

The post Free tennis taster session at Reepham Tennis Club appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.

The managing director of Reepham-based garden metalwork specialist L V Bespoke has been appointed to the council of the Garden Industry Manufacturers Association (GIMA), which represents around 170 suppliers to the UK garden retail sector.

Victoria Osborne (pictured), who co‑founded L V Bespoke, has been central to the company’s growth, establishing it as a trusted supplier to major organisations including the National Trust, Hillier, Blue Diamond, the Royal Horticultural Society and British Garden Centres.

The business, which produces handcrafted metalwork and point‑of‑sale solutions for horticultural and lifestyle brands, has seen steady expansion and has earned recognition in several industry and business awards. Earlier this year, it was named Small Business of the Year at the 2026 Broadland and South Norfolk Business Awards.

L V Bespoke also impressed at the GIMA Awards 2025, where its Glass & Steel Garden Feature Stakes Collection was named Sustainability Champion in the Garden Lighting, Water Features & Ornamentation category in which it was also shortlisted as a finalist.

GIMA’s council comprises volunteer representatives from member businesses who work to shape the direction of the association and ensure it continues to deliver value for members across the sector.

Having engaged with the association through events, meetings and networking, Ms Osborne brings an energetic and commercially grounded perspective to the council, rooted in the realities of running a growing manufacturing business.

She has expressed a particular commitment to supporting initiatives around British manufacturing, innovation and the development of emerging brands, as well as advocating for stronger representation of smaller and independent suppliers within the sector.

As a female in manufacturing and horticulture, Ms Osborne is also a champion for diversity within the industry, actively encouraging more women to consider manufacturing, horticulture and engineering-led businesses as rewarding career paths.

See our earlier stories:
L V Bespoke named Broadland Small Business of the Year
Metalwork business celebrates awards triumph

Photo: L V Bespoke

The post Local business leader joins national garden industry council appeared first on REEPHAM LIFE.